Commissioner Rosenworcel Remarks at #Right2Connect Townhall

This crisis is exposing a hard truth about the state of the digital divide in urban America, rural America, and everything in between. Not everyone in this country is connected to modern communications. Not everyone in this country has access to broadband. And not everyone in this country has access to basic phone service. But here’s another truth: Everyone needs communications to have a fair shot at 21st century success. It was true before this crisis. But it’s even clearer now. Because staying connected means you have a fighting chance at maintaining some semblance of normal life in this crisis. Because this cruel pandemic has compelled us as a nation to call, connect, and head online for life like never before. But there are a lot of people at risk of losing that connection right now. 

The Federal Communications Commission can help. If it leads with its humanity. And if it commits to modernizing the Lifeline program to meet this moment. That means that the FCC ... coordinates with the officials taking in so many new unemployment claims. That also means keeping Lifeline standards up to date. It also means making sure no one is cut off from communications in this crisis.