Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers

More Lifeline Information:

Lifeline Fraud Tip Line: 1-855-4LL-TIPS (or 1-855-455-8477) or Lifeline@fcc.gov. Please provide as much detail as possible, including your name and contact information and the company you are using to receive Lifeline-supported phone service.

Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.

The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). USAC is responsible for data collection and maintenance, support calculation, and disbursement for the low-income program. USAC’s website provides information regarding administrative aspects of the low-income program, as well as program requirements.

On March 31, 2016, the Commission adopted a comprehensive reform and modernization of the Lifeline program. In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the Commission included broadband as a support service in the Lifeline program. The Commission also set out minimum service standards for Lifeline-supported services to ensure maximum value for the universal service dollar, and established a National Eligibility Verifier to make independent subscriber eligibility determinations.

Below are highlights of the reforms made in the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order:

Minimum Service Standards & Support Amounts

Date	Mobile Voice	Mobile Broadband	Fixed Broadband	Voice Support Amount (Per Month)	Broadband Support Amount (Per Month)
December 1, 2016*	500 Minutes	Speed: 3G Usage Allowance: 500 MB	Speed: 10/1*** Usage Allowance: 150 GB	$9.25	$9.25
December 1, 2017	750 Minutes	Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination Usage Allowance: 1 GB	Speed: Updating Mechanism Usage Allowance: CAF Standard or Bureau Determination	$9.25	$9.25
December 1, 2018	1000 Minutes	Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination Usage Allowance: 2 GB	Speed: Mechanism Usage Allowance: CAF Standard or Bureau Determination	$9.25	$9.25
December 1, 2019	1000 Minutes	Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination Usage Allowance: Updating Mechanism	Speed: Mechanism Usage Allowance: CAF Standard or Bureau Determination	$7.25	$9.25
December 1, 2020	1000 Minutes	Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination Usage Allowance: Updating Mechanism	Speed: Mechanism Usage Allowance: CAF Standard or Bureau Determination	$5.25	$9.25
December 1, 2021	1000 Minutes**	Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination Usage Allowance: Updating Mechanism	Speed: Mechanism Usage Allowance: CAF Standard or Bureau Determination	$0**	$9.25

* Minimum service standards and support amounts will be implemented on the later of December 1, 2016 or 60 days after PRA approval.
** Continued voice support of $5.25 per month in areas with only one Lifeline provider.
*** Fixed broadband providers that do not offer a product meeting the minimum service standards to a particular customer’s residence may receive the $9.25 benefit if that customer purchases a fixed broadband offering that meets or exceeds 4 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload.

Lifeline Providers

Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Designations

Lifeline providers must still be ETCs
FCC preempts states from designating Lifeline Broadband Provider (LBP) ETCs, which are designated by the FCC
States’ continuing role:
- Develop and manage state programs, if applicable
- Designate non-LBP ETCs, where states have jurisdiction
- General consumer protection and oversight of providers participating in Lifeline, if applicable

More information about ETC requirements available here

Lifeline Broadband Provider Designation Process

Type of Provider	LBP Designation Process
Carrier serves 1,000+ non-Lifeline voice and/or broadband customers, and has offered broadband for at least 2 years	Petition deemed granted in 60 days, if the Commission has not removed it from streamlined treatment
Tribally-owned and –controlled facilities-based provider offering service on Tribal lands	Petition deemed granted in 60 days, if the Commission has not removed it from streamlined treatment
All other providers	Bureau will act within 6 months of a completed filing

ETC Obligations

Lifeline-only ETCs
- Can receive support for voice and BIAS
- Can use forbearance from obligation to offer BIAS
ETCs that are not Lifeline-only (High-Cost recipients)
- Can receive support for voice and BIAS
- Can use forbearance from obligation to offer BIAS, except where they commercially offer BIAS pursuant to high-cost obligations
  - More information regarding high-cost recipients’ Lifeline-supported BIAS obligations are available here.
- Not required to offer Lifeline voice where:
  - 51% of Lifeline subscribers in a county obtain Lifeline BIAS (NLAD and Opt-out date);
  - There are at least 3 other Lifeline BIAS providers that each serve at least 5% of the Lifeline BIAS subscribers in that county (NLAD and Opt-out data); and
  - The ETC does not receive high-cost support in that area
Lifeline Broadband Providers
- Can receive support for BIAS
- Must offer service throughout designated service area (DSA)

