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AT&T to offer low-cost broadband to eligible customers through the Emergency Broadband Benefit
By using federal program, eligible AT&T and Cricket Wireless customers can temporarily receive low or no-cost broadband
AT&T is helping to make broadband more affordable for the millions of eligible households who need it most.
Eligible new and existing AT&T and Cricket Wireless customers will be able to receive home internet or broadband service for little or even no cost if they take advantage of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), administered by the Federal Communications Commission. The temporary program was established by Congress to help those economically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and applies to either home broadband or broadband delivered by wireless.
Under the EBB program, qualifying customers can temporarily receive a benefit of up to $50 per month.1 Those on qualifying Tribal lands can save up to $75 per month.
For example, qualifying new and existing customers on an AT&T Internet plan with speeds up to 300Mbps would pay $5 a month or less.2
AT&T will begin accepting EBB customers shortly after the FCC launches its program on May 12.
“The pandemic proved that all Americans need reliable broadband connections for everything from applying for jobs, to working at home, to participating in school,” said AT&T Communications CEO Jeff McElfresh. “We are eager to step up and work hand-in-hand with the federal government to provide relief to customers while helping to bridge the Digital Divide. We and others will also continue to work with Congress to create long-term sustainable solutions to help low-income families pay for broadband long after the program ends.”
When will the benefit be available to eligible plans?
EBB eligible plans from AT&T – internet, mobility, and prepaid – as well as Cricket Wireless will be available to qualifying customers shortly after the FCC opens its program on May 12.
Which plans are eligible?
The benefits can be applied to select wireline and wireless broadband service plans for both new and existing customers. There is a limit of one benefit per eligible household. AT&T Mobility and Cricket will be offering the benefit in all 50 states and AT&T Internet will be offered throughout our 21-state footprint.
AT&T Internet Plans
Select AT&T Internet plans including our fastest service – the 1 GIG plan (Internet 1000) powered by AT&T Fiber – will be eligible for the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit. The affordable Access from AT&T will also be eligible. Details will be available soon on att.com/EBB.
AT&T Wireless Plans
Qualifying customers can use their temporary federal benefit on our AT&T Unlimited Your Way, Unlimited StarterSM, ExtraSM and EliteSM plans, all of which have 5G access included.3 Details will be available soon at att.com/EBB.
In addition, select AT&T PREPAID and Cricket Wireless plans are eligible.
Here’s how it works
Customers must first apply and be approved for the EBB by the federal government at getemergencybroadband.org beginning May 12. They can get approved online in just a few minutes, although it could take up to a few days if the application requires a manual review.
AT&T will begin its EBB program within days of the FCC starting its verification process. Customers who have been approved will then be able to order eligible new AT&T internet or wireless service, or have the benefit applied to their existing service, if on an eligible plan. Details on the exact process will be available at att.com/EBB.
What we’ve been doing
Our support of EBB is a continuation of efforts to make broadband more affordable.
Five years ago, we introduced Access from AT&T, an AT&T-funded program that makes internet more affordable for customers by providing qualifying households with wireline internet service at discounted rates. This voluntary offer from AT&T has no contract or installation fee. Plus, it includes in-home Wi-Fi at no additional cost. Hundreds of thousands of Americans enjoy Access from AT&T, and we aim to build upon this voluntary program, partnering with government policymakers to ensure sustainable funding to keep broadband options affordable for qualifying households. And through the end of 2021, Access from AT&T customers will continue to have unlimited data with the data overage waiver.
AT&T also recently announced that it will invest $2 billion over the next 3 years through low-cost broadband service offerings and community investment to help close the digital divide.
1Eligibility determined by the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (National Verifier), managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). For more information on eligibility criteria for the EBB visit getemergencybroadband.org.
2Additional fees and taxes may apply. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capabilities and based on wired connection to gateway. Actual customer speeds may vary based on a number of factors and are not guaranteed.
3AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy. AT&T 5G requires compatible plan and device. 5G not available everywhere. Go to att.com/5Gforyou for details.
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