NDIA is proud to endorse the Promoting Access to Broadband Act, a bicameral bill recently introduced by U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02). The bill is designed to expand broadband access for low-income Americans by increasing enrollment in the Federal Communications Commission’s ( FCC) Lifeline program through a new competitive grant program. Affordability remains a primary barrier to home internet subscriptions, but the majority of eligible households are not enrolled in the program. These grants would empower states to better inform eligible households about the program’s benefits and support individuals in the enrollment process.
“Families are facing higher costs for gas, groceries, rent, and basic necessities. The Lifeline program can alleviate some of the burden and cover internet costs for families,” said Kelly. “I’m proud to introduce this bill with Senator Durbin to help families cut through the red tape and increase enrollment in the Lifeline program. My district covers urban, suburban, and rural areas, and they all deserve to have access to the internet, which is a necessity in this day and age.”
To address challenges applicants face when enrolling in the Lifeline program, the bill provides states with funding for Lifeline Outreach Grants to assist individuals applying for Lifeline.
- The outreach grants would be open to non-profit and community-based organizations with a proven track record of implementing digital inclusion initiatives to assist individuals applying for Lifeline.
- Funds can be used to inform eligible individuals who are not enrolled and provide information on how to apply for Lifeline.
The bill gives priority to states with more covered individuals, plans that can reach a greater percentage of eligible but unenrolled households, and ensures geographic diversity during the application process.
Senator Durbin underscored the urgency of the bill, “Access to affordable and reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Americans rely on a broadband connection to complete school assignments, see their medical professionals, and talk to their loved ones, but for many families, the cost of internet access is just too high. The Promoting Access to Broadband Act would increase awareness and enrollment in the FCC’s Lifeline program, giving more Americans access to the internet.”
The Lifeline provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25, enhanced to $34.25 on Tribal land, for phone, internet, or bundled service. Eligibility for the Lifeline program is open to individuals with incomes at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, as well as those who participate in needs-based programs like Medicaid, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income, federal public housing assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits. Learn more about the program on the Lifeline website.
The bill is cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), demonstrating broad support for closing the digital divide. The bill was also endorsed by Public Knowledge, Third Way, and the ACLU, reflecting a broad coalition in support of digital inclusion policies.
Read the full bill text for more information.