Vermont Asks FCC to End Lifeline Waiver
The Vermont Department of Public Service asked the FCC to terminate the state's waiver from the FCC Lifeline Reform order. The federal commission allowed the state to opt out of the National Lifeline Accountability Database, but in a petition released…
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Monday in docket 11-42, the DPS said it now wants to participate. “Vermont has reconsidered its position with respect to NLAD,” the department said. “After reviewing the implementation of the NLAD system, Vermont believes that participating in NLAD will allow for a more streamlined transition to and alignment with the requirements set out in the 2016 Modernization Order. While it is possible for Vermont to continually invest in upgrading and managing its own system, this seems unnecessary when a robust alternative is available via the NLAD at the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).” After reviewing USAC processes, Vermont believes it can participate without violating state law, it said. The Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) worked with USAC to better understand its data management practices and is reassured, DPS said. “These two organizations are now likely poised to reach an agreement to share data and will enter into a formal contract that will provide the legal privacy protections necessary for the DCF to protect the vulnerable populations it serves,” it said. “The DPS believes that this contract will have adequate safeguards to ensure that the data exchange will satisfy the requirements for exemptions to Vermont's privacy law.” Also, pending draft legislation will better align the Vermont and federal Lifeline programs, DPS said.