New Member
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3 Messages
Can third party sellers of AT&T offer the EBB credit?
A nice woman came to my door to offer AT&T home internet service and told me that she could offer me free internet through the EBB program if I qualify. (I do, I received the Pell Grant this year) I ask a lot of questions so I found out that she does not work for AT&T directly but sells the services through a third party. After she went through the application, there was nothing showing that the EBB credit had been applied to my account. There are a lot of scams out there and I know that AT&T does participate in the EBB program but I am wondering if someone can clarify whether third party sellers can offer the benefit or if I need to go directly though AT&T to receive it?
sandblaster
ACE - Expert
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64.7K Messages
3 years ago
Sure, third party sellers can offer it. EBB is a government program, you don’t get the benefit until the application is approved, which can take awhile, even months (I’ve heard). It is extremely unlikely it would be applied on your account that fast. If you get service before you are approved, you’ll end up paying the going rate until the credit is applied. It may be best to wait until you are approved to start service.
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my thoughts
Former Employee
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22.2K Messages
3 years ago
The EBB Program is temporary unless Congress chooses to further extend the program. The EBB Program was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will end once the program funds are exhausted or 6 months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the pandemic, whichever comes first.
https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit
Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program is making $3.2 billion available to people with low incomes or whose incomes declined substantially during the coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2021/fcc-subsidy-helps-broadband-internet-access.html
May 12 was the start of registration for assistance
By Aug. 29, more than 5.07 million households had enrolled, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said. Puerto Rico, which has the second-highest poverty rate behind American Samoa among states and territories that are part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s “American Community Survey,” has the highest rate of EBB enrollment per 1,000 households. Alaska, Kentucky, Louisiana and Oklahoma round out the top five. Louisiana, Kentucky and Oklahoma have the fourth-, sixth- and 10th-highest percentages of residents living in poverty. Alaska has a much lower ranking, at 41.
Broadband service providers filed reimbursement claims for a little more than $378 million through July 31. Claims will grow each month as new households are added to the reimbursements for those already in the program.
EDIT... estimate at then rate is the money will likely be depleted in 9 to 12 months from start of the program unless the government continues to fund.
I would recommend the ATT ACCESS program if qualify... $10 per month for either internet 10 or internet 25 instead of higher speed where you may end up paying the full amount within 6 months.
https://www.att.com/internet/access/
Must apply online with free installation, free gateway ($10 per month saving). Installation would normally be 30 to 60 days after applying and approved via mail.
(edited)
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SH1014
New Member
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3 Messages
3 years ago
My application has already been approved for EBB which is how I know that I qualify. That is why I was concerned that the credit was not on my application. I didn't go through with the application with the third party seller because it didn't show my credit even though I have email confirmation from the EBB that I qualify. If third party sellers can offer the credit, then why didn't it show up when I know that I have already been approved for the credit?
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my thoughts
Former Employee
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22.2K Messages
3 years ago
https://www.att.com/help/ebb/internet/
(edited)
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ATTHelp
Community Support
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230.7K Messages
3 years ago
We're here to help answer your EBB questions, @SH1014.
Thank you @mythoughtsand @sandblaster, for the helpful information.
Here is more information on the Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB).
You can reach our EBB team at 866.986.0963 for more questions about the EEB plan and credit.
Thank you for contacting the AT&T Community Forums Team.
Elmi, AT&T Community Specialist.
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SH1014
New Member
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3 Messages
3 years ago
Thank you for the information but I'm still unclear. I would like to sign up through this third party seller for AT&T as she is a very nice woman and I would like to give her my business and I need the service. What I'm trying to figure out is if I sign up with her will she be able to apply my EBB benefit to my account or is that something that I need to do myself? Simply put can third party sellers apply this benefit or do I need to go directly through AT&T? Any clarification that you can offer would be appreciated. Thank you!
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sandblaster
ACE - Expert
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64.7K Messages
3 years ago
Here’s what the ATT EBB site says:
We know the 3rd party rep can sign you up for eligible service. The question, then, is can the 3rd party sales person also enroll you in the EBB or will you have to call yourself to enroll. My guess is the sales rep can enroll you but that’s a guess. @ATTHelp or @my thoughts can either of you confirm?
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browndk26
ACE - Professor
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5.8K Messages
3 years ago
You can only get the benefit applied by calling the att number posted earlier. The name on the ebb application must be the same as the name on the att account. When the ebb program ends, you will be charged full price for the internet service. Internet 1000 would be $80 plus the $10 equipment fee. Clarify with the Ebb people what you will be charged after the program is stopped.
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