Andrew Lomeli

Dec 2016, the Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline modernization order will finally go into effect, empowering millions of low-income Americans with the resources to access high-speed Internet. Lifeline’s modernization couldn’t come at a more critical time. Half of all Latinos lack broadband access at home, and high monthly costs are most often cited as the primary barrier for non-adoption. Further, 69% of Americans find the lack of home broadband access to be a major disadvantage.

Beginning December 2, broadband providers will have the option to provide Lifeline-eligible services that meet certain FCC minimum standards. Wireless data plans must offer at least 500 mb/month, and fixed broadband service must offer 150 GB at download speeds of 10 mbps and upload speeds of 1 mbps. Participants interested in mobile voice-only plans can continue to apply the subsidy to plans offering at least 500 voice minutes. Starting in December 2017, the subsidies for voice-only plans will gradually decline until these plans are completely phased out of the Lifeline program in 2021.

Also going into effect this December will be new Lifeline eligibility guidelines. Consumers can continue to automatically qualify for Lifeline benefits through participation in federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Federal Public Housing Assistance. Consumers receiving Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension benefits will also now be eligible. Participants will also still be able to qualify by proving they earn less than 135% of the federal poverty level. However, customers will no longer be able to use Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to automatically qualify.

Also beginning in December, the National Hispanic Media Coalition will begin working with allies and broadband providers to ensure low-income families across the country can take advantage of Lifeline and stay connected with loved ones, vital government resources, and homework help. We’ll be working with other community organizations to sponsor events across the country to help consumers sign up for Lifeline benefits.