Is there funding to help families and households struggling to afford broadband internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Starting on May 12, 2021, the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit program will provide monthly internet discounts for lower-income households. The program will give eligible households up to $50 per month off internet service from hundreds of companies, including phone carriers and cable providers, which have been approved by the Federal Communication Commission to participate. Eligible households include those with kids that receive free or reduced-priced lunches, qualify for Medicaid, food stamps or Lifeline, or have seen a substantial loss of income in the last year. The discounts will continue until all the funding is exhausted, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the pandemic. The discount increases to $75 dollars on tribal lands, and eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 dollars on a connected device on a computer or tablet. Consumers can enroll through participating companies or online.
For more information, please see the following webpage: https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/BroadbandEmergencyInternetResources.aspx
Where can I find information on operating my business during COVID-19?
Local Emergency Orders:
- For questions about current local restrictions, we encourage you to contact your local authorities for clarification.
You can access information from multiple state agencies at Wisconsin.gov/COVID19. As circumstances continue to evolve, this webpage will be continually updated.
Department of Health Services: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation - Business Resources: https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/covid-19-response/
How do I let DATCP know about scams, and false marketing I've seen regarding COVID-19?
To report suspected scams, fraud, false marketing claims, or other consumer complaints related to COVID-19, please contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov or (800) 422-7128, or file an online complaint.