Relinquishing an ETC Designation

LBPs: Notice of relinquishment deemed granted after 60 days, unless Wireline Competition Bureau removes it from streamlined treatment
Other ETCs: Process is unchanged

National Verifier

Budget

Devices

Devices

The Order promotes access to Wi-Fi enabled devices and hotspot functionality to help close the homework gap
All providers who choose to provide devices to their consumers must provide devices that are Wi-Fi enabled by December 1, 2016.
Providers who choose to provide devices to their consumers must offer devices that are equipped with hotspot functionality, in accordance with the following transition period:

Date	Hotspot Requirement
December 1, 2016 (or 60 days from PRA approval, whichever is later)	At least 1 device
December 1, 2017	15% of offered devices
December 1, 2018	20%
December 1, 2019	25%
December 1, 2020	35%
December 1, 2021	45%
December 1, 2022	55%
December 1, 2023	65%
December 1, 2024	75%

Eligibility

Eligibility

Status	Type of Eligibility
Kept	Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Medicaid Federal Public Housing Assistance Tribal-specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Head Start Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Added	Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs
Removed	National School Lunch Program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program State-created criteria

Effective December 1, 2016 for new subscribers

Effective for existing subscribers’ first rolling recertification date

Federal rules prohibit eligible low-income consumers from receiving more than one Lifeline discount per household. An eligible consumer may receive a discount on either a wireline or wireless service, but not both. A consumer whose household currently is receiving more than one Lifeline service must select a single Lifeline provider and contact the other provider to de-enroll from their program. Consumers violating this rule may also be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties.

