Emergency Broadband Benefit FAQ
What is the FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit program?
The Emergency BroadBand Benefit(EBB) is an FCC program that will provide a temporary discount toward broadband service for eligible households during the Covid-19 pandemic. Visit https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit for more information about the program, eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Who is eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:
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▪ Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
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▪ Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;
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▪ Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
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▪ Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020
and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and
$198,000 for joint filers; or
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▪ Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19
program.
Are current HughesNet customers eligible?
Current HughesNet customers can apply for the discount at https://getemergencybroadband.org today. Upon approval, contact HughesNet Customer Care at 1-866-347-3292 and our agent will verify eligibility, provide plan details and sign the customer up for the EBB discount.
How much does broadband service cost?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a monthly discount for broadband service up to $50 per eligible household, or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands. The discount will be applied to the customer’s broadband service, but the ultimate cost to the customer will depend on the eligible service plan they select. Call to learn about plans and pricing in their area.
What service plans are eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit?
Eligible plans include HughesNet Gen5 10 GB, 20 GB, 30 GB and 50 GB service plans in the contiguous United States and Puerto Rico.
How long with the Emergency Broadband Benefit program last?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an emergency program developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will end once the program funds are exhausted, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the pandemic, whichever comes first.
What happens when the Emergency Broadband Benefit program ends?
Customers will be notified about the last date or billing cycle that the full benefit will apply to their bill (and the date or billing cycle that a partial benefit will apply to their bill.) The notification will also include information about the cost of their broadband service after the program ends, should they choose to continue with the service. Important note: The customers broadband service will end when the program ends, unless they request or opt-in to continue broadband service once the EBB program ends.
What are the service plans data and speeds?
All plans feature download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps.
What are the terms?
There are no set terms for the EBB program.
Can the service be canceled?
The customer can cancel their service at any time. If they cancel service, they must return he modem, power cord and radio within 45 days of cancellation to avoid an unreturned equipment fee of $300.
Is professional installation included?
Yes, standard installation is free. Most installations are completed within 5 business days of ordering and include free setup of Wi-Fi for up to two devices.