NHMC Supports FCC Lifeline Modernization, A Big Step In The Right Direction To Close Digital Divide

I know from personal experience that Lifeline is a vital pathway out of poverty for millions of Americans. It is the only federal program that directly addresses the affordability of communications services for the poor. According to one recent count, only 53 percent of American Latinos, and 38 percent of Spanish-dominant American Latinos, have home broadband access. Low income levels are directly correlated to low broadband adoption, and defraying the cost will eliminate one of the foremost barriers to broadband adoption.

Universal broadband access and adoption is becoming increasingly important. For instance, without it we are unable to educate our nation’s students. According to recent statistics, nearly 100 percent of high school students reported needing broadband to complete homework assignments. Yet 5 million US households with school age children don’t have access at home. Our students need the tools to succeed. We must immediately address this educational inequality. This is crucial to ensuring future generations are able to fully participate in our 21st century society and economy. I applaud Chairman Wheeler for starting a process to modernize and refocus Lifeline, a necessary step to ensuring the program can become an effective bridge across the digital divide. And I cannot say enough to fully highlight the leadership of Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel in recognizing the potential of Lifeline, and being at the cutting edge of its future.


NHMC Supports FCC Lifeline Modernization, A Big Step In The Right Direction To Close Digital Divide