A April 2013 Congressional hearing made us think – “Why don’t we make it easy for people to follow developments in the FCC’s Lifeline program?”
Lifeline/Low-Income Consumers
Remarks of Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, Regional Smart Cities Forum
The Federal Communications Commission should create more incentives for companies to deploy service over fixed and mobile wireless networks to undercapitalized communities. One way we can do this, is by making wireless spectrum available through auctions.
NARUC Opposes FCC's Proposed Changes to Lifeline Program
Resolution to Ensure that the Federal Lifeline Program Continues to Provide Service to LowIncome Households
Whereas on Dec. 1, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) released a Fourth Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, Memorandum Opinion and Order, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”), and Notice of Inquiry addressing the federal Lifeline program and “Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers;”
Remarks of FCC Commissioner Clyburn at the NARUC Winter Summit
Speaking about universal service fund (USF) programs -- high-cost and Lifeline -- and contribution reform ...
FCC Chairman Pai's Response to Rep. Matsui Regarding Implementation of the Lifeline National Verifier
On January 31, 2018, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai provided Rep Doris Matsui (D-CA) an update on the FCC's efforts to advance the implementation of the National Life Verifier. Over the last quarter, FCC staff have:
Communities of color often face challenges connecting to and maintaining affordable broadband and voice service. The federal Lifeline program has been around since the mid-1980s. While it started as a low-income program to help households afford voice service, it has been expanded to include wireless voice and broadband Internet support.
Chairman Pai's Respone to Senator McCaskill Regarding Lifeline Enforcement Actions
On Dec 1, 2017, Sen Claire McCaskill (D-MO) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai requesting information about the steps the FCC is taking to recover forfeiture penalties it proposed four years ago against Lifeline carriers that had profited from violating program rules.
Chairman Pai Releases Summary of First Year Accomplishments
The Federal Communications Commission released an 8-page document outlining "A Year of Action and Accomplishment" led by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, broken down into the following categories: bridging the digital divide, promoting innovation and investment, protecting consumers and enhancing public safety, transparency and process reforms, and cutting and modernizing outdated regulations.
Democratic Reps Seek GAO Review of Lifeline Verifier
Some Democratic members of the House Commerce Committee have asked the Government Accountability Office to "review" the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to deploy the Lifeline National Verifier, which is meant to be a more efficient way to monitor who gets the Lifeline Universal Service Fund subsidies and make sure they are eligible for the money.
FCC Extends Lifeline Comment Period
The Federal Communications Commission has extended the deadline for public comments in its Lifeline proceeding. Comments now due January 17, 2018; reply comments due February 21, 2018.
To Bridge the Digital Divide or Not…That Is the Question as the FCC Cut Back Its Lifeline Program
Since Chairman Ajit Pai took over the leadership of the Federal Communications Commission, he has emphasized that one of his main goals has been to “close the digital divide and bring the benefits of the Internet age to all Americans.” So it comes as no surprise that the FCC has taken several measures recently to overhaul the Lifeline program under the tagline “Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers.” The November changes to the Lifeline Program were mainly cutbacks; reducing available subsidies, as well as limiting eligible participants and carriers.