Viya Says Broadband VI Didn't Qualify for $1M in USF Support
Investigate Broadband VI for getting $1 million from the Connect U.S. Virgin Islands fund without meeting qualifications to receive the USF support, Viya said in a letter to the FCC Enforcement Bureau, posted Monday in docket 18-143. “Broadband VI already…
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has taken Stage 1 support for which it did not qualify because it did not satisfy the fundamental eligible telecommunications carrier ('ETC') obligations of offering voice service and compliant Lifeline service during the support term,” alleged Viya, saying it’s part of a larger pattern of the company disregarding commission rules. The FCC should seek reimbursement, it said. "We are aware of Viya’s filing and are preparing a vigorous response," Broadband VI Chief Operating Officer David Zumwalt emailed us. "We strongly disagree with the claims." The COO added that Viya "enjoyed many decades of high-cost support which it stands to lose as a result of Connect USVI."