Lifeline Needs Update, IIA Says
Saying Lifeline needs be updated for this century, the Internet Innovation Alliance unveiled in a white paper Thursday some proposed reforms. They include the creation of a Lifeline Benefit Card that would allow eligible consumers to purchase a range of…
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communications services, including broadband, wireline or wireless voice services. While not endorsing any of the specific ideas, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel praised the report in a statement for “kickstarting a conversation about bringing the Lifeline program into the 21st century. Millions of households lack access to broadband today. Rethinking this program can help remedy that.” The study said only wireline phone providers are required to participate. The program "is a 20th Century government program aimed at spreading a 19th Century technology, voice service," said former Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., honorary chairman of the IIA, in a news release. The paper recommended that because providers administer the program and have an incentive to increase enrollment, a governmental agency should determine eligibility and conduct program oversight. The paper recommended including broadband in the program, and providing subsidies directly to customers instead of providers. "Expanding the program to focus on broadband, and simplifying its administration to welcome participation by more service providers, will help millions more Americans access modern communications services," Boucher said in the release.