Dec 20, 2020 - Technology

COVID relief bill provides $7 billion for broadband access

Margaret Harding McGill

Animated gif of an internet router with a textbook cover on it — Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

The coronavirus relief package deal that Congressional leaders reached Sunday includes $7 billion in funding for broadband internet access.

Why it matters: The move to remote learning and work has made broadband access essential for many families during the pandemic, at a moment when some can't afford it.

Details: The broadband funding includes a new $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit that will provide $50 per month for broadband for low-income families, a provision based on legislation from Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

The funding also includes, per a Hill aide:

$1.9 billion for "rip and replace" efforts to remove Huawei and ZTE equipment from U.S. networks.
$1 billion in grants for Tribal broadband programs.
$300 million for rural broadband deployment.
$285 million that will in part fund a pilot program to help with broadband issues for communities around historically Black colleges and universities.
$250 million for the Federal Communications Commission's telehealth program.
$98 million to improve broadband mapping.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to note additional funding for broadband mapping.

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COVID relief bill provides $7 billion for broadband access

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