The Unites States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the Lifeline program that offers subsidies on Internet access for low-income households.

The Lifeline program received a 3-2 in favor votes. The vote split down party lines with the panel's three Democrats voting in favor and the two Republicans against. The proposed rules in the program will require various internet service providers (ISPs) to expand the $9.25 monthly mobile phone subsidy to include broadband Internet access.

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In addition, ISPs must understand the permission to collect any data necessary for providing internet service, which includes name, IP address and other basic subscriber information. Ask the customers if they want to use their personal information for most reasons besides marketing their own products. Any other use of the data, like sharing it with third-party marketing programs, would require explicit consent from the customer. The rules would also institute new transparency and data security requirements.

"It's a simple concept: to provide assistance so that low-income Americans can access the dominant communications network of the day," FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said.

The eligibility of families will be determined by other federal programs for poor or disabled Americans like Medicaid or the federal food stamp program. They eligible Lifeline customers will receive a $9.25 subsidy per Lifeline subscriber.

The proposal would also require ISPs to notify customers about data breaches, and to notify those directly affected by a breach within 10 days of its discovery. The program currently helps about 12 million U.S. households afford landline and mobile phones.

TagsFCC, Federal Communications Commission, broadband access, cheaper internet, Lifeline Program