FCC Adopts Q Link Notice of Apparent Liability for EBB Violations

In this Notice of Apparent Liability (NAL), the Federal Communications Commission proposes a penalty of $62,000,000 against Q Link Wireless for apparently violating provisions of the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act and FCC rules and orders governing the reimbursements it claimed for providing Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program customers with internet-connected devices between December 2021 and March 2022. Because of these apparent violations, which involved overclaiming support for hundreds of thousands of computer tablets, Q Link apparently obtained at least $20,792,800 in improper disbursements from the EBB Program during the period under review. For these reasons, and in light of the scope, duration, and seriousness of Q Link’s apparent violations and the need to promote compliance with the rules, the FCC proposes a forfeiture penalty of $62,000,000.00 against Q Link. In addition, in light of Q Link’s apparent misconduct and the resulting harm to the Fund, the FCC orders Q Link to respond in writing within 30 days of the release of this NAL explaining why the commission should not initiate proceedings to remove Q Link from the Affordable Connectivity Program.