Lifeline Connects Coalition Seeks Waiver of Certain Lifeline Rules

The Lifeline Connects Coalition filed a Petition on October 25, 2016 seeking a waiver of certain new Lifeline rules. The coalition asked the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau to waive changes which replace a current 60-day non-usage period with 30 days because the new 30-day non-usage rules will harm and endanger consumers. The coalition also asked the Bureau to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to rescind its guidance that would implement the 30-day non-usage rule prior to the December 2, 2016 effective date, arguing it is unlawful and impractical for eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) to administer.