FCC stands by decision to raise broadband prices on American Indians

Enlarge / Kayenta, AZ - 25 July 2016: Poor rural housing estate of Native Americans at the Navajo reservation (Navajo Nation) in the Arizona desert. (credit: Bloomberg | Erik Tham)

The Federal Communications Commission is refusing to reverse a decision that will take a broadband subsidy away from many American Indians.

Under Chairman Ajit Pai's leadership, the FCC voted 3-2 in November 2017 to make it much harder for Tribal residents to obtain a $25-per-month Lifeline subsidy that reduces the cost of Internet or phone service. The changes could take effect as early as October 2018, depending on when they are approved by the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Small wireless carriers and Tribal organizations sued the FCC in the United States Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. They also filed a petition asking the FCC to stay its decision pending the outcome of the appeal.

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