FCC Introduces Bill To Extend ‘Lifeline’ Program, Would Provide Discounted Broadband Internet

A new act introduced to the House of Representatives will extend the FCC ‘Lifeline’ program to include broadband internet.

The FCC Lifeline program currently provides discounted telephone and mobile phone services. Under the new plan, low-wage earners would gain access to deeply discounted broadband internet service.

The bill, which has the endorsement of the FFC’s chairman, was introduced on April 24 by Doris Matsui (D-CA), Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Anne Eshoo (D-CA).

FCC officials had already revealed its “Connect America” program, which brings with it deeply discounted broadband to 100 million underserved US homes by 2012.

The new bill introduces measures to expand on Connect America while also introducing steps to cut down on well publicized fraud within the current system.

Lifeline’s system is already undergoing major changes which include a “National Lifeline Accountability Database.” The new system aims to save $2 billion over three years with $200 million already saved in 2012.

The Lifeline program is funded through the inclusion of extra charges handed over to other mobile and telephone users. The program is part of the Universal Service Fund charge that is applied to each customers bill.

How exactly the new broadband initiative would be funded is not yet known. Customers already complain about the excessive cost of broadband internet connectivity. Adding new charges to mounting broadband bills and their restrictive data caps could spell trouble for providers and customers who are already fighting back against their mounting costs.

Do you think the FCC Lifeline program should be further extended to broadband internet users?