Here is what I have experienced...
I just applied for the $50/month EB program and got accepted. Sonic, my current service provider for over a year, is listed on their "Companies Near Me" (I live in the 94704 zip code)...
https://data.usac.org/publicreports/Com ... oad/Report
I called up Sonic and the customer service rep pulled up my account. Was told they only offer this program to NEW customers. I said well if I quit and then rejoin later I'll be a new customer, right? Rep said this program only applies to new and FIRST-TIME customers.
So I called up the EB Program and got ahold of a representative. He checked with his supervisor, who said this is accurate. Because these companies are opting in to the program voluntarily, they can choose the stipulations for eligibility. Was then told that I could find another service provider ("Companies Near Me" page lists 62 in my area) and enter with them as a new customer and be eligible for the program.
Now my choice is to stay with Sonic and continue to pay these high fees or to look into other providers and hope they don't sneak in hidden costs like modem rental or any of that jazz which would negate the point of getting into the program. And hope they have comparable connection speeds.
As someone mentioned in a previous post, the FCC pays back these companies...so I am not clear as to why new customers should be able to get the program as opposed to a loyal customer like me who has been paying for over a year during a friggin' pandemic. Maybe somebody from Sonic can help educate me?
Bottom line: Sonic, you all might be losing a customer soon...