FCC Should Condition CPUC Lifeline Extension, Providers Say
Don’t give California an extension on Lifeline eligibility rules until the state Public Utilities Commission implements FCC port freeze rules, said the California LifeLine Coalition in a Monday ex-parte letter to the FCC in docket 11-42. The coalition, which includes…
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Telrite and other state LifeLine providers, supported granting CPUC’s motion for extension (see 1709060060) but urged the FCC to delay the effective date until the CPUC shows "it has properly implemented the Commission’s port freeze rules,” including the 12-month port freeze and exceptions process. The state agency met a June 1 deadline to implement a 60-day port freeze for voice services, but “made no progress” on the 12-month port freeze for broadband services and hasn’t sought further waiver, said the coalition, saying “it’s time for the Commission to require compliance with its port freeze rules in California.” Responding to the letter, a CPUC spokeswoman said, "We disagree with the assertions in the letter and will consider whether to submit a response to the FCC."