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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Colville Tribe Responds to FCC Plans for Tribal Lifeline Funds
November 7, 2017 — The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR) sent a response to the FCC, regarding recent changes that will soon be decided regarding the Lifeline Program changes, specifically the proposal to limit Tribal Lifeline Funds (and eventually all Lifeline funds) to facilities-based providers. Dr. Michael E. Marchand, Chairman of the CTCR, writes…
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FCC Proposed Lifeline Changes Affect Tribal Areas
The proposed FCC changes to Tribal Lifeline were outlined by Chairman Pai in a recent release of the November 16 Public Meeting Agenda. The Agenda outlines the Chairman’s intentions for the Enhanced Tribal Funds that support bridging the digital divide on the Tribal lands in Oklahoma and Nevada. FCC Proposes Limitations on Tribal Land Subsidies…
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FCC Press Release: FCC MODERNIZES LIFELINE PROGRAM FOR THE DIGITAL AGE
As originally posted by the FCC Here: http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2016/db0331/DOC-338676A1.pdf New Rules Will Help Make Broadband More Affordable for Low-Income Americans WASHINGTON, March 31, 2016 – The Federal Communications Commission today modernized and reformed its Lifeline program to help low income consumers afford access to the 21st Century’s vital communications network: the Internet. Since 1985, Lifeline has helped... READ MORE
2016 NaLA Conference Tickets Now Available!
Tickets for the 2016 NaLA Spring Conference are now available! Remember, early registration discounts end on March 14th! Full price tickets begin on March 15th. Late registration fees apply for any tickets purchased on or after April 15th. March 15th, 2016 – Regular Registration Prices Begin April 15th, 2016 – Late Registration Prices Begin SAVE $100 AND REGISTER TODAY!... READ MORE
2016 NaLA Conference Update
Hello NaLA Members! Welcome to 2016, a new year for everyone and a particular new year for NaLA. The White House is up for grabs, new legislation is around the corner, and advances in technology create meaningful impacts on our margins – we will have plenty to talk about at this year’s conference! Our event... READ MORE
Business Misconceptions and the NPRM
Every American should have access to essential communication services, and in today’s world, that includes Broadband service. The Lifeline framework can, and should, be a critical tool to help make that idea a reality. In its recently released Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Order of Reconsideration, Second Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and... READ MORE
NaLA Spring Conference Agenda
Here is a preliminary agenda for next month's Spring Conference. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there! Make sure you make your hotel reservations ASAP. We will continue to update this agenda as we get closer to the event. A PDF version of the agenda is available here: PDF Version of Agenda READ MORE
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
The Truth About Lifeline & “Obama Phones”
Myth # 1 – Lifeline & “Obama Phones” are free phones paid for by the government via taxpayersTruth: Telecommunications companies provide funds for the Lifeline program via required FCC Universal Service Fees which are sometimes passed on to consumers via their phone bill. It is usually a small amount of money and not all telecommunications companies…
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