FCC Extends Prior COVID Lifeline Program Waivers to June 30, 2022

In response to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau has waived certain Lifeline program rules in ten previous Orders to provide necessary relief for low-income households. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt by many Americans. The importance of access to affordable communications services for low-income consumers has been underscored by the pandemic and its long-lasting impact. Accordingly, the Bureau finds good cause to extend its prior waivers of the Lifeline program rules governing documentation requirements for subscribers residing in rural areas on Tribal lands, reverification, recertification, general de-enrollment, and income documentation through June 30, 2022. The Bureau will continue to monitor the situation to determine whether any additional extension of these waivers is appropriate, but it anticipates that this will likely be the final extension of these waivers.