June 3, 2021, Aurora, Neb. — Local Telecommunications and Technology Company Hamilton Telecommunications has announced it is a participating provider of the Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program.  Under this program, eligible households may receive up to $50 per month credit on qualifying broadband programs.

On Feb 25, 2021 the FCC adopted Report and Order 21-29 officially establishing the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. In the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Congress appropriated $3.2 billion to the FCC to help low-income households pay for broadband service and connected internet devices.

A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the following criteria:

  • Qualifies for the Lifeline program, including those who are on Medicaid or receive SNAP benefits.
  • Receives benefits under the free and reduced school breakfast or lunch program or did so in the 2019-2020 school year.
  • Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
  • Received a federal Pell Grant in the current year.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is non-transferable and is limited to one discount per household.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is temporary. It will expire when funds are exhausted or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declares the end of the COVID-19 health emergency.

Customers can apply for this discount at getemergencybroadand.org. Once the application is completed, customers should contact Hamilton Customer Service at 402.694.5101 to sign up for services or apply the discount to existing services. Eligibility will need to be confirmed and written consent will be obtained before the credit is applied to the account.

Information on the Hamilton internet plans that qualify for this program can be found at https://hamilton.net/emergency-broadband-benefit/.

Hamilton Telecommunications is a diversified telecommunications and technology services provider based in Aurora, Neb. Founded in 1901, Hamilton Telecommunications encompasses eight primary company divisions that allow Hamilton to operate on a local, regional and national basis.