Poverty and Cost of Calling – Universal Service Fund and Broadband Subsidies

Poverty and Cost of Calling – Universal Service Fund and Broadband Subsidies

Media Action Grassroots Network
April 27th
10am PST/1pm EST
http://myaccount.maestroconference.com/conference/register/O8IKS3W99AA1BE3F

This month, the FCC is collecting public comments as they prepare to reform the Universal Service Fund's (USF) Low Cost Programs: Lifeline and Link Up. For low-income and communities of color, the USF Low Income programs have served as a true lifeline, providing basic telephone service and the ability to stay connected – with medical care, schools, social services, family and loved ones. These proposed changes would have a tremendous impact on the most disenfranchised communities, with a disproportionate impact on the poorest broadband and telephone consumers. Join us for a dialogue about the importance of the Universal Service Fund reforms and the need for Broadband Subsidies. During this call we will discuss the following questions: What role should Congress play in upholding the FCC's authority? What happens after the public comments are submitted to the FCC? What can our local communities and organizations do push for these reforms and USF expansions?

Special Guests:

• Loris Taylor, Native Public Media
• Marcy Shapiro, Open Access Connections
• Amina Fazlullah, Benton Foundation

For more info email betty@centerformediajustice.org