The new 'Obamaphone' is broadband

The Federal Communications Commission wants to expand the "Obamaphones" program to include discounted Internet service for people living below the poverty line. As you'd expect, the plan is controversial.

It would likely cost more, which runs the risk of running afoul of conservatives. The program already costs more than $2 billion each year, providing more than 18 million people phone service subsidies of about $9 per month. The expansion of Lifeline wouldn't need congressional approval, since the FCC collects funds for the program through additional charges on Americans' monthly cell phone bills -- not through taxes. Still, the PR for an expanded subsidy paid by cell phone bills wouldn't exactly be a winner.