State Regulators Could Ask FCC to Fund Broadband for Low Income Households

State utility commissioners are considering a resolution to "strongly encourage" Federal Communications Commission implementation of a pilot program to make broadband Internet access service eligible for subsidies drawn from the Universal Service Fund. The measure is entitled "Resolution on Lifeline and Link-Up Program Support for Broadband Internet Access Services and Devices." Sponsored by District of Columbia Public Service Commissioner Betty Ann Kane, it was introduced at the winter meeting of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners here on Friday afternoon. The Lifeline Assistance program has provided discounted rates on local phone service to low income consumers since 1985. The Link-Up America program began in 1987, and covers the cost of initial connection charges for phone service. Both programs are administered jointly by federal and state regulators and funded by assessments on all telecommunications services, as part of the Universal Service Fund.