FTC is scheduled to begin enrollment on May 12 for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP), a temporary initiative created by the federal government to assist households struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
All policies associated with the project, including the scheduled start date, are at the discretion of and under the supervision of the Federal Communications Commission.
Households meeting specific, income-related eligibility requirements must first get qualified through the National Verifier at GetEmergencyBroadband.org before enrolling in the program, which can mean a temporary credit of up to $50 monthly on their internet bills. The program will remain in operation until the $3.2 billion allocated by Congress is exhausted or until six months after the federal “Emergency Period” as defined by federal officials, whichever comes first.
Qualifying Internet Service providers had the option to take part in this project and FTC, understanding the importance of internet access, joined this group.
To enroll in the EBBP with FTC, participants must first be approved under the National Verifier. To apply through the National Verifier, they have to go to getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply/ and follow the directions. Once they have been approved, they will need to take their paperwork by one of FTC’s seven stores and sign an agreement that states they understand the EBBP is temporary and rates will revert to retail prices at the conclusion of the program.
The following are the criteria for individuals to qualify:
Those who have questions as to whether they meet the above criteria can go to getemergencybroadband.org/do-i-qualify/
The credit, which will be placed directly on the applicants’ monthly bill, can be applied to any FTC internet plan. If the monthly rate exceeds the $50, the applicant will be required to pay the difference. If the rate falls below $50, the credit will be the total amount of the plan. The normal security deposit process is being waived for the EBBP. Once the temporary funding program ends, participants will be subject to standard retail rates to continue receiving service.
ABOUT FTC
Founded in 1951, Farmers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. is a local, multifaceted telecommunications company headquartered in Kingstree, S.C. Serving more than 60,000 customers within a coverage area of 3,000 square miles, FTC provides cutting-edge technology to businesses and residents of Clarendon, lower Florence, Lee, Sumter and Williamsburg counties.
A veteran of the telephone industry, FTC has evolved into a state-of-the-art organization, offering internet, wireless, voice, security and digital TV. Customers can choose from a wide array of products and services at any of the company’s seven full-service stores.