On Thursday, March 31, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 in favor of the '$9.25 per month' broadband subsidy for Lifeline --- a subsidy which would help reach Internet connectivity to millions of low-income households across the US.

'Lifeline' is a government program which, since 1985, has been helping low-income households pay for their phone service, via a $9.25 monthly subsidy. The program was initially applicable to landline phone service, and was later expanded to cellphones.

With the FCC's 3-2 vote on Thursday approving Lifeline broadband subsidy, the low-income households getting the $9.25 monthly subsidy will have the option of spending it on a phone connection or an Internet connection, wired or wireless.

Since the 3-2 Lifeline vote by the FCC commissioners essentially marks a reform of the government's Lifeline program, the approval to proposed broadband subsidy to low-income households underscores the latest push by the FCC to treat broadband like a public utility.

Highlighting the fact that high-speed Internet has become increasingly crucial to households, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said that the Lifeline broadband subsidy vote ensures that "Americans can access the dominant communications platform of the day."