OTI Urges FCC to Strengthen Lifeline Safety Net Program During COVID-19 Pandemic

On Friday, OTI joined a coalition of more than 250 organizations calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement a series of changes to ensure low-income Americans have access to the telecommunications services they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter, the groups urge the FCC for immediate assurances for subscribers to Lifeline, the Commission’s subsidy program for qualifying low-income Americans. OTI and coalition organizations argue in the letter that the FCC must 1) temporarily require unlimited minutes and texting for Lifeline service; 2) prohibit disconnections of Lifeline; and 3) create an emergency Lifeline broadband benefit to bridge the digital divide. 

The FCC must provide the funding necessary for Lifeline carriers to offer unlimited minutes for voice, unlimited texts, and support for phones to tether or act as hotspots during the COVID-19 pandemic as a matter of public health and safety. Unlimited minutes and texting is paramount for Lifeline participants to participate in remote health care services and remain in touch with their health care providers and doctors. Lifeline subscribers who run out of minutes or texts are likely to go into doctor offices or health clinics to seek medical advice in person, putting themselves and others at risk of further spreading COVID-19.

The following quote can be attributed to Amir Nasr, policy analyst at New America’s Open Technology Institute:

“The FCC has the power to use the Lifeline program to provide immediate security and assistance to millions of low-income Americans battling this public health emergency, and should quickly take action to do so. By supporting unlimited minutes and texting, the FCC would provide instant relief to Lifeline subscribers in fear of running out of the service they rely on to speak with their doctors, family, teachers, and other essential support systems during this tumultuous time. Millions of Americans are staying home and millions of others are on the front lines of the pandemic—and therefore more susceptible to the virus—working in essential industries such as keeping food on grocery store shelves. Program participants cannot be in danger of running out of minutes or texts in this moment. 

“This is a crucial opportunity for the FCC to further the important work it has been doing during the COVID-19 outbreak to secure the availability of broadband and phone service access across the country. The FCC should also make assurances that it will not allow disconnections of Lifeline service for subscribers during and immediately after this crisis, and create an emergency Lifeline broadband benefit for low-income households.”