FCC commissioner reaffirms support for lifeline

Speaking before the Consumer Federation of America, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn again stressed the importance of the federal telephone lifeline program. That’s the long-standing set of subsidies for voice telephony aimed at low-income households.

The title of Clyburn’s speech displayed her belief in the program: Our core mission has not changed—universal voice and advanced services for all is our number one priority.

Universal service has been under attack in recent months as carriers – wishing to switch from basic voice service to encompassing IP – want also to escape any federal regulations. But as Clyburn clearly stated:

“We receive our instructions from Congress through legislation, and it has tasked the FCC with making available nationwide communications services for the benefit of all. Indeed, when the 1996 Telecommunications Act was passed, it required that the Commission ensure that all Americans have access to affordable communications services.”

Despite our technological breakthroughs, if we don’t connect all people to the system, that system is failing. As Clyburn said, the $10 a month subsidy makes a difference. Why? Because “what the critics fail to mention, is what one major provider shared with us. That its average Lifeline customer is a middle-age grandmother, raising her grandchildren on only $12,000 per year.”

It’s not a lot for a rich nation to pay to ensure universal service and Speed Matters support’s Commissioner Clyburn’s goals.

Read the whole speech here.

Our Core Mission Has Not Changed (Mignon Clyburn speech, FCC, Mar. 15, 2013)

Supporters rally to defense of ‘Obama phone’ program (The Hill, Mar. 16, 2013)