Lifeline

Someone holds sign on back of their head that reads, "WWW not $$$"
Erin Shields, Lucia Martinez  Apr 11, 2018 4:41PM EDT

Broadcasting Hate: How Trump Used the FCC to Punish the Poor [OP-ED]

Erin Shields of Center for Media Justice and Lucia Martinez of Free Press break down what they call the Trump administration’s “war on the poor.”
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Sameer Rao  Feb 22, 2018 4:09PM EST

200 Civil Rights Groups Demand FCC Protect Lifeline Subsidy Program

The organizations say the Federal Communications Commission is hurting vulnerable communities.
Brown man in navy suit in front of blue digital screen
Sameer Rao  Nov 16, 2017 3:37PM EST

FCC Votes to Restrict Lifeline Program in Underserved Communities

The Ajit Pai-led commission also voted to remove measures that prevent the consolidation of media in the hands of a few conglomerates.
Brown man with mouth open in white shirt against brown background
Sameer Rao  Feb 6, 2017 3:36PM EST

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Courts Controversy

The newly-appointed Indian-American FCC head says he wants to bridge the digital divide and connect low-income people to high-speed internet. But critics say his latest actions are proof of other priorities.
Sameer Rao  Mar 31, 2016 5:56PM EDT

This FCC Vote Will Bring Broadband to More Low-Income Families

The Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 to expand the Lifeline program—which currently subsidizes phone plans for many low-income Americans—to include broadband Internet access. 
Jamilah King  Apr 8, 2013 7:20AM EDT

'Obamaphones': A Case Study in How Race Perverts the Spending Debate

Tea party Republicans have used race to demonize a longstanding government phone subsidy for people living in poverty.