Wireless Parties Seek Streamlined FCC Designation as Lifeline Broadband Providers
Nine wireless providers asked to become "Lifeline Broadband Providers" (LBPs) under the FCC's new federal process for designating carriers eligible for the low-income USF subsidy support program. Assist Wireless, Blue Jay Wireless, Easy Telephone Services, Free Mobile, i-Wireless, Karma Mobility,…
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Telrite, TruConnect Communications and Ztar Mobile filed LBP applications posted Tuesday in docket 09-197. All of the applicants said they met the requirements for streamlined, 60-day treatment designating them as LBP eligible telecom carriers (ETCs). Lifeline's new broadband-oriented support begins Dec. 2 under rule changes the FCC adopted in March, the effective dates for which were announced Monday (see 1610030040). NARUC and individual states are challenging the FCC's LBP process -- which allows providers to become eligible in multiple states or even nationally -- as circumventing state ETC authority under the Communications Act (see 1606030053 and 1607010057). Meanwhile, USTelecom asked the commission for a limited waiver of certain rules in order to permit Lifeline providers to "continue enrolling consumers in the federal Lifeline program based on state-specific program and income eligibility criteria" in 25 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. The waiver should expire at the earlier of 18 months from its grant or 60 days after the state notifies the FCC and all ETCs in the state that it has aligned its eligibility criteria with the federal criteria, the ILEC group's petition said.