FCC

Lifeline Minimum Service Standards Increase Effective December 1, 2018

December 1, 2018 – New Lifeline minimum service standards are in effect today, as stated in the FCC’s 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order. The Order (FCC 16-38) aimed to modernize Lifeline to support broadband and establish an automatic update to the Lifeline minimum service standard for mobile voice service through November 30, 2018. Newly Effective Lifeline…

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NaLA Supports Q Link Waiver Petition Urging FCC to Accept Submissions for Lifeline Eligibility Pending Fully Functional API

Comments Filed November 23 in Support of Q Link National Verifier Waiver Request Following the November 1 petition by Q Link Wireless, LLC, the National Lifeline Association (NaLA) filed comments supporting the Q Link Waiver Petition, which requests Lifeline eligibility submissions to the National Verifier. Q Link Waiver Petition to FCC on National Verifier Q…

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1.3 Million Veterans Lifeline Service Could be Affected by FCC Proposed Changes

The Washington Times published an op-ed regarding how Veterans Lifeline service could be affected by FCC-proposed changes. Lifeline service is offered through the Lifeline Program, which connects low-income Americans to affordable telephony and broadband services for the purposes of health care, education and employment.  The op-ed echoes TracFone, Sprint, AARP and other groups who have stood…

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NaLA’s 2017 FCC Proposal Appeal Lands in DC for Oral Argument

On October 25, 2018, oral argument was held before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in the National Lifeline Association’s appeal of the FCC’s December 2017 proposal to ban resellers from the Tribal Lifeline program and to limit the program to rural areas. NaLA’s Case for Appealing the 2017 FCC…

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NaLA Comments on FCC Connected Care Pilot Program Notice of Inquiry

The National Lifeline Association (NaLA) filed a response to a recent Notice of Inquiry (NOI) regarding the Connected Care Pilot Program, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) telehealth program that seeks to assist low-income Americans. FCC Promoting Telehealth for Low-Income Consumers The Connected Care Pilot Program is part of an FCC telehealth initiative and would seek…

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NaLA Files Comment on TracFone Emergency Petition Requesting National Verifier Delay

September 12, 2018 – The National Lifeline Association (NaLA) filed comments supporting the recent TracFone emergency petition requesting alterations to the Lifeline National Verifier by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), administrator of the Lifeline Program. TracFone Emergency Petition Requests FCC Delay USAC National Verifier Launch The emergency petition from TracFone urges the Federal Communications Commission…

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National Lifeline Association Comments In Support of Q Link’s Emergency Petition for API Interfaces

The National Lifeline Association (NaLA) commented on Q Link’s emergency petition for an order directing the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to provide API Interfaces for the National Verifier. Q Link defends the need for APIs because they are critical for the Lifeline consumer enrollment process. The use of APIs would make the application process…

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FCC Lifeline Reform Detrimental to Lifeline Subscribers

On May 22, 2018, National Lifeline Association (NaLA)  met with legal advisors to Chairman Pai and Commissioners Carr, O’Rielly, and Rosenworcel to discuss proposed changes to the Lifeline program. NaLA representatives Kim Lehrman, Jose Cortes, Chuck Campbell, John Heitmann and Joshua Guyan raised concerns regarding the proposed ban on wireless resellers. The proposed FCC changes…

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LOBBYING UPDATE: NaLA Members Steve Klein and Jose Cortes Meet FCC Chairman Ajit Pai

NaLA will not let any opportunity slip away without fighting for everyone in America to have access to essential communications services. On Friday, with the help of Florida Congressman, Gus Bilirakis, NaLA members Steve Klein and Jose Cortes were able to meet FCC Chairman Ajit Pai during his tour of the Southeast. During this conversation,…

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FCC Commissioner, Mignon Clyburn is Stepping Down After 8 Years

“I’ve done all I can do. And it’s time for me to serve in another way,” Clyburn said during the FCC meeting. After eight-years of fighting for minority communities and low-income families, the Obama nominee will be stepping down from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) next month. Clyburn has been an active voice for helping…

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