Rep Matsui Unveils Broadband Assistance Bill

Rep Doris Matsui (D-CA) has introduced a bill that would expand the Universal Service Fund's lifeline assistance program for broadband adoption. The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission to establish a broadband program that provides low-income Americans living in rural and urban areas with assistance in subscribing to affordable broadband Internet service. Rep Matsui said her measure would help "fully close the digital divide."

The bill would:

1) require the FCC, in calculating the amount of support, to routinely study the prevailing market price for service and the prevailing speed adopted by consumers of broadband service,

2) promote technology neutral competition from broadband service providers under the program,

3) direct the FCC to use the same eligibility criteria used under the Lifeline telephone service program for income eligible households to ensure Internet service is available and affordable for eligible low-income households.

To be eligible for the program, a household must meet federal low-income guidelines or qualify for one of a handful of social service programs, including food stamps, school lunch, or Medicaid.