Overcoming the Digital Divide

There is a bridge, but most people don’t know about it. It’s called Lifeline.

Lifeline is a federal program that provides discounts on internet access to qualifying participants (typically based on income or participation in federal support programs). SaverLife found that 51% of members aren’t aware of Lifeline—more than 2x those who are taking advantage of the program.

As many of our members qualify for Lifeline but are unaware of its existence, we recommend the following: 

• Automatically enroll households that participate in qualifying programs such as Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP.

• Expand outreach to ensure that qualifying households are aware of and use the Lifeline service. For example, encourage landlords to make information available about Lifeline for their residents.

• Ensure that consumer data is absolutely secure and protected from predators, by establishing standards of consumer privacy and ensuring funding for enforcement.

At the federal level, expand funding to modernize the program to current broadband standards, and expand eligibility to the households and communities that need it most. In the meantime, the Emergency Broadband Benefit, which started on May 12, will go a long way toward the cost of computers, laptops, and tablets, even if it is a temporary program.