The FCC undertook two initiatives in May in an effort to extend modern communications technology to two groups: first, members of low-income households in general, and second, low-income Americans with significant vision and hearing loss.
For the latter group, the FCC voted to make permanent its iCanConnect program, which makes available specialized communications and Internet access equipment.
The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Act, signed by President Obama in 2010, authorized the FCC to provide up to $10 million annually from the Telecommunications Relay Services Fund to support programs such as iCanConnect. The pilot program—the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program—was launched in 2012.
Chairman Tom Wheeler said, “For thousands of Americans who have both limited sight and hearing, iCanConnect has helped ease their sense of isolation and open up the world in immeasurable ways.”
Wheeler quoted several of the program’s beneficiaries. For example, Ramona Rice of Riverdale, UT, said, “I’ve been given a chance to be a productive member of society.”
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn quoted Helen Keller: “Once I knew only darkness and stillness … my life was without past or future … but a little word from the fingers of another fell into my hand that clutched at emptiness, and my heart leaped to the rapture of living.”
Clyburn added, “Tasks that are seemingly simple for many of us, such as sending emails or chatting on the phone, can be difficult or even impossible for deaf-blind individuals if they do not have access to adaptive equipment.”
Commissioner Ajit Pai also quoted Helen Keller: “Blindness separates people from things; deafness separates people from people.” Pai noted that technology—in the form of an automated Braille keyboard and display, amplified speakerphone, screen reader, or vibrating signaler—can help make a difference, adding, “But this new technology doesn’t come cheap. The cost of buying specialized equipment, installing it, and learning how to use it can exceed $5,000 per person.”
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel noted that the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Act was signed into law nearly five years ago, adding, “Of course, five years is a virtual eternity when it comes to the equipment we now use to communicate.” She added, “That is why I am glad we are taking a fresh look at the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program in order to take this program from pilot to permanent …. Already, our efforts have helped nearly 2,000 people lead lives that are more productive, more connected, and more independent.”
And finally, Commissioner Michael O’Reilly said, “The current pilot program appears to have helped a number of deaf-blind individuals live more independently and take advantage of education and employment opportunities.” But he called for clearly defined and demonstrable goals and a method to prioritize funding as demand grows.
For members of low-income households in general, Wheeler presented a set of proposals to restructure the FCC’s Lifeline program to cover broadband as well as phone service, which the program has done since 1985. He pointed out that only 48% of households making less than $25,000 per year have access to broadband. The FCC is seeking comment on minimum service standards, the administration of eligibility, boosting competition, and cutting waste and abuse.
The iCanConnect program strikes me as an unalloyed good idea, despite O’Reilly’s concerns. As for Lifeline, Congressional opposition is already fierce, and Wheeler will have work to do to prove that waste and abuse can be minimized. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to imagine how low-income households in the 21st century can ever become middle-income households without broadband access.
Rick Nelson
Executive Editor
Visit my blog