By John Eggerton, Multichannel News, 2-25-21

The FCC has voted unanimously to adopt the Emergency Broadband Benefit framework order, which stands up the $3.2-billion subsidy program passed by Congress as part of a December COVID-19 aid package.

The plan is to open up the program to eligible households by April.

As cable broadband providers had called for, the program will be open to ETCs (eligible telecommunications carriers) and non-ETCs.

“This interpretation allows not only for ETCs or non-ETCs like traditional Internet Service Providers (ISPs) including cable providers and wireless Internet service providers, but also permits non-traditional broadband providers like community-owned networks, electric cooperatives, or municipal governments,” the item says.  » Read More