FCC head unveils proposal to narrow 'digital divide'
Source: AP-Excite
By TALI ARBEL
NEW YORK (AP) — The head of the Federal Communications Commission is proposing that the government agency expand a phone subsidy program for the poor to include Internet access.
The FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, has emphasized that Internet access is a critical component of modern life, key education, communication and finding a keeping a job.
With the net neutrality rules released earlier this year, the agency redefined broadband as a public utility, like the telephone, giving it stricter oversight on how online content gets to consumers. That triggered lawsuits from Internet service providers.
The proposal Thursday to expand the Lifeline phone program to Internet service aims to narrow the "digital divide" — those with access to the Internet and other modern technologies and those without.
FULL story at link.
FILE - In this March 17, 2015 file photo, Federal Communications Commisison (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler testifies before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on net neutrality on Capitol Hill in Washington. Wheeler is proposing that the FCC expand a phone subsidy program for the poor to include Internet access. (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke, File)
Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150528/us--internet_for_the_poor-c1b92aa9c5.html
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