03 Apr 15
FCC Orders Lifeline ETCs That Assess Monthly Fees to Collect Them or De-Enroll
On March 31, 2015, the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau released two documents important to Lifeline providers. The first is an Order and rule amendments to clarify that if an ETC assesses a monthly fee to subscribers in order to avoid the Lifeline usage requirements, then that ETC must also collect the monthly fee. ETCs that…
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24 Mar 15
911 Fees and Taxes on No-Charge Lifeline Services
Last year, our attorney filed comments on behalf of the National Lifeline Association in support of an Emergency Petition for Declaratory Ruling that requested FCC preemption of state laws that impose 911 fees and taxes on no-charge lifeline services filed by TracFone Wireless. The FCC has not yet ruled on this petition. On March 13th, 2015,... READ MORE
18 Feb 15
Sound Principles for Lifeline Reform
Sound Principles for Lifeline Reform by: Michael O'Rielly, FCC Commissioner February 13, 2015 - 03:51 PM Over the last few years, the Commission has taken action to reform each of its universal service distribution programs to refocus them on broadband. The only program outstanding is the Low-Income or "Lifeline" program. Given recent pronouncements, I... READ MORE