John Heitmann Presents “Lifeline in Washington: Capitol Hill and NPRM Update”
About Lifeline in Washington: Capitol Hill and NPRM Update: This NaLA Talk focused on the recent Lifeline activity on Capitol Hill, with a specific focus on the recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and the appeals targeting the wireless reseller ban. Additional topics included the National Verifier, the current political climate, and the proposed Lifeline budget.... READ MORE
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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CTIA Opposes FCC Lifeline Changes Banning Wireless Resellers
About CTIA: CTIA® represents the U.S. wireless communications industry and the companies throughout the mobile ecosystem that enable Americans to lead a 21st century connected life. The association’s members include wireless carriers, device manufacturers, suppliers as well as apps and content companies. CTIA vigorously advocates at all levels of government for policies that…
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Sprint Opposes Lifeline Wireless Reseller Ban
Postponing of Lifeline Program Eligibility Verifier (National Verifier) In addition to concerns about the ban of wireless resellers in Lifeline, Sprint also asserts in the letter to the FCC that the National Verifier is a crucial part of reducing waste, fraud, and abuse within the program – and should be the most important focus 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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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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