FCC votes to finalize rules for new temporary low-income internet subsidy

[February 26, 2021]    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said Thursday it had voted to finalize rules for a temporary $3.2 billion program funded by Congress to provide lower-income Americans with discounts on monthly internet service and on purchasing a laptop or tablet computer.

Signage is seen at the headquarters of the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Internet access has become even more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic as millions of children attend school online. The discounts are worth up to $50 a month for internet service, and up to $75 on Tribal Lands. The FCC expects the program to be open to eligible households within the next 60 days.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)

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