By: Teddy Grant

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a $3.2 billion initiative that subsidizes high-speed internet for low-income families who are struggling to pay for internet during the pandemic, Business Insider reported.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program would provide eligible households with up to $50 a month for internet service during the pandemic. Eligible households on Tribal lands could receive up to $75 a month, according to the FCC.

The program also offers eligible households an up to $100 discount on a computer or tablet, according to CNN.

With millions of Americans working from home since the pandemic, the digital divide between those who have adequate internet access and those who don’t have been apparent.

In August, California’s Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo tweeted a photo of two children using the WiFi to connect to their classes outside a Taco Bell.

“We must do better & solve this digital divide once & for all for all California students,” he tweeted at the time.

2 of our children trying to get WiFi for their classes outside a Taco Bell in East Salinas! We must do better & solve this digital divide once &for all for all California students

CALIFORNIA NEEDS A UNIVERSAL BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE BOND FOR OUR STUDENTShttps://t.co/qEjWTTs6G8 pic.twitter.com/cAbXNJ6F7x

— Luis Alejo⚖️ (@SupervisorAlejo) August 26, 2020

FCC acting chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel, believes that eligible households will be able to sign up for the program within two months, according to Business Insider.

According to the FCC website, requirements for eligible households:

• Qualifies for the Lifeline program;
• Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school breakfast or lunch program;
• Received a Federal Pell Grant;
• Experienced a considerable loss of income since February 29, 2020;
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating providers’ existing low-income or COVID-19 program.