May 11, 2021 — Issue Brief

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a harsh reality for low-income consumers, particularly in communities of color—broadband internet is essential but unaffordable. To help families and households struggling to afford
broadband internet service, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB), a temporary program to address a digital divide exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.