The Federal Communications Commissioners (FCC) have stepped up their game as they endorsed a program to help the low-income Americans. The program is set to be able to apply for help from the federal government to pay Internet access.
According to Fox 2 Now, a project proposed to take effect in December is being done by the FCC. The FCC voted 3-2 along party lines on Thursday to expand the $1.5 billion Lifeline program, where a $9.25 subsidy per month is granted, to Internet and phone services. It is the latest attempt of the government to tackle the issue regarding 'digital divide' between the two factions that consist of those who have access to Internet and those who don't.
The FCC acknowledges that the ability to be online becomes a significant part of living in the modern times as it is for taking jobs and attending schools in the report of CNBC. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has said that the agency is addressing the concerns of abuse and fraud problems with improvements. Some of these are making an independent party check that people are eligible rather than hassling phone and internet providers to do it. The program is expected to be looking at at least $2.25 billion budget but sources said that it could be more.
However, prior to its voting, there's a fair drama in the process of approving the FCC proposal as written by Syracuse. Two Republican commissioners had proposed that a lower $2 - billion cap would be sufficient on spending, among other changes. They've added that an agreement with the Democratic Commissioner Mignon Clyburn went out at the last minute.
In retaliation, Clyburn said that she changed her mind on the project since she didn't want to limit the impact that Lifelife can do. She added that she's heard from 'a wide range of individuals' as she's seeing the project could help millions.
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