WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Communications Commission will vote on a plan to use federal tax dollars to help low-income families pay for broadband Internet access. The expansion would allow people to pay $9 for Internet access.
The agency wants to expand the controversial Lifeline program despite concerns the program is paying out taxpayers' money to fraudsters.
An audit last year found the agency cannot detect duplicate or fraudulent users. The new plan would let families choose between phones or Internet access.
“It is important for us to expand this program, to modernize it, for it to be in sync with how people communicate. And they communicate increasingly online,” FCC commissioner Mignon Clyburn said.
The agency says Internet access would help Americans find jobs and housing and says the plan does include protections to fight fraud.
The Carolinas offer assistance through the Lifeline program.
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