FCC considers subsidizing internet connectivity for low income Americans

The FCC is considering expanding the Lifeline program, which currently subsidizes home phone service for Americans who can not afford it, to include internet connectivity.

They absolutely should.

From the SF Chronicle:

This week, the Federal Communications Commission will debate whether to expand the agencys Lifeline program, which was created in 1985 to offer low-income Americans with subsidies for telephone service. If approved, the expansion would allow low-income people to use Lifeline subsidies for Internet service.

Qualifying Americans would receive a $9.25 monthly subsidy for broadband Internet which, advocates hope, would cut the cost to consumers to about $10 to $20 per month.

More than 60 million Americans, like Smith, dont have Internet at home. About half say they cant afford it, according to the Pew Research Center. About 6 percent of California households have no Internet access whatsoever, according to the California Emerging Technology Fund. Thats about 780,000 homes.