A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT directing the e‑nc authority to file a request for north carolina to be a pilot state in the federal communications commission lifeline online program to extend broadband access.
Whereas, since the mid 1990s, North Carolina has participated in the LifeLine Link‑Up program that provides funding for low‑wealth households to receive telephone services as part of a partnership with the telecommunications companies in the State and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); and
Whereas, low‑wealth households that receive such federal and State assistance must also pay a share of the access charges and meet the federal guidelines for assistance; and
Whereas, the telecommunications companies provide the monthly oversight of the households for billing and there is a current tax credit of $3.50 per line in North Carolina for telephone access; and
Whereas, the National Broadband Plan submitted by the FCC to Congress in March 2010, recommended a redesign of the current LifeLine Link‑Up program to enable a pilot in states for broadband Internet access, with this program known as LifeLine Online; and
Whereas, a number of citizens of North Carolina do not currently have access to broadband Internet service and would benefit from financial assistance from the FCC to purchase a minimum service; and
Whereas, the LifeLine Online pilot program would be State revenue neutral; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The e‑NC Authority shall file an application for North Carolina to become a pilot state in the LifeLine Online program administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The e‑NC Authority shall develop the cooperative public‑private relationships necessary to facilitate a successful application. If pilot status is awarded to North Carolina by the FCC, the e‑NC Authority (i) shall be responsible for implementation of the program and (ii) shall coordinate with other State agencies for a successful program.
SECTION 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the e‑NC Authority the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for the 2010‑2011 fiscal year to support its efforts pursuant to this act.