Minimum Service Standard Proposal by FCC Threatens Low Income Access to Wireless Connectivity
FCC Releases Statement on Plans for December 2020 Minimum Service Standard Increase Last week, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai released a statement regarding changes to minimum service standards within the Lifeline program. “Starting Dec. 1, Lifeline’s mobile carriers will have to offer 4.5 GB of data each month, up from 3 GB,” Chairman Pai…
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Mignon Clyburn, Digital Divide is Widening for Low Income Americans
On March 20th, 2018, at the New School’s Digital Equity Laboratory, Commissioner Mignon Clyburn spoke about the digital divide and the need for every American, regardless of economic status, to have access to affordable high-speed internet. She talked about digital redlining, the Lifeline Program, the effects of not allowing consumer privacy for public usage, and…
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Congresswomen Eshoo and Clarke Oppose FCC Lifeline Changes
On Wednesday, March 21st Congresswomen Eshoo and Clarke Oppose FCC Lifeline Changes in a letter to FCC to Chairman, Ajit Pai, encouraging him to protect the Lifeline Program. Eshoo and Clarke Oppose FCC Lifeline Changes After a Recent Committee Vote Congresswomen Anna G. Eshoo and Yvette D. Clarke composed a letter following a recent meeting…
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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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NaLA to NARUC, on Resolution in Support of Wireless Resellers
NaLA released a press release earlier this week, thanking the NARUC on their resolution in support of reseller participation in the Lifeline Program. The resolution was in response to several FCC initiates that threaten to remove wireless resellers from providing Lifeline service to low-income American families in need of essential communication services. The consumer committee endorsed the…
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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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