In brief: The Federal Communications Commission has unanimously voted to establish a program designed to help lower the cost of high-speed Internet for those struggling to get connectivity during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. It’s the nation’s largest-ever program tasked with helping households afford speedy Internet service, and should go into effect within the next 60 days.

The Emergency Broadband Relief Program is a $3.2 billion federal initiative that’ll provide eligible households with discounts of up to $50 per month for broadband service. Those living on tribal lands may be eligible for a $75 monthly discount, the FCC said in its announcement.

The program will also provide a one-time discount of up to $100 for eligible households towards the purchase of a computer or tablet.

The new relief program will be open to households that currently participate in existing low-income or pandemic relief programs, Lifeline subscribers , those on Medicaid or SNAP benefits, families with children receiving free and reduced-price lunch or school breakfast, Pell Grant recipients and those that have lost jobs and seen their income reduced over the last year.

According to The New York Times , the program will be funded with money allocated by Congress last year as part of its pandemic relief bill.

Image credit Nach-Noth , Casimiro PT