CAC Recommendation Regarding Modernization of the Lifeline Program

The Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer Advisory Committee adopted a recommendation on modernization of the FCC’s Lifeline program. The CAC recommends:
The FCC act expeditiously to include robust broadband service in the Lifeline program;
In order to promote efficiency and program integrity the eligibility determination and renewals of eligibility be handled by a third party administrator(s);
The FCC reform the Lifeline program to promote competition and ensure robust consumer choice, including products for consumers with disabilities, and enable Lifeline consumers to change service providers and technology platforms at their discretion while still ensuring program participants face minimal barriers to participation, including accessibility for consumers with disabilities;
The FCC improve Lifeline enrollment and outreach through collaboration with community based organizations and anchor institutions and coordination with the federal anti-poverty programs including establishment of automated enrollment procedures, with priority attention paid to the programs conferring Lifeline eligibility. However, regardless of enrollment coordination and cooperation by federal agencies, the program must continue to accept participation in a wide variety of social service programs, or demonstration of income eligibility, as qualification criteria for the program; and
Against the imposition of a program spending cap, or restrictive budget that results in the program not being able to serve all eligible households.