Bill Overview
Title: Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires reporting on enrollment in the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program. The Lifeline program is designed to reduce the cost of communications services for low-income consumers, and the Affordable Connectivity Program subsidizes the cost of broadband internet for low-income households. Both programs allow participants to qualify for assistance based on their participation in particular federal assistance programs (e.g., Medicaid or Federal Public Housing Assistance). The Federal Communications Commission must report on enrollment in both programs, including the number of participants who qualify through each of the particular federal assistance programs. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on outreach and publicity efforts to promote participation in the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Sponsors: Rep. Luria, Elaine G. [D-VA-2]
Target Audience
Population: Low-income individuals globally who struggle with internet and phone access
Estimated Size: 40000000
- The Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program target low-income consumers to reduce the cost of communication services and broadband internet.
- Both programs are part of the broader US government efforts to ensure that essential services like internet and phone are accessible to everyone, acknowledging the necessity of these services in modern life.
- A significant portion of low-income households participate in federal assistance programs like Medicaid and Federal Public Housing Assistance, which are used as qualifiers for the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program.
- Federal efforts aim to close the digital divide that affects millions without reliable internet and phone access.
- The need for internet access has increased, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted disparities in access among different demographics.
Reasoning
- The $5 billion budget in year 1 and $58 billion over 10 years suggests the policy aims at significant outreach and subsidy covering a substantial portion of low-income households in the US.
- The policy focuses on low-income consumers, targeting those who qualify through federal programs like Medicaid, which is approximately 77 million Americans, including some overlap with the poverty measure group.
- Budget limitations directly impact the outreach, the quality of service provided, and the percentage of low-income individuals who will receive these subsidies.
- Not all eligible individuals will enroll due to a lack of awareness, misinformation, or accessibility issues, despite improved publicity efforts.
- The policy aims to mitigate inequalities in internet and communication access, which particularly affect rural and underprivileged urban areas.
Simulated Interviews
Service worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I really need affordable internet to help my kids with schoolwork.
- Any reduction in my phone bill could help us save more money for essentials.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Disabled and retired (Dallas, TX)
Age: 57 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As I don't work anymore, staying connected without spending all my allowance is hard.
- This policy can allow me affordable connections to stay in touch with family and access needed health information.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having internet access is crucial for my studies.
- If my internet costs less, it would relieve some financial pressure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe it's vital for all parents to have affordable internet for their children's education.
- Personally, the policy doesn't affect me directly, but I see it benefitting my students' parents.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Farmer (Rural Kentucky)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Internet services are patchy and expensive in my area.
- Having a solid internet connection could help with staying connected to society and services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Freelancer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Since I often change locations, this policy doesn't directly help me, but affordable internet is universally beneficial.
- I currently manage, but lower costs would be welcomed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Small business owner (New York City, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having affordable and reliable internet is non-negotiable for my business.
- If the policy affects service pricing positively, it's a win for my business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Unemployed (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Internet access is critical for job searching and staying updated.
- Lower costs for communication could significantly aid my situation economically.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
High school student (Detroit, MI)
Age: 18 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Affordable internet is vital for completing school assignments and preparing for college.
- With this policy, I hope family expenses can drop, allowing extra spending on my school resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I currently struggle with paying my internet bills on a fixed income.
- If the internet costs are subsidized, it would greatly reduce my financial stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000000 (Low: $4500000000, High: $5500000000)
Year 2: $5200000000 (Low: $4700000000, High: $5700000000)
Year 3: $5400000000 (Low: $4900000000, High: $5900000000)
Year 5: $5800000000 (Low: $5300000000, High: $6300000000)
Year 10: $6500000000 (Low: $6000000000, High: $7000000000)
Year 100: $7500000000 (Low: $7000000000, High: $8000000000)
Key Considerations
- There will be a need for significant initial investment in program expansion and outreach.
- The long-term benefits include broader economic productivity due to increased access to communication technologies.
- Monitoring the impact across different socioeconomic groups is crucial to ensure equitable benefits.
- Coordination between federal assistance programs and these connectivity efforts will be essential to maximizing reach and efficiency.