FCC Seeks Comment on TracFone's Petition For Rulemaking and Interim Relief To Amend The Lifeline Usage Rules

By this Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition for rulemaking filed by TracFone Wireless. In its petition, TracFone asks the FCC to initiate a rulemaking to amend section 54.407(c)(2) to allow the sending and receiving of text messages to count as usage for the purpose of the Lifeline usage requirements. TracFone also requests an interim waiver of this same rule to allow TracFone’s customers to demonstrate their intent to use their Lifeline service via text messaging pending adoption of the proposed rule amendment. Comments due December 1, 2014; reply comments due December 16, 2014.