If used the same way, the Lifeline program will be more of a subsidy to existing programs rather than establishing "special" Lifeline programs, and if that's the case the poor either will still do without it and make due, because they will state they cannot afford an additional expense. Now some companies will provide "lower tier" internet, but it doesn't qualify as "broadband" which I think the min req for BB is 25Mbps. So while the phone program works because there is a limited amount for usage despite the phone provided for free, broadband internet access would have to be similarly monitored and regulated. My other wonder is if BB is now considered any speeds over 25Mbps, then DSL cannot be considered broadband either, I've never seen a shared DSL/Phone line provide more than 5Mbps, or at least all the times I used to have DSL, I never got near that speed.
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