Xfinity is a telecommunication company that operates in the U.S. Actually, Xfinity is the trade name for Comcast Cable Communications, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. It is used to market consumer cable Tv, internet, telephone, and wireless services from the company. Before the introduction of Xfinity in 2010, the above services were marketed under Comcast. Today, I want to explain to you the Xfinity Emergency Broadband Benefit.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB)is an initiative by the federal government via the Federal Communications Commission to offer discounted broadband services to people affected by Covid’19. When the pandemic came to our planet, a lot of people lost their jobs. Companies closed down, and things turned upside down for many people. The government had to do something, and that is why they came up with the program.
Other telecommunications companies are also offering the service. In short, the government has contracted many companies to offer EBB services to eligible customers. We shall see how you can become eligible for the program. Some of the qualifications are similar to the Lifeline program. The program is still running up to now, and it is not known when it will end since we still have Covid’19.
What is the Emergency Broadband Benefits program?
The Emergency Broadband Benefits program is a USA federal government program to help families and households who cannot afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is temporary and will close six months after the end of the Covid ’19 pandemic. If the funds allocated for the program are over, then the program will come to an end. Therefore, whichever happens, first will bring the program to an end unless the government plans otherwise.
Once the program is over, you will choose to continue with the plan you enjoyed and pay all the required costs yourself or stop using it altogether. The choice is yours. Lifeline members qualify to become beneficiaries of the EBB program. The qualifying programs for Lifeline are similar to those of the EBB program. What differs is the services offered by either two.
The EBB program provides a discount of up to $50 per/month towards broadband services for eligible households and families and up to $75 per month for households on the Tribal lands which qualify. Eligible households and families can also get a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet from participating service providers.
One must contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the buying price. The EBB free tablet program will assist you to have a device that you can use to access internet services.
How do I qualify for the Xfinity Emergency Broadband Benefit?
The first step to qualifying for the EBB program is to meet the eligibility requirements. It does not only apply to Xfinity but also to other service providers across the country. You must meet the following criteria to start enjoying the service.
- Have an income that is at 135% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Participates in any of the assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline
- Have got approval to receive benefits under the free and slashed price school lunch program or even the school breakfast program. It also includes through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the years 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;
- Got a Federal Pell Grant within the current award year
- Experienced a considerable loss of income because of job loss or furlough beginning February 29, 2020. The household or family had a total income in 2020 at $99,000 or below for single filers and up to $198,000 for joint filers.
- Meets the eligibility requirements for a participating service provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program
Once you find out that you qualify, you can proceed to apply for the service. You can check whether you are eligible by vising the National verifier to complete an eligibility form with the service to check things out.
How to Apply for the Xfinity EBB program
Applying for the Xfinity emergency broadband benefit is easy. You can apply via the Federal Communications Commission website and choose Xfinity as your service provider. You can also go straight to get emergency broadband and carry out the application process. You will need to find the nearest service provider near you and select an eligible plan during the application process.
You can also contact 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application process or print a copy, and return it together with copies of documents showing proof of qualification to:
Emergency Broadband Support Center
P.O. Box 7081
London, KY 40742
Once you qualify, you must contact Xfinity and choose an Emergency Broadband Benefit eligible service plan. Xfinity EBB application involves various steps, which include the following.
- Check whether you qualify by visiting the National Verifier and following prompts.
- Sign up for the internet services. You can get the Low-cost, high-speed Internet at home for only $9.95 per month, including tax. The plan has no credit check, no contract, no cancellation fees, and you can get fast connections of up to 50 Mbps.
- Access your bill credit. After successfully applying for the eligibility form, confirming your qualification, and connecting to the internet services, you should fill out the application to enroll in the Xfinity EBB benefit. You’ll get a status update within 48 hours of application.
When will the Emergency Broadband Benefit end?
There is no exact time to end the emergency broadband benefit. However, once Covid’19 comes to an end, the program will end six months later. Alternatively, when the funds allocated for the program are depleted, then the program will end.
You will get a note from your service provider, who in our case is Xfinity, via your mobile phone number or email address. After that, you will choose to continue with your plan or stop using it. If you are a Lifeline beneficiary, you will continue enjoying your Lifeline services.
What other services can I get at Xfinity?
Apart from the EBB program, you might be interested in other services from Xfinity. For instance, there are many Xfinity mobile deals for existing customers that one can benefit from. Xfinity keeps updating deals, and you can always provide them with your email address to get the newest deal.
The following are some of the deals you can benefit from Xfinity.
i) Save $300 when you pre-order iPhone 13 Pro
If you are a new consumer with a new line for activation, you will receive $300 off your iPhone when you transfer your number to Xfinity within 30 days. The credits will be applied within 24 months of the device payment plan. If you are an existing customer replacing or upgrading a phone, you will receive a $300 Visa Prepaid Card. The offer ends 10/21/21.
ii) Get a free moto g play.
If you are a new customer, the offer is available, and you can transfer your number within 30 days. The credits will be applied over 24 months of the phone payment plan. The offer ends on 10/1.
iii) Get $25 when you bring your phone to the Xfinity network.
You can switch and save a lot of money when you bring your device and keep your number. You will get a $25 prepaid gift card. Also, you will receive A SIM card at your home address with setup instructions. There are no contracts or activation fees. The data options start from $15/mo. The offer ends on 10/1.
The services that you can get at Xfinity include the following.
- TV & Streaming
- Home Security
- Home Phone
- Mobile
For T.V. & Streaming, you will be able to watch your favorite sports via your phone via various applications. You will enjoy sports plus other programs that make you happy. You can even get the Flex 4K streaming T.V. box for free and use it with your screen.
When it comes to Home Security services, the company will help you to keep your environment safe. Starting with only 10/mo with Xfinity Internet, you can set up the best security system for your home. The security systems will give you live coverage and alerts on your phone on what is happening. Secure and reliable Xfinity WiFi powers the security systems.
Home Phone services, the company gives you an option to stay connected with your friends and family. You can have the Xfinity Voice Unlimited to enjoy unlimited calling to various parts of the world with the 3-way calling, readable voicemail, and others.
Xfinity mobile service allows you to access 5G connectivity with unlimited data that goes for $30 a line per month if you get four lines. The more lines you get, the more value on your side. You will experience high speeds of up to 20GB of usage/line.
Bottom line
Xfinity is a telecommunication company that operates in the U.S. The name Xfinity has been a trading name for Comcast Cable Communications since 2010. Xfinity is offering the Emergency Broadband Benefit, an aid program by the federal government via the Federal Communication Commission. There are other services you can get from the company such as T.V. & Streaming, Home Security, Home Phone, and Mobile services.
