Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen has joined mayors and elected officials from 44 communities in support of a proposal from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to improve Internet access for low-income families by updating the federal Lifeline program. In a joint letter to the FCC, Mayor Feinen supports a proposal which would allow Champaign’s low-income families to use their Lifeline benefit to purchase broadband services at a subsidized rate.
“The proposed changes to the Lifeline program reflect the critical importance of broadband Internet connectivity in today’s society,” said Mayor Feinen. “Promoting broadband access for everyone has been an important goal for our community, and this an important step in our nation’s continued efforts to bridge the digital divide.”
“Since its inception, the Lifeline program has helped millions of American families have access to critical telecommunications services,” said Deb Socia, Executive Director of Next Century Cities. “Mayor Feinen is joining dozens of bipartisan municipal leaders from across the country who believe in bringing the Lifeline program into the 21st century by including the essential broadband infrastructure that so many residents rely on today.”
Mayor Feinen encourages the FCC to ratify the proposal to modernize the Lifeline program, stressing the importance of making broadband Internet access affordable for Champaign’s low-income families.
“Easy access to high speed internet is critical in order to enhance community education, promote civic engagement, and realize new economic opportunities,” added Mayor Feinen.
The City of Champaign is a member of Next Century Cities, a city-to-city initiative founded to work towards improving equal access to fast, reliable, and affordable broadband Internet service.
A copy of the full letter sent to the FCC is available online.
Contact: Jeff Hamilton | 217-403-8710 | [email protected]