FCC Should Add Broadband to Low-Income Aid, Groups Say

Food, shelter, and… Internet? Industry groups are pressing the Federal Communications Commission to consider a broadband connection an essential commodity that is subsidized by the government for low-income Americans.

Industry groups also are hoping the FCC stops relying on phone carriers to deem consumers eligible for Internet assistance. They want the FCC to streamline its current affordable phone service program to resemble other aid programs like food stamps. The FCC announced in mid-June that it’s looking to modernize the program, called Lifeline, to provide broadband connections to low-income Americans, not just landlines. Slews of industry groups praised the agency’s efforts, but many also pressed for significant changes to how consumers are deemed eligible.