Rep Matsui Re-Introduces Broadband Affordability Bill

Rep Doris Matsui (D-CA) has re-introduced a bill that would expand the Universal Service Fund to include broadband by discounting Internet access service to the poor.

The Broadband Affordability Act of 2011 would provide low-income Americans living in rural and urban areas with a discount on broadband internet service. The program would be made part of the USF's Lifeline Assistance program, which does the same for rural and low-income phone customers. Rep Matsui first introduced the bill in fall 2009. The FCC also recommended the move as part of its National Broadband Plan. As part of that plan, the FCC wants to migrate the Universal Service Fund, of which Lifeline Assistance is a part, from phone to broadband service.