Comcast Seeks FCC Clarity on Lift Zones Waiver

Comcast wants the Federal Communications Commission to clarify that it can continue its Lift Zone pilot project beyond the 2022 expiration of a waiver it obtained from an E-rate program rule. The FCC agreed in October to let Comcast test expanding its Lift Zone diverse broadband access program from community centers so libraries that receive E-rate funding. It did so by extending its pandemic-related waiver of the prohibition on gifts from providers to E-rate school and library recipients until June 30, 2022. Comcast said it is confident it can stand up the pilot projects by that date, but says the FCC needs to clarify that those projects can continue beyond that date. "Nothing in the Gift Rule Extension Order suggests that the Commission contemplated requiring the discontinuance, on June 30, 2022, of Wi-Fi and other benefits at Lift Zone locations or other providers’ connected community centers in E-rate-eligible locations that were established before June 30, 2022, but the statement that the Bureau 'decline[s] to provide any further waiver in response to Comcast’s request' creates ambiguity." The company's Wi-Fi Lift Zones are part of the its effort to provide broadband connections to low-income households. The 'zones," which are created in partnership with local nonprofits, provide free Wi-Fi connections in partner community centers so kids who may not have Wi-Fi connectivity at home.