Comments to the Federal Communications Commission Regarding the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation supports quick disbursement of this critical relief—the Federal Communications Commission should focus first and foremost on quickly getting money out the door. However, it should also consider how the emergency broadband benefit program can serve as a bridge to a better, more rational subsidy program than the current Lifeline system. The Commission ideally could provide a voucher that gives flexibility and choice to eligible participants. The FCC should also avoid relying on the outdated Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) framework and aim to broaden participation by broadband providers. Finally, the FCC should design this program so that it could potentially be made a permanent tool to counter economic downturns, should Congress see fit to authorize and fund it.