Reforming Lifeline

By Brad

Earlier today, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced the commission will be reforming and streamlining its Lifeline program to help encourage more broadband adoption. From the Chairman’s speech (PDF):

Altogether, our staff estimates that the reforms proposed in this Order could save the Fund as much as $2 billion over the next few years, keeping money in the pockets of American consumers that otherwise would have been wasted on duplicative benefits, subsidies for ineligible consumers, or fraudulent misuse of Lifeline funds.

These reforms would put the program on a firm footing for the future, so it can more effectively serve low-income consumers, including helping low-income consumers afford broadband.

Here’s video of Chairman Genachowski’s speech.