FCC's 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order: What You Should Know

The Federal Communication Commission established the Lifeline program (Lifeline) in 1985 under President Reagan as a means of ensuring that low-income individuals had access to essential telecommunications services. Lifeline has been in place for 30 years, working to eliminate the telephone divide, and with the implementation of the 2016 Modernization Order, it will work to close the digital divide as well. The program provides a discount of $9.25 per month per household to low-income individuals for telecommunication services. Beginning December 2, 2016, where available, recipients of the Lifeline program will be able to apply their benefit to either broadband or telephone service.