FCC Extends Transition Period for “former reservations in Oklahoma”

The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau extends the transition period before the effective date of the FCC’s interpretation of the term “former reservations in Oklahoma,” as used within section 54.400(e) of the Commission’s rules, for 120 days, until June 8, 2016.

FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai responded by saying, “[F]or four additional months the Lifeline program will keep distributing enormous subsidies at taxpayer expense to serve many areas, including Oklahoma City, that everyone agrees aren’t eligible for tribal support. What a waste. With decisions like this, it is no wonder that the American people lack confidence in our ability to manage the Lifeline program properly. And it is no wonder why many are skeptical that any future expansion of the program will be fiscally responsible. The scandal is what’s legal.”