FCC wants to subsidize broadband prices for low-income families

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is working on a plan to subsidize broadband prices for low-income families, giving households $9.25 per month towards the cost of high-speed Internet.

The government agency says that 95 percent of households with income over $150,000 have high-speed broadband at home while only 48 percent of those making less than $25,000 can afford such services.

FCC head Tom Wheeler says the plan will go to a vote on March 31st, and it is expected to be approved.

"When we talk about digital equity, we need to remember that we're talking a key part of the answer to many of our nation's greatest challenges -- issues like income inequality, job creation, economic growth, U.S. competitiveness," said Wheeler.

The broadband subsidy will be part of the greater 'Lifeline' plan that has been around for decades and now gives $2 billion in subsidies annually to low-income families to afford landlines and mobile phones. As with most government programs, however, Lifeline has been plagued by fraud and abuse and had to be completely remodeled last year.

Source:
NYT

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 9 Mar 2016 20:24

SomeBozo

Thought the public at large is already paying for libraries and other common community outlets any low income families may use computers. The poor don't need another free handout, we should help provide more incentives to make then want to work and pay their own way.

11.3.2016 10:45 #1

hearme0

Originally posted by SomeBozo: Thought the public at large is already paying for libraries and other common community outlets any low income families may use computers. The poor don't need another free handout, we should help provide more incentives to make then want to work and pay their own way.

I disagree. Societies are based on 1 helping out another. Hence our taxation system(s)

It's ridiculous to think that those making peanuts can just be brought into a "higher earning class". Not everyone can be equally successful or financially free.

This is a GREAT IDEA!

I certainly don't mind paying a nominally extra small amount to help others that aren't as successful or intelligent as I to experience the basic liberties to function in this GOD-forsaken world.

11.3.2016 14:39 #2

Rezer

Great idea! Our job is to monitor it so that all people have access to the internet--not get rid of the program because we're too lazy to police it properly.

12.3.2016 00:00 #3

traincomp

Let's see, they've (the government) already dipped into my wallet for the money I sweated for to...
- pay for clinics to keep from having babies they couldn't afford;
- pay for breakfast and lunch for babies they couldn't afford;
- pay to support the EBT program to pay for lap dances and purchase items they can turn into cash to buy drugs;
- pay for cell phones and service so they can set up their drug deals.

Now I know, I've made generalized statements that don't fit everyone under the umbrella, but the number of abusers IS significant.

Now, they want more money from my wallet to pay for their internet. Next up is money to buy the devices to plug into the "low cost" internet I bought for them.

I vote for no more handouts, and I'm just a working class guy that would like to be able to afford to replace my 18 year old car.

20.3.2016 18:11 #4

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