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Pulse Works To Access Federal Relief Funds

Pulse works to access federal relief funds to offer free or reduced price internet service during the pandemic

Loveland Pulse, the City’s community-owned, 100% fiber-optic Internet utility, recently received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to offer the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). The EBB will provide discounts of up to $50 per month toward broadband Internet service for eligible households.

As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 that was signed into law at the end of 2020, Congress tasked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with developing a new $3.2 billion program to help U.S. households that are struggling to pay for internet service during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Who qualifies?

Loveland residents will be able to apply for a monthly credit up to $50 if they meet the household eligibility guidelines. A household is eligible if one member of the household:

  • Qualifies for the Lifeline program
  • Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
  • Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020, and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers

The EBB is limited to one monthly service discount per eligible household. To participate through Pulse, households must be within a fiber-enabled service area. To see if service is available in your area, contact 970-962-2111.

When and how can eligible households sign up? 

Enrollment is now open! Interested residents can visit www.pulsefiber.org/EBB and follow the steps to begin their eligibility verification and program enrollment.

The EBB will continue until designated federal funds are expended. It is important to note that nationwide interest and participation in the program is strong and it is unclear how long funds will last. 

“Although we are only in our second year of a four-year process to bring this critical utility to every address in Loveland, we are happy to be able to participate in this important program, allowing serviceable residents access to federal relief funding,” said Brieana Reed-Harmel, Municipal Fiber Manager. “Pulse understands the significance of our responsibility to support the connectivity needs of our community.  Ensuring equitable access to high-quality internet for all is one of the reasons we exist.”

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Updated: May 12, 2021