The National Lifeline Association reports…
The National Lifeline Association (NaLA) is proud to release the results of our 2026 Annual Subscriber Survey. With over 83,000 responses across 20 detailed questions, this year’s data confirms a critical reality: for low-income Americans, the Lifeline program is not merely a discount—it is essential access infrastructure.
Why Lifeline Matters
As regulators and lawmakers evaluate the future of the Universal Service Fund, our survey data provides a clear picture of how Lifeline empowers households by bridging the digital divide.
Key Findings: How Subscribers Use Lifeline
Lifeline provides the connectivity necessary to improve life outcomes and access vital services:
- Healthcare Access: 66% of subscribers use their service for telehealth appointments (phone/video) and to order medication.
- Staying Connected: 81% rely on the service to maintain connections with family and friends.
- Employment: 37% utilize the service for work-related activities, including working from home, applying for jobs, and managing shifts.
- Education: 30% leverage the connection for educational purposes, such as online classes, training, and schoolwork for children.
The Reality of Affordability
Affordability remains the primary barrier to sustainable internet access.
- 96% of subscribers report that they cannot afford any monthly service fee.
- 85% of subscribers would lose service entirely without the Lifeline benefit, as they cannot pay the full, undiscounted price.
- For those without home internet, the monthly bill is the most frequently cited barrier—outranking both availability and awareness.
A Mobility-First Requirement
With 91% of subscribers preferring mobile wireless service with hotspot capability over fixed broadband, it is clear that mobility is a functional requirement, not a preference, for this population.
The Path Forward
The current benefit level supports incremental use but falls short of providing the sustained connectivity needed for full, consistent access to telehealth, remote work, and coursework. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of subscribers report limiting their data use every month to avoid exhausting their allotment.