Media Contact: 
David Grossman, (202) 418-2100
david.grossman@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
COMMISSIONER CLYBURN STATEMENT ON
FCC MAJORITY'S LIFELINE PROPOSAL
  --
WASHINGTON, October 27, 2017 – “As I participate today in Silicon Harlem's annual 
conference, I'm reminded of the 929,000 New Yorkers, including those who live and work in the 
heart of Harlem, that depend on the FCC's Lifeline program for affordable telecommunications 
services. I am saddened to affirm, during a conference that seeks to find solutions to narrow 
technology divides and create enhanced opportunities for the disconnected, that the FCC 
majority has issued a so-called proposal for the Lifeline program which promises to jeopardize 
our efforts at ubiquitous and affordable services for the citizens of New York and the rest of the 
country.
“If the goal of the current FCC majority is to widen existing divides, and ensure that our nation's 
most vulnerable are less likely to be connected, this item sets us on that path. It will harm those 
less fortunate, those who need to dial 911, stay in touch with their children's educators, keep a 
job, and stay healthy. The day we head down such a path, is a sad one indeed. 
“I commit to doing everything in my power to ensure that the only universal service program 
designed to close the affordability gap, remains a shining and successful means for 
economically-strapped citizens to have voice and broadband services.”
###
Office of Commissioner Mignon Clyburn: (202) 418-2100
Twitter: @MClyburnFCC
www.fcc.gov
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a 
Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).