FCC Should Mandate Unlimited Lifeline Minutes, NCLC Urges
The FCC should act immediately to ensure low-income Americans have telecom services they need as they practice social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreaks, said National Consumer Law Center attorney Olivia Wein. The FCC should require all Lifeline providers offer unlimited…
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texting and voice minutes, she said, to help prevent unintentional spread of the virus. Low-income seniors have arrived at healthcare centers without calling ahead when worried about using their minutes in Lifeline plans with monthly caps, she told viewers of a Broadband Breakfast livestream video Wednesday. Wein wants the FCC to use emergency authority to allow noneligible telecom carriers to provide broadband under Lifeline. “We’re looking into ways that Lifeline can be helpful in the public health response,” Commissioner Geoffrey Starks emailed. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel emailed that Lifeline can help the most vulnerable stay connected during this crisis, and the FCC can help by expanding minimum service standards and simplifying enrollment. The agency declined to comment.