Low-Cost Broadband Boost to Remote Workers
Millions of low-income individuals, including Americans with disabilities, have an opportunity to receive discounted high-speed Internet and $100 toward the one-time purchase of a new laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.
Under the $3.2 billion Federal Communications Commission program, the Emergency Broadband Benefit covers $50 per month for high-speed Internet service for eligible households. For Native American tribal areas, there is a $75 monthly discount.
“This is a great opportunity,” said Alan Hubbard, NTI Chief Operating Officer. “As we have seen with COVID-19, there is a need for people to have Internet access available. For Americans with disabilities, being able to help purchase a computer will be a major help to them being able to work out of their homes. With the increase, they will have the option to work outside the area, which will give them more opportunities at jobs.”
NTI helps Americans with disabilities find at-home employment opportunities by providing free job training and job placement services. You can register at www.ntiathome.org.
As part of October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), NTI is taking part in “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion” theme to ensure Americans with disabilities are a major part of the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Every October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions people with disabilities have made to America’s workforce and the economy.
COVID-19 called to attention the “digital divide” in the United States as people switched to virtual work and home-schooling without affordable Internet access. Pew Research showed that 93 percent of Americans use the Internet, but only 75 percent have broadband access. That number drops to 71 percent in Black households, 65 percent in Hispanic families, and 61 percent in Native American homes.
“High-speed Internet service is vital for families to take advantage of today’s health, education, and workplace opportunities,” Jessica Rosenworcel, acting chairwoman of the FCC, explained in an email, according to a CNBC record.
With the computer program, eligible households may apply now as funding will be available until it lasts or six months following the end of the pandemic.
“The FCC has been a big step here to end the 'digital divide' in our country,” said Hubbard. “We have known it has existed for quite a while and has often hurt Americans with disabilities who didn’t have broadband or lived in areas where it has not been available.”
Households that qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, Lifeline, Pell Grants, or free and reduced school lunches may qualify. You may also qualify if you had a substantial loss of income from a job loss or reduced hours since Feb. 29, 2020.
To apply for the broadband program and to earn about the computer discount, visit https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit
(NTI helps Americans with disabilities find at-home employment with free job training and placement services. Go to www.ntiathome.org. for more information.)
“High-speed Internet service is vital for families to take advantage of today’s health, education, and workplace opportunities."