Public Knowledge Files Reply Comments Opposing FCC Move to Abandon Low-Income Americans

Public Knowledge filed reply comments on the Federal Communications Commission’s recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry entitled, “Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers.”

Daiquiri Ryan, Policy Fellow at Public Knowledge, said, “If adopted, the FCC’s proposals will gut the Lifeline program and widen the digital divide, leaving behind millions of Americans who rely on its services. The FCC’s proposed changes to Lifeline, a 30-year-old program that brings critical communications services to low-income Americans, will leave nearly 70 percent of its current recipients without a provider. A hard-cap budget, maximum lifetime benefit limit, and mandatory co-pay requirements are among the out-of-touch proposals by the Commission. Limiting or eliminating Lifeline services for otherwise eligible Americans will disproportionately harm the most vulnerable in our communities, including the elderly, veterans, children, and minorities. Lifeline serves as a pathway out of poverty for its recipients, and is the sole means of 21st century communications services for some low-income families. Gutting the Lifeline program contradicts the FCC’s statutory mandate to ensure universal service, and threatens to increase the number of Americans on the wrong side of the digital divide.”