The government is making broadband more affordable — for now. How do we make that permanent?

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Congress created a $3 billion fund to provide low-income Americans with $50 per month for broadband service. The subsidies start May 12 and the program is, for now, temporary. Acting Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, "I think we have to study this program ... see what good it did, who it was able to connect, because I think if we study that data, we’re going to learn more about what we need to do with respect to affordability in order to get everybody connected in this country." Asked about the potential impact on the Lifeline program which offers just $9.25/month, Chairwoman Rosenworcel said, "the Lifeline program is a program that’s been around since President Reagan was in office. And most [phone] calling involved a curly cord that was attached to a jack in the wall. And today, dial tone in the digital age is internet access. And that program has not been really right-sized and fully shaped for the internet era. But this new emergency broadband benefit program is. So I really hope we can study it, learn from it, and work with Congress to extend it, or figure out how we update and reform Lifeline so that we have a stronger and more enduring broadband affordability program in this country."


The government is making broadband more affordable — for now. How do we make that permanent?