Lifeline Program 2020 Program Evaluation

The key findings of this report reflect the need to establish a clearer connection between Federal Communications Commission policy and how Universal Service Administrative Company operationalizes this policy through an FCC-directed Lifeline program strategic plan. Currently no such document exists. This prescriptive document will significantly contribute to the resolution of many of the findings. Broadly, findings, observations, and recommendations span two main categories:

Program Design – considerations for FCC based on its role to establish the vision and guiding policies for the design of the Lifeline program; and

Program Operations – considerations for USAC based on its processes and procedures to administer the Lifeline program according to FCC guidance and policies.

Performance criteria and metrics for the delivery of the Lifeline program’s objectives do not currently exist and needs to be designed in such a way that clearly links FCC’s intended policy outcomes to expectations of USAC in delivering those outcomes. In terms of program design, FCC’s establishment of agreed upon program performance metrics across Availability, Affordability, Burden and Cost Effectiveness is essential to clearly articulate the service delivery expectations of USAC. Across program operations, USAC will use these performance criteria and metrics to distribute resources to most effectively and efficiently deliver the services under the Lifeline program.