AARP Requests FCC Action During COVID-19 Crisis

The pandemic has highlighted the pressing need for high quality fixed and mobile voice and broadband services that are affordable, reliable, and robust. In the near term, there are immediate measures that the Federal Communications Commission can take to provide relief to Americans at this critical time:

• All fixed and mobile broadband data caps and usage overage charges should be suspended immediately.  
• The FCC should encourage broadband providers to offer subsidized or free broadband to nursing homes, assisted living, and other residential care facilities or settings so that residents can make virtual visitations with their families and other loved ones.
• Where feasible, the Lifeline minimum service standard for fixed broadband should be increased to at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream.
• The Lifeline mobile voice telephone minimum service standard should be increased to enable unlimited voice calling and text messages.
• Disconnections and late penalties for voice and broadband service customers, including Lifeline customers, should be suspended until the public health crisis ends.
• Broadband Internet service providers should review their cybersecurity plans and educate their customers to be vigilant regarding cyber-based scams and fraud.