Newly Unemployed Need Lifeline

Over 10 million newly-unemployed Americans are being urged if not ordered to shelter in place for their own health and that of their communities. A broadband connection makes it possible for their children to continue to learn, for workers to look for new jobs, and for families to connect with doctors and loved ones. Fortunately, the Federal Communications Commission has a tool that can keep these people connected, the Lifeline program. The FCC should act now to ensure that everyone who files for unemployment is automatically enrolled in Lifeline and immediately see a reduction in their communications bill. That should be part of immediate action by the FCC to expand Lifeline to provide a $50/month subsidy for broadband service. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai must feel the fierce urgency of now. Lives are at stake. Give them a lifeline.