The FCC Should Help the Poor Get Online

[Commentary] Federal Communications Commission Tom Wheeler has proposed expanding a telephone subsidy program to help the poor gain access to high-speed Internet service. A few Republican lawmakers — notably Sen John Thune (R-SD) and Rep Fred Upton (R-MI) — have complained of fraud in the existing program. The complaints are overblown and are no reason to undermine an excellent idea.

Under the Wheeler’s proposal, Americans who qualify for Lifeline could chose to apply the program’s $9.25 a month subsidy toward wired or wireless Internet service. Currently, people can use the money only for a home phone or mobile phone service. To qualify, people have to make less than 135 percent of the federal poverty level or already receive benefits like Medicaid, food stamps or federal housing vouchers. Wheeler’s plan is modest — perhaps too modest. A subsidy of $9.25 a month, though helpful, will not go very far. The FCC estimates that the average price for a home Internet connection that can download data at more than 15 megabits per second was $59.40 a month in 2013. And Lifeline’s $1.7 billion annual spending will not grow. Lifeline is an important benefit that helps keep the least fortunate Americans connected. There is no question it should be expanded to include Internet service, which children need to do homework and adults need to look for jobs and training.