Bill Aims To Extend Broadband
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John (Jay) Rockefeller, D-W.Va., introduced legislation Friday that aims to use an existing universal service program to help low-income households gain access to broadband Internet service.
The legislation would create a two-year pilot program expanding the FCC's Lifeline program, which currently subsidizes basic phone service for low-income households, to provide support for the cost of basic broadband service. In addition, the bill also would require the FCC to study expanding the related Link-Up program, which now subsidizes for low-income households the start-up costs of obtaining basic phone service, to include assistance for the costs of obtaining computer equipment needed for broadband service.
"As more aspects of 21st century life become dependent upon Internet access, it is crucial we help to provide all families with the high-tech resources they need to succeed in the workplace and in school - and for the United States to continue to be a competitive, global economic leader," Rockefeller said in a statement.
In a Web chat Friday, former FCC Chairman Michael Powell, who served under GOP President George W. Bush, voiced support for an idea similar to Rockefeller's proposal. "As the government looks to reform universal service, it should examine how it might re-purpose its Lifeline program to help subsidize and offset the cost of broadband service," said Powell, the honorary co-chairman of Broadband for America, a coalition of broadband providers, consumer groups and others that back expanding broadband access nationwide.
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