Broadband coalition pushes overhaul of phone program for poor

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) needs a dramatic update of its program to help poor Americans access the potential of the 21st century, according to one group pushing for broadband Internet access.

The Internet Innovation Alliance released new analysis on Thursday claiming that the current program needs to focus on giving people access to broadband Internet service, not just phone calls.   

{mosads}“Lifeline service looks backwards to the voice service developed in the 19th century,” argued the coalition, which includes major telecommunications companies such as AT&T as well as the American Council of the Blind and other advocacy groups. “Because it only funds voice service, the Lifeline Program traps low-income consumers in the past.” 

Though sometimes known as the “Obama phone” program, the FCC’s $2 billion Lifeline program has been around since the 1985. It provides subsidies to give Americans with low incomes cheaper phone service.

The broadband advocacy coalition, however, said that broadband Internet service should be a more central component, among other administrative changes.

“Expanding the program to focus on broadband and simplifying its administration to welcome participation by more service providers will help millions more Americans access modern communications services,” said former Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), the group’s honorary chairman.

For instance, the group suggested switching to a voucher system that would give recipients something like a benefits card to use for a range of phone, Internet or other services.

Additionally, government officials ought to be determining whether or not people are eligible for the program, the Internet Innovation Alliance suggested — not private companies that may have an incentive to boost enrollment.

FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, a Democrat, applauded the group for focusing on the issue.

Retooling the program is especially important for houses with children, she added, “because the majority of teachers now assign homework that requires access to the Internet. 

“Without broadband at home, these students are stuck,” Rosenworcel said. “We need to fix this “homework gap”—and a modernized Lifeline program can help do it.” 

— Updated with additional information at 5:49 p.m.