Tell the FCC to make broadband internet access available to all

From Demand Progress:

Tell the FCC to ensure more Americans have reliable access to the Internet.

By the end of the month, the FCC is expected to vote on whether to expand access to broadband Internet and narrow the digital divide.

It’s astonishing: Nearly 1 in 5 Americans does not have broadband access to the Internet. That’s the digital divide in action.

Most of us rely on the Internet for so much in our daily lives. Everything from job searches, to health care, to homework, to – as Demand Progress members know – taking political action all require Internet access.

The number one factor holding families back from getting online? Cost. And studies show that communities of color are hit hardest.

The FCC has a chance to help close this gap. It’s voting this month on whether to expand the Lifeline program – originally created in the ‘80s to help low-income families afford basic phone service – to cover broadband Internet.

Tell the FCC to narrow the digital divide by expanding broadband Internet affordability for low-income families.

The FCC recognized three decades ago that telephone access was necessary to fully engage in society. Now, the Internet has become at least as critical to life in the 21st century as the phone was in the 80’s.

Closing the digital divide and increasing access for low-income families can create more economic opportunities, promote greater democratic participation, and foster a more just society.

Now, the FCC needs to hear from you, the public.

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and Commissioner Mignon Clyburn have already put forth a proposal to modernize Lifeline and expand it to broadband.1

We need to make sure that when the FCC votes, it does the right thing. Making broadband more affordable means low-income families aren’t left further behind when it comes to accessing job opportunities, education, and essential health services.

Will you contact the FCC and let the commissioners know you support increasing broadband access?

Thanks for taking action,

– Mark and the team at Demand Progress

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