Emergency Broadband Benefit is Helping Households Connect During the Pandemic

We’re spreading the word about FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit. Having a broadband connection is essential for households gain access to jobs, healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more. Enrollment starts May 12.

visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit

What is the Emergency Broadband Benefit?

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is a temporary FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford broadband internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The benefit offers:

  • Up to $50 per month discount for broadband service
  • Up to $75 per month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet bought through a participating provider if the household contributes more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Who Can Apply

A household is eligible if someone in the household meets one of these criteria:

  • 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.
  • Gets benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program or did so in the 2019-2020 school year.
  • Got a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
  • Had a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020.
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Learn more: FAQs for Emergency Broadband Benefit

3 Ways to Apply

  1. Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process. See Providers in Oklahoma: Emergency Broadband Benefit Providers in Oklahoma
  2. Go to  GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online.
  3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it with proof of eligibility to:
    Emergency Broadband Support Center
    P.O. Box 7081
    London, KY 40742

Questions and Answers about the Broadband Benefit

Do I get the Funds Each Month?
No, the participating broadband provider will get the funds directly from the EBB program.

Which Providers are Participating?
Broadband providers choose whether or not to participate.  See a list of Providers in Oklahoma.

Will I Be Automatically Billed at Higher Rates if the Program Ends?
No. Households will need to opt-in to keep their service once the EBB program ends.

See more questions and answers: FAQs for Emergency Broadband Benefit

Altus Library Assistant

ALTUS LIBRARY ASSISTANT Full time, 40 hours per week which includes evening and Saturday hours as required.
Duties include: a variety of library reference and circulation functions, high level customer service, children’s and adult program development, promotion and marketing assistance through social media.
Requirements: Associate’s Degree with excellent written and oral communication skills; computer applications experience; and a minimum of two years of public service experience in a library setting or equivalent. Applications available at the Altus Public Library.
Return completed application with a cover letter of application and professional references listed to: ATTN: Executive Director, Southern Prairie Library System, 421 N. Hudson, Altus, OK 73521.
|Applications will be accepted until April 19th.

Need Help With Your 2020 Income Taxes?

Did you Know? If your household income was less than $72,000 last year, you can file online for free thanks to the IRS VITA/TCE program.

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries offers access to state and federal tax forms and free e-file service for both state and federal filings.

Due to the pandemic, your family may also qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for the first time.

Painting with Acrylics

Shortgrass Arts Institutes invites you to their first class since COVID-19.
Join us on March 15th – 18th for Painting with Acrylics. 
Be sure to  register as seating is limited.
All COVID-19 Precautions will be observed.
Use Social Distancing and masks will be worn during the class.

Dr. Seuss Birtday

Do you know what Dr. Seuss’s real name is? It is Theodor Seuss Geisel. Here’s a link to a museum honoring Dr. Seuss in his hometown of Springfield, Massachutes. His birthday is a nationwide event to encourage reading. Let’s travel to Suessville for fun games, shows and many more activities seussville.com

February 2021 Calendar

Why was February chosen to celebrate Black History? Follow the link to find out how it was chosen https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/black-history-month/how-february-was-designated-black-history-month/2301310/

Let’s see if the famous Punxsutawney Phil will predict six more weeks of winter on February 2. Do you know how this tradition started? https://www.groundhog.org/legend-and-lore

The Altus Public Library will be closed on February 15, 2021 in observance of President’s Day.

Valentine’s craft will be available the week of February 8-13.

MLK Day Service Project

Teena Darden a “Volunteer in Service to America” (VISTA) Member assists the Southern Prairie Library System in displaying various books for Martin Luther King Day. Books and activity sheets displayed are for the young, teens and adults. It is not too late to pick one out for this long weekend of celebrating Martin Luther King.