Access Now and Consumer Reports call for FCC to expand broadband access in response to COVID-19 crisis

The non-profit organisations Access Now and Consumer Reports have, as a matter of urgency, petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expand Internet access to vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 crisis. According to a press release, the petition, which was signed by more than 50 000 US citizens, called on the FCC to broaden the Lifeline programme which helps subsidise  broadband Internet service for qualifying low-income households. In their joint statement, the group  said ‘this move would make an enormous difference to families who need help during the crisis to stay connected with school, work, healthcare, and job opportunities’.