Bringing The Benefits of Broadband to Those Who Need It Most

[Commentary] The Lifeline Program democratized telephone service in America. It is difficult to imagine today given the ubiquity of mobile phones, but just 30 years ago almost 10 percent of Americans and 20 percent of black and Hispanic Americans lacked access to basic home telephone service. For low-income Americans, the situation was even worse: 25 percent of low-income black families and almost a third of low-income Hispanic families were without home telephone access. Fortunately, members of the Federal Communications Commission recognize the need for updating Lifeline policies. Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel, in particular, have outlined thoughtful approaches that can help bring the Lifeline Program into the 21st Century. There is an emerging consensus on what needs to be done:

• Extend Lifeline benefits to broadband Internet use
• Empower consumers by providing the subsidy directly to eligible people (they could use a “Lifeline Benefit Card” with different providers)
• Level the playing field between different providers to broaden consumer choice and stimulate competition for their purchasing power
• Safeguard and simplify the program by taking administration away from companies and instead vest that responsibility with an appropriate government agency or agencies.

[Larry Irving is a co-chair of the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA)]