FCC Adopts Data Increase for Lifeline Program

Phone companies that receive federal subsidies to serve low-income subscribers will have to cover more broadband data starting in December.

An order adopted Monday by the Federal Communications Commission increases how much data carriers must provide to Lifeline subscribers from 3 GB to 4.5 GB per month. The order rejects a petition by the National Lifeline Association requesting the agency maintain the 3 GB allowance.

The existing data allowance of 3 GB would have increased to 11.75 GB absent FCC action. Still, phone companies had fought the smaller increase, saying it would likely lead price hikes of $15 or more ...