WASHINGTON — Media Access Project (MAP) filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission today on behalf of the Media Action Grassroots Network (“MAG-Net”). MAP and MAG-Net urged the Commission to make access to broadband and mobile services more affordable for low-income individuals, while maintaining support for basic voice services subsidized via the Lifeline and Link-Up programs. The organizations also asked the agency to reexamine the eligibility criteria and application procedures for Lifeline and Link-Up.

Matt Wood, Associate Director of Media Access Project, said:

“The Lifeline and Link-Up programs must be expanded to allow low-income individuals to receive broadband and mobile services. The social, political, educational, and economic benefits of affordable communications services are clear. Having affordable services available provides a means for self-sufficiency, alleviates the impact of poverty for low-income households, and serves as a form of empowerment in our digital economy and education system.”

Read the comments at http://www.mediaaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/MAGNetLifelineLinkUp071510.pdf.

MAP is a nonprofit, public interest law firm working to protect free expression, innovation, and economic growth by promoting low cost, universal access to media outlets and communications services.

MAG-Net is a coalition of organizations that represent low-income communities, immigrant communities, and communities-of-color, in both rural and urban neighborhoods.