Timeline

Daily Releases

2017

2016

12/9/2016
Lifeline Denial Order: The Wireline Competition Bureau denies without prejudice the pending Lifeline petitions seeking designation as a Lifeline-only eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) and the pending compliance plan approval requests listed in the attached Appendices.
Word PDF
12/1/2016
Draft National Verifier Plan Public Notice: WCB announces the submission of the draft national verifier plan by USAC pursuant to the Lifeline Modernization Order and provides information on submitting comments to USAC.
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12/1/2016
Lifeline Modernization Limited Waiver Order: WCB granted in part and denied in part 10 petitions for waiver of the Dec. 2, 2016, effective date of rules adopted in the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, including the Commission's Lifeline eligibility rules and port freeze rules.
Word PDF
12/1/2016
Lifeline Broadband Provider Designation Order: WCB conditionally designates Spot On Networks, Boomerang Wireless, KonaTel Inc., and FreedomPop as LBPs.
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11/22/2016
Lifeline Modernization Order Forbearance Public Notice: WCB provide guidance regarding filing procedures for ETCs seeking to invoke forbearance granted by the Lifeline Modernization Order.
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11/8/2016
TerraCom Amended Compliance Plan Public Notice: WCB approves the amended compliance plan of TerraCom filed pursuant to the 2014 Public Notice Regarding Transfers and the 2012 Lifeline Reform Order, as a condition of TerraCom continuing to provide Lifeline service under new ownership.
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10/27/2016
Guidance on New Lifeline Rolling Recertification Process Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Provides Guidance on Rolling Recertification Pursuant to Lifeline Modernization Order.
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10/20/2016
Allied Relinquishment Order: WCB approves a request filed by Allied Wireless Communications Corporation (AWCC) to relinquish its eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) designation in the state of North Carolina, effective October 19, 2016.
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10/6/2016
USTelecom Waiver Petition Public Notice: Seeks comment from states and territories, along with other interested parties, on a petition for a limited waiver filed by the United States Telecom Association for Commission rules adopted in the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order.
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10/3/2016
Lifeline Effective Dates Public Notice: Announces effective dates following OMB approval of Lifeline Rules.
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9/30/2016
Lifeline Broadband Providers Guidance Public Notice: Provides guidance to entities seeking designation as Lifeline Broadband Providers (LBPs) for the purpose of receiving reimbursement through the Lifeline program for qualifying broadband Internet access service (BIAS) provided to eligible low-income consumers.
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8/10/2016
Global Connection and Phone Club Corp. Compliance Plan Public Notice: Approves the wireline compliance plans of Global Connection, Inc. of America and Phone Club Corporation.
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6/22/2016
Total Call Mobile Order: Directs USAC to issue a temporary hold of payments to Total Call Mobile, LLC relating to its requests for Lifeline reimbursements from the Universal Service Fund.
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5/18/2016
Lifeline ETC Applications Public Notice: : Seeks an affirmation from any carrier with a currently pending Lifeline compliance plan request or petition for designation as a Lifeline-only ETC that the carrier remains interested in having the Bureau review its application.
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4/27/2016
Lifeline Reform Order: Adopts significant reforms to encourage more Lifeline providers to deliver supported broadband services and transition the program from primarily supporting voice services to targeting support at modern broadband services.
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Wheeler Statement: Word PDF
Clyburn Statement: Word PDF
Rosenworcel Statement: Word PDF
Pai Statement: Word PDF
O'Rielly Statement: Word PDF
4/1/2016
Lifeline Recertification Public Notice: Provides guidance regarding the process for ETCs to elect USAC to perform Lifeline recertification for their subscribers in 2016.
Word PDF
2/2/2016
Oklahoma Map Implementation Order: Extends the transition period before the effective date of the Commission's interpretation of the term "former reservations in Oklahoma," as used within section 54.400(e) of the Commission's rules, for 120 days, until June 8, 2016.
Word PDF
1/15/2016
Lifeline OMB Rules Public Notice: Announces effective dates of Lifeline rules following approval by the Office of Management and Budget.
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2015

