In 1985, the Federal Communications Commission
established the Lifeline program, which provided a discount on phone
service for qualifying low-income Americans. In 2005, the program was updated
to include wireless phones. In 2015, Lifeline is still a successful program
for ensuring all Americans have the opportunities and securities
provided by communication technologies, like connecting to emergency
services, jobs, and family members.
Now, 30 years after the inauguration of
Lifeline, the FCC has a proposed a much needed update to Lifeline: broadband
access. The addition of broadband access is a clear next step for the
Lifeline program. Americans increasingly rely on broadband Internet for
education, employment, health care, news and information, access to
government and social services, commerce, and basic communications. However,
for many Americans, broadband is simply not affordable.

Yesterday we launched a petition on Change.org asking the FCC to move
forward with their proposal and update the Lifeline program. Today, we have
already received over 200 signatures. We hope you will join us in
encouraging the FCC to increase access to broadband and move toward closing
the digital divide.
Every voice makes a difference! Check out our
petition at Change.org/FCCLifeline, and learn more about Lifeline
modernization on
our website.
Thanks for your support,
The Public Knowledge Team
Tweet this: Tell the @FCC to help millions of
Americans by adding broadband to #Lifeline: Change.org/FCCLifeline @publicknowledge
|