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FCC Votes To Subsidize Broadband Connections For Low-Income Households

Posted by samzenpus on from the getting-up-to-speed dept.

Mark Wilson writes: Today the FCC voted in favor of updating its Lifeline program to include broadband. This would mean that households surviving on low incomes would be able to receive help paying for a broadband connection. It might not be as important as electricity or water, but having a broadband connection is seen as being all but essential these days. From helping with education and job hunting, to allowing for home working, the ability to get online is seen as so vital by some that there have been calls for it to be classed as a utility. The Lifeline program has been running since the 80s, and originally provided financial help to those struggling to pay for a phone line. It was expanded in 2008 to include wireless providers, and it is hoped that this third expansion will help more people to get online.

4 of 283 comments (clear)

  1. I don't see the downside of this by damn_registrars · · Score: 5, Insightful

    It appears the subsidy would help pay for it, but not make it free or mandatory. If the people who persue the subsidy can meet somehwere in the middle on the cost of broadband they probably have some sense to themselves economically and likely are at least marginally techincally competent.

    This may even lead more companies to try to compete in the market of providing broadband to low-income areas, which would be a good thing as well.

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    Damn_registrars has no butt-hole. Damn_registrars has no use for a butt-hole.
    1. Re:I don't see the downside of this by ColdWetDog · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Hell, I'd like Broadband and I'm willing to pay for it.

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      Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
  2. Re:Do they ever follow up? by Ionized · · Score: 4, Insightful

    in at least some cases the cost of following up is greater than the amount saved by booting those that abuse the system. see: drug testing for welfare recipients

    so, is the money actually what's important to you? or are you just a hardass that can't stand to see someone get something for free on principle?

  3. Re:The downside is taxpayers... by aristotle-dude · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Spoken like a true Anonymous Coward.

    Internet access is nearly as important as electricity in our modern age. I'd place it as more important than phones. A phone can call a friend... the internet shows you the world.

    If you feel that way, volunteer your own money. You seem to be a spendthrift when it comes to using other people's money.

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    Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.