Democrats Said Pushing for $1 Billion or More in Broadband Subsidies

House Democrats are pushing to include more than $1 billion in the next economic relief package to help pay low-income Americans’ broadband bills. Democrats are said to be considering whether to distribute the aid through the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program, which provides monthly discounts of $9.25 for about 7 million low-income subscribers, or through a new broadband subsidy program. The push is aimed at helping millions of low-income Americans and newly unemployed workers afford internet services to help them stay connected with family, look for jobs, and continue school remotely during the pandemic. Congressional action is likely the only way that Lifeline subsidies will see a boost this year as the FCC's Republican majority has shown interest is acting on its own.

More than 250 public interest groups (including the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society) in March asked the commission to grant an additional discount of $50 per Lifeline participant to help low-income households stay connected during the pandemic. The FCC also should require that plans offer unlimited minutes and texting and increase minimum download speeds, the groups said in a letter.