2014

12/2/2014
FCC Form 555 Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Opens New Docket for the Filing of Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certifications, FCC Form 555.
Word PDF
11/26/2014
Conexions Compliance Plan Denial Order: Declines to approve the compliance plan filed by Conexions, LLC d/b/a Conexion Wireless for failure to demonstrate that it will provide service in compliance with the Commission’s rules, under the Lifeline program.
Word PDF
11/26/2014
Blue Wireless & SI Wireless Lifeline Designation Order: Conditionally designates Buffalo-Lake Erie Wireless Systems Co., L.L.C. d/b/a Blue Wireless and SI Wireless, LLC, as limited ETCs under the Lifeline program.
Word PDF
11/25/2014
AT&T ETC Relinquishment Order: Approved request by AT&T Services, Inc. to relinquish its affiliatess eligible telecommunications carrier designation in Virginia, in study area code 199009.
Word PDF
11/25/2014
T-Mobile ETC Relinquishment Order: Approved request by T-Mobile USA, Inc. to relinquish its eligible telecommunications carrier designations in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and the District of Columbia.
Word PDF
11/25/2014
Lifeline Petitions for Waiver and Reconsideration Order: Granted four petitions for waiver of the Commission's rules, and dismissed as moot one petition for reconsideration of the deadline for broadband pilot applications, related to the universal service Lifeline program.
Word PDF
11/25/2014
AT&T Cricket ETC Relinquishment Order: Approved request by AT&T Services, Inc. to relinquish its affiliate?s eligible telecommunications carrier designations in New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Word PDF
11/7/2014
TracFone 911 Fee Public Notice: Seeks comment on TracFone Wireless, Inc. emergency petition for declaratory ruling confirming that state laws and regulations that impose 911 taxes and fees on low-income Lifeline customers who receive no-charge wireless Lifeline service funded exclusively by the federal Universal Service Fund violate federal law.
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11/3/2014
TracFone Texting Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Comment on TracFone’s Petition for Rulemaking and Interim Relief to Amend the Lifeline Usage Rules.
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9/25/2014
Lifeline NLAD Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Reminds Eligible Telecommunications Carriers of NLAD Processes Regarding Benefit Transfers, Exceptions Management and Dispute Resolution.
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8/25/2014
NLAD Track 2 Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Takes Additional Steps To Eliminate Duplicative Claims For Lifeline Support.
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7/24/2014
Compliance Plan Transfer Public Notice: Wireline Competition Bureau Reminds Carriers of Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Designation and Compliance Plan Approval Requirements for Receipt of Federal Lifeline Universal Service Support.
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6/25/2014
SBI Public Notice: Seeking comment on Smith Bagley, Inc. petition for a partial-waiver from the sampling procedures contained within the Lifeline Biennial Audit Plan.
Word PDF
6/6/2014
USTelecom Lifeline Waiver Order: Granted a petition for waiver filed by the United States Telecom Association, as well as petitions for waiver from individual state commissions and a state carrier association, regarding certain rules of the Lifeline universal service support program.
Word PDF
4/2/2014
Lifeline Biennial Audit Plan Public Notice: : Announces release of the final Lifeline Biennial Audit Plan, as directed in the Lifeline Reform Order.
Word PDF Table 1 Table 2 Table 3
3/5/2014
USAC Recertification Public Notice: : Provides guidance to ETCs regarding the process to elect the Universal Service Administrative Company to perform the recertification of ETCs’ lifeline subscribers in 2014.
Word PDF
2/18/2014
NTUA Wireless, Inc. ETC Designation Order: : Conditionally designated NTUA Wireless as an ETC on the Navajo Nation for areas in which eligible for support in Tribal Mobility Fund Phase I (TMF I); otherwise designated it as eligible for Lifeline-only support on Navajo Nation where not receiving TMF I.
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1/31/2014
TracFone Petition for Waiver Public Notice: Seeks comment on TracFone’s petition for waiver of certain Lifeline rules prohibiting the retention of eligibility documentation.
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1/14/2014
National Lifeline Accountability Database Public Notice: The Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Duty to Query the National Lifeline Accountability Database.
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2013

