AT&T on Monday lent its support the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s (FFC’s) plan to subsidise broadband access for low income households.
Last week, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler revealed plans to extend the Lifeline programme – established in 1985 under Republican president Ronald Reagan to provide phone service to people on low incomes – to include broadband as well. Despite its Republican origins, the Lifeline programme is referred to as ‘Obamaphone’ by dissenting conservatives who view it in a similar light to the Affordable Healthcare Act, which became known as ‘Obamacare’.
"People still fall on hard times and they still need safety net programmes like Lifeline," said Jim Cicconi, senior vice president of external and legislative affairs at AT&T. "The Lifeline programme could, and should, support broadband service."
It is becoming increasingly difficult to depend solely on a voice line, he said, noting that services like Facebook and LinkedIn have become important professional networking tools. Education and training courses, as well as the process of applying for a job, have also gone onlin e.
Unsurprisingly though, AT&T believes it should be the government’s responsibility – not that of operators – to shoulder the burden of administering the Lifeline programme.
"Administrative burdens on carriers today are huge, and innocent mistakes can lead to disproportionate punishment—which in turn discourages carrier participation," Cicconi said. "And the potential for fraud by less reputable players is very real."
As it stands, operators providing services under the Lifeline programme are required to determine the eligibility or otherwise of potential users, "a situation that invites waste and burdens providers," said the FCC last week.
The regulator has launched a public consultation on the proposed changes to the Lifeline programme.
"We look forward to participating with a view toward fixing the programme and modernising it for the 21st Century," said Cicconi. "It’s a worthwhile task."
