Los Angeles Times
By Matt Hamilton | November 27, 2015
Recognizing how essential the Internet is for people looking for jobs and social services, the Board of Supervisors voted this week to push for affordable high-speed Internet access for Los Angeles County seniors, low-income residents and people with disabilities.
In a unanimous decision, the five-member board joined the California Emerging Technology Fund's campaign to urge the Federal Communications Commission to establish a comprehensive Lifeline program that lowers the cost of broadband and enhances overall digital literacy among disadvantaged communities.
The board's support comes as the FCC has been taking steps to revamp its original Lifeline program, which was established nearly 30 years ago to provide affordable phone service to low-income Americans. In recent months, commissioners have publicly committed to restructuring the program and focus on access to broadband, calling it "essential to participation in modern society."