National Lifeline Accountability Database Order: 11/21/2013
Sought comment on waiving certain Lifeline universal service program rules for the benefit of those individuals participating in state-administered Address Confidentiality Programs.
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National Lifeline Accountability Database Public Notice: 10/23/2013
Announced that the NLAD will begin accepting subscriber information in December 2013 and reminded ETCs that they must scrub their subscriber lists for duplicative support using whatever information is available to them.
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Lifeline Biennial Audit Plan Public Notice: 9/30/2013
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Lifeline Biennial Audit Plan.
Word PDF
Sage Telecom, Blue Wireless and I-Wireless Public Notice: 9/16/2013
WCB seeks comment on petitions filed by Sage Telecom Communications, LLC, Buffalo-Lake Erie Wireless Systems Co., LLC d/b/a Blue Wireless, and i-wireless, LLC for limited designation as an ETC for the provision of Lifeline service.
Word PDF
Lifeline Track 2 Letter: 9/11/2013
Directed the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to conduct a pilot program in Michigan to determine the best process for resolving Lifeline inter-company household duplicates.
Word PDF
Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Certification Form Public Notice: 9/6/2013
Sought comment on proposed revisions to the Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Certification Form (FCC Form 555) and accompanying instructions.
Word PDF
US Telecom Lifeline Limited Waiver Order: 8/30/2013
WCB grants in part certain states’ requests for waiver of particular Commission Lifeline rules, to allow more time for those states to implement a process to come into full compliance with the subject requirements.
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Time Warner Cable Public Notice: 8/7/2013
WCB seeks comment on a petition filed by Time Warner Cable Information Services (Maine), LLC for designation as an ETC in Maine for the limited purpose of providing wireless services supported by the universal service fund’s Lifeline program.
Word PDF
Eligible Telecommunications Carriers Annual Report Public Notice: 8/6/2013
Announces deadline of October 15 for ETC annual reports and deadline of December 16 for states and ETCs to file annual use certifications.
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California Public Utilities Commission Order: 8/1/2013
Granted California Public Utilities Commission petition seeking to extend the deadline by which it is required to incorporate a third party identification verification system into its process to detect and eliminate duplicative Lifeline support.
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Lifeline Reform 2.0 Coalition Public Notice: 7/15/2013
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition for rulemaking filed by the Lifeline Reform 2.0 Coalition.
Word PDF
American Broadband and Telecommunications Company Public Notice: 7/2/2013
Seeks comment on petition for ETC designation filed by American Broadband and Telecommunications Company.
Word PDF
Lifeline Eligibility Verification Order: 6/25/2013
Wireline Competition Bureau Order on verification of eligibility for Lifeline service.
Word PDF
Lifeline Enforcement Advisory: 6/25/2013
FCC Takes Steps To Ensure Compliance With Lifeline Rules.
Word PDF
Lifeline Recertification Public Notice: 5/22/2013
The Wireline Competition Bureau provides guidance regarding the 2013 Lifeline recertification process.
Word PDF
TracFone Petition on Handsets Public Notice: 5/16/2013
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition for rulemaking filed by TracFone Wireless, Inc.
Word PDF
Lifeline Recertification Public Notice: 4/25/2013
The Wireline Competition Bureau hereby announces the results of the 2012 Lifeline annual recertification process.
Word PDF
Service Area Redefinition Forbearance Order: 4/15/2013
Grants limited forbearance to Lifeline-only eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) from requirements of the Communications Act and the Commission’s rules that the service area of an ETC conform to the service area of any rural telephone company serving the same area.
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Public Utility Commission of Oregon & Oregon Telecommunications Association Order: 4/1/2013
Wireline Competition Bureau grants petition filed by the Public Utility Commission of Oregon and the Oregon Telecommunications Association seeking extension of a temporary waiver of the Lifeline uniform eligibility criteria.
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Quiet Period Public Notice: 3/7/2013
Quiet Period for the Virgin Mobile USA, L.P, Cox Communications, Inc., Time Warner Cable, Inc., i-wireless LLC, Q Link Wireless, LLC and Global Connection Inc. of America Forbearance Petitions.
Word PDF
Amerimex Communications Corp. and i-wireless LLC Public Notice: 3/7/2013
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Amerimex Communications Corp. for limited designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier for the provision of Lifeline service and a request filed by i-wireless LLC to amend its designated service area as a low-income ETC.
Word PDF
California Public Utility Commission Order: 3/4/2013
Conditionally grants the certification of the California Public Utilities Commission to opt out of the National Lifeline Accountability Database.
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Vermont Department of Public Service Order: 2/15/2013
Conditionally granting the certification of the Vermont Department of Public Service to opt out of the National Lifeline Accountability Database.
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Utah PSC Waiver Order: 2/8/2013
Granting limited, temporary waiver from sections 54.410(f) and 54.416(b) of the Commission’s rules, and the deadlines established in paragraphs 130-32 of the Lifeline Reform Order, to the Utah PSC and wireline Eligible Telecommunications Carriers in the State of Utah.
Word PDF
Lifeline Year-End Savings Report Public Notice: 1/31/2013
The Bureau reports that the Commission exceeded its $200 million savings target goal, generating over $213 million in savings to the Universal Service Fund in 2012 compared to projected distributions to Eligible Telecommunications Carriers in the absence of reform.
Word PDF
PRTC Temporary Waiver Order: 1/25/2013
WCB grants a limited waiver from sections 54.405(e)(4) and 54.410(f) of the Commission’s rules and the 2012 recertification requirement set forth in the Lifeline Reform Order to Puerto Rico Telephone Company (PRTC) for subscribers who did not complete the recertification process by December 31, 2012.
Word PDF

2012

GCI/USVI Lifeline Recertification Waiver/Extension Order: 12/27/2012
WCB waives the requirement that GCI recertify a limited number of Lifeline subscribers and provides a 30-day extension to the Virgin Islands Telephone Company to complete the Lifeline recertification process in the US Virgin Islands.
Word PDF
Compliance Plan Approval Public Notice: 12/26/2012
WCB approves Compliance Plans of AirVoice Wireless, LLC, AmeriMex Communications Corp., Blue Jay Wireless, LLC, Millennium 2000, Inc., PlatinumTel Communications, LLC, Nexus Communications, Inc., Sage Telecom, Inc., Telrite Corporation, and Telscape Wireless.
Word PDF
United States Telecom Association Order: 12/21/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) grants several petitions for a limited waiver of sections 54.407(d), 54.410(b)(2)(ii), 54.410(c)(2)(ii) and 54.410(e) similar to that previously granted by the WCB to allow more time for those states to implement a process to share consumer eligibility certifications with Eligible Telecommunications Carriers.
Word PDF
Now Comm, Zing PCS, LTS, Odin Wireless TX Mobile Public Notice: 12/20/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on petitions for designation as a low-income eligible telecommunications carrier filed by Now Comm, Zing PCS, LTS, Odin Wireless, and TX Mobile.
Word PDF
Broadband Pilot Order: 12/19/2012
Using a competitive selection process, the Wireline Competition Bureau has chosen the highest quality pilot projects that will provide data about and rigorous analysis of approaches to increasing broadband adoption and retention among low-income consumers.
Word PDF
Virgin Mobile USA, L.P. Petition for Forbearance Order: 12/18/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau extends by 90 days the date by which Virgin Mobile’s forbearance petition shall be deemed granted in the absence of a Commission decision.
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Virgin Mobile USA, L.P. Petition for Forbearance Order: 12/18/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau extends by 90 days the date by which Virgin Mobile’s forbearance petition shall be deemed granted in the absence of a Commission decision.
Word PDF
Virgin Island Telephone's Petition for Clarification and Waiver Public Notice: 12/11/2012
The Bureau seeks comment on a petition for clarification and waiver of the Lifeline rules filed by Virgin Islands Telephone Corp., Inc. D/B/A Innovative Telephone (Innovative).
Word PDF
Duplicates Database Opt-Out Public Notice: 12/10/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on state certifications to opt-out of the National Lifeline Accountability Database (national database) filed by California, Texas, Vermont, Oregon and Puerto Rico.
Word PDF
Lifeline ETC Recertification Waiver Order: 11/30/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau grants a limited waiver of the Lifeline re-certification rules for i-wireless, PR Wireless and TracFone, and extends the deadline for re-certification for SBI and Verizon.
Word PDF
Time Warner Cable Forbearance Public Notice: 11/30/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Time Warner’s petition for forbearance from the service area definition requirement for the limited purpose of participating in the Lifeline program.
Word PDF
Lightyear Recertification Public Notice: 11/13/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Lightyear seeking waiver from the Lifeline recertification requirement.
Word PDF
Budget PrePay Recertification Public Notice: 11/2/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Budget PrePay seeking waiver from the Lifeline recertification requirement.
Word PDF
Free Mobile, Inc,. ICON Telecom, Inc. and NewPhone Wireless, L.L.C. Public Notice: 10/25/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on ETC Designation Petitions filed by ICON, Free Mobile and NewPhone.
Word PDF
General Communications, Inc. (GCI) Annual Recertification Clarification Public Notice: 10/23/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by General Communication, Inc. (GCI) requesting clarification of the requirement that an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) recertify the eligibility of its Lifeline subscribers on an annual basis.
Word PDF
Cricket Communications, Inc. Recertification Requirements Public Notice: 10/22/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Cricket seeking waiver from the Lifeline recertification requirement.
Word PDF
Annual Recertification Public Notice: 10/11/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau reminds Eligible Telecommunications Carriers and state administrators that the eligibility of the base of their subscribers as of June 1, 2012 must be recertified by December 31, 2012 and provides guidance on the process for recertification.
Word PDF
Elimination of Duplicate Support Public Notice: 10/11/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau provides guidance to Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) and state administrators regarding compliance with the one-per-household rule adopted in the Lifeline Reform Order and reminds ETCs of their ongoing duty to prevent and eliminate duplicative support.
Word PDF
State Database Opt-Out Public Notice: 10/11/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau provides guidance to states regarding the process of opting out of the National Lifeline Accountability Database established in the Lifeline Reform Order.
Word PDF
Sprint Nextel, Affordable Phone Service and Absolute Home Phone Public Notice: 9/21/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on petitions filed by Sprint Nextel Corporation, Affordable Phone Services, Inc., and Absolute Home Phones, Inc., requesting waivers of section 54.410(f) of the Commission’s rules requiring eligible telecommunications carriers to annually recertify the eligibility of their Lifeline subscribers.
Word PDF
Cox Communications, Inc. Public Notice: 8/27/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed on August 14, 2012 by Cox Communications, Inc. (Cox). Cox seeks forbearance from enforcing section 214(e)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and section 54.207 of the Commission’s rules in connection with pending and future Cox applications for limited designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier to participate in the Lifeline program.
Word PDF
PR Wireless Public Notice: 8/20/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on a petition filed by PR Wireless, Inc. d/b/a/ Open Mobile (PR Wireless) requesting a waiver of the recertification requirement in the Lifeline Reform Order for subscribers enrolled between January 1, 2012 and June 1, 2012. Specifically, PR Wireless argues that its subscribers enrolled between January, 1, 2012 and June 1, 2012 have already demonstrated eligibility, viewed disclosures and made certifications as part of the process in Puerto Rico and that these disclosures and certifications meet nearly all of the requirements of sections 54.410(d) and (f). PR Wireless asserts that subscriber confusion and attrition will result if its waiver request is not granted.
Word PDF
Airvoice Wireless Public Notice: 8/16/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on ETC Petition filed by Airvoice Wireless.
Word PDF
ETC Designation of T-Mobile and NTCH Order: 8/16/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau conditionally granted petitions of T-Mobile USA, Inc. and NTCH, Inc. for designation as ETCs.
Word PDF
SI Wireless Public Notice: 8/10/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on an ETC Designation Petition filed by SI Wireless for the provision of Lifeline service in Tennessee.
Word PDF
TracFone, Smith Bagley and I-Wireless Public Notice: 8/10/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on petitions filed by TracFone, Smith Bagley and i-wireless seeking declaratory ruling or waiver from the recertification requirement for Lifeline in the Commission’s rules.
Word PDF
Birch Communications, Boomerang Wireless, IM Telecom, Q Link Wireless and Tag Mobile Public Notice: 8/8/2012
In this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau approves compliance plans for participation in the Lifeline program by Birch Communications, Boomerang Wireless, IM Telecom, Q Link Wireless, and TAG Mobile.
Word PDF
Utphone Public Notice: 8/8/2012
In this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on UTPhone Inc.’s petition for waiver of the Commission’s Link Up rules.
Word PDF
Tracfone Public Notice: 8/7/2012
In this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request to include the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in the list of programs which qualify households for Lifeline under the Commission’s rules.
Word PDF
Lifeline Program Savings Public Notice: 7/31/2012
In this report, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) provides an update on the implementation of the major reforms adopted by the Commission in the Lifeline Reform Order and the progress made towards the Commission’s $200 million savings target for 2012. The Bureau estimates that the reforms have already generated approximately $42.75 million in savings to the Universal Service Fund (Fund) thus far in 2012 compared to what would have been distributed to Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) in the absence of reform. These savings were generated by continuing in