FCC Takes Steps to Modernize And Reform Lifeline For Broadband

The Federal Communications Commission today took significant steps to modernize its Lifeline program, seeking comment on restructuring the program to better support 21st Century communications while building on existing reforms to continue strengthening protections against waste, fraud and abuse.

Lifeline was established in 1985 to help make phone service affordable for low-income Americans. In 2008, the Commission expanded the program to allow participation by low-cost wireless providers. In 2012, the Commission made significant reforms, including a database that has essentially ended program abuse caused by multiple Lifeline subscriptions in a household.

But now, 30 years after Lifeline was founded, the Commission has concluded it is time for a fundamental, comprehensive restructuring of the program to meet today’s most pressing communications needs: access to broadband.

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