NARUC Discusses Lifeline NPRM’s Proposal
On May 18, 2018, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) met separately with Commissioner Carr’s chief of staff and Chairman Pai’s legal advisor. NARUC expressed their support for the Lifeline Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposal of respecting the state’s role in program administration regarding eliminating ETCs and suggesting cooperative federalism between the Commission…
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NPRM Comments Responding to FCC Lifeline Rulings
March 23, 2018 - Over 23 groups filed comments on the FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The NPRM comments filed were in response to the recent FCC Lifeline Proposals for the Lifeline Program. As the battle to protect the Lifeline Program continues, carriers and telecom companies were among the several who expressed their opinions on... READ MORE
AARP, NASCUA & Greenlining Institute File Comments Opposing FCC Lifeline NRPM
AARP, NASCUA, and other groups join the list of organizations filing replies to the FCC Lifeline NRPM. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry (NOI) propose changes to the Lifeline Program, such as barring wireless resellers from operating as Lifeline Service Providers. AARP and NASCUA Oppose FCC Lifeline NRPM The AARP was among…
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Ajit Pai Loses Support in Attempt to Eliminate Lifeline Wireless Resellers
FCC Chairman Pai’s proposal to eliminate Lifeline wireless resellers has faced opposition by large broadband companies, including Verizon and Sprint. On Proposed Rulings to Eliminate Lifeline Wireless Resellers In response to Chairman Pai’s proposal, large carriers like Sprint and Verizon opposed the proposal to eliminate Lifeline wireless resellers, saying that the proposal goes against the purpose of…
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Dems Request GAO Review of FCC on Lifeline National Verifier
Jan. 25, 2018 — A letter from a number of members from the U.S. House Energy & Commerce aasked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the FCC’s efforts to deploy the Lifeline Program National Verifier — an initiative that aims to verify subscriber information for Lifeline Program participants and ultimately increase the integrity of…
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56 Congress Members Sign Letter To FCC Opposing November 16 Lifeline Program Changes
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, stated, “In our modern, highly technological and interconnected world, internet and phone service are all but required to lead a functional life. Many Americans still don’t have phone and internet access, rendering it nearly impossible to complete everyday tasks, such as finishing assigned schoolwork or conducting a phone interview. He also…
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Free Press Opposes FCC Lifeline Rulings, “A Direct Attack” on Low-Income Americans
Free Press opposes FCC Lifeline Rulings that will affect the Lifeline Program, a program that connects low-income Americans to crucial communications services. The proposed changes were released October 26th in a draft by Chairman Pai and the current FCC administration to be a part of the November 16 Open Meeting agenda and would greatly eliminate…
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Cherokee Tribal Organization ‘Stongly Opposes’ FCC Lifeline Changes
November 9 — In light of the FCC’s proposed changes to the Lifeline Program, there have been responses from several Native American Tribal Organizations, including Oklahoma’s Cherokee Nation, the United States’ largest federally-recognized tribe. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief, Bill Baker wrote the FCC to express strong opposition to the proposed changes that will be up…
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Tribes Request Delay of Lifeline Changes Affecting Tribal Members
November 7, 2017 — Native Public Media responds to recent proposed Lifeline Program changes that will greatly impact areas that currently receive Enhanced Lifeline Tribal Support in a letter to the FCC. A draft of the orders explaining the proposed changes to the Lifeline Program was released on October 26th, 2017 and the proposed rulings…
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Lifeline Advocates Urge FCC to Reconsider Proposed Program Changes
On October 26th, the FCC published the upcoming November 16 public meeting agenda, which calls for some significant changes to the Lifeline Program, which provides affordable communication services to low-income Americans. Advocates of the Lifeline Program are now voicing their concerns about some of the proposed rules, which will mainly aim to: Direct Lifeline Funds…
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