New initiative from the Federal Communications
Commission is the latest program offered by Ting Internet to help
lower barriers to internet access across the U.S.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.,
May 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Ting
Internet, a division of Tucows (NASDAQ: TCX) (TSX: TC) announced
today that it is among the first cohort of industry players
supporting the Emergency Broadband Benefit. This is the latest
program offered by Ting Internet to help lower barriers to internet
access across the U.S.
The new initiative, funded by $3.2
billion allocated by Congress in the December 2020 stimulus package, is spearheaded by
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and aims to help
Americans struggling to pay for broadband internet service during
the pandemic. As part of the Emergency Broadband Benefit, eligible
Ting Internet customers will receive up to a $50 monthly credit on their internet bill for the
duration of the program.1
"Tucows and Ting Internet are highly aware of the digital divide
that exists across the country; broadening accessibility and
minimizing the implications of limited access to the internet is
something we consider at every step of our operations," said
Monica Webb, Head of Market
Development, Ting Internet. "The Emergency Broadband Benefit
strongly aligns with our values of giving back and ensuring that
the internet is open and accessible to all. We want to make it as
clear and as easy as possible for our customers to benefit from
this program."
Since the onset of the pandemic, Ting Internet has expanded its
commitment to programs aimed at lowering barriers to internet
access, which includes local initiatives to install communal
internet access points and partnering on national price-relief
programs.
"We fundamentally believe that everyone should have the ability
to access the internet. Costs—especially to those struggling during
a global pandemic—shouldn't be prohibitive," said Zuri Stanback, Head of Marketing, Ting Internet.
"We are committed to simplifying access to any and all government
relief programs. We know the real-life impact that these
initiatives make and it's exactly why we have a team devoted to
pursuing all state and federal broadband support programs."
Since March 2020, Ting Internet
has expanded its digital inclusion programs, installing internet
hotspots in public areas for the community to use in every market
the company operates. At the start of the pandemic in March 2020, Ting also signed the FCC's Keep
Americans Connected Pledge, promising that internet access would
not be cut off for any customers who were unable to pay.
New and existing customers in any of Ting's markets can see if
they are eligible for this program by visiting
ting.com/ebb.2 Eligible customers will register for the
Emergency Broadband Benefit through Lifeline National Verifier, and
once registration is verified with Ting, will have the monthly
credit applied directly to their account.
Ting Internet currently operates in 13 markets across the
country, with cities in California, Colorado, Idaho, Maryland, North
Carolina and Virginia.
To learn more about the Emergency Broadband Benefit and to see
if you or your household are eligible for the program, please visit
fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.
For more information on Ting Internet, its services and pricing,
or to find regular updates, please visit ting.com/internet.
About Ting Internet
Ting Internet provides Crazy Fast Fiber Internet® in select U.S.
towns and cities. Ting is committed to net neutrality and the Open
Internet. More than that, Ting Internet is committed to being a
part of improving the communities it serves by supporting and
championing local good works. Ting Internet sponsors local
programs, events, foundations, festivals, charities, and public
services everywhere we go, investing in the future of the towns we
serve.
About Tucows
Tucows is a provider of network access, mobile technology
services, domain names, and other internet services. Ting Internet
(https://ting.com/internet) delivers fixed fiber internet access
with outstanding customer support. Tucows' mobile services enabler
(MSE) platform provides network access, provisioning, and billing
services for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). OpenSRS
(https://opensrs.com), Enom (https://www.enom.com) and Ascio
(https://ascio.com) combined manage approximately 25 million domain
names and millions of value-added services through a global
reseller network of over 36,000 web hosts and ISPs. Hover
(https://hover.com) makes it easy for individuals and small
businesses to manage their domain names and email addresses. More
information can be found on Tucows' corporate website
(https://tucows.com).
Tucows, Ting, OpenSRS, Enom, and Hover are registered trademarks
of Tucows Inc. or its subsidiaries.
_____________________________________
1 Eligibility is assessed by the National Verifier form
administered by USAC. Existing customers deemed eligible will
receive up to $50 per month off their
bill. If your bill is less than $50
per month, the entirety of your bill will be covered.
2A fact sheet with eligibility criteria is outlined
by the FCC at
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-370355A1.pdf
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SOURCE Tucows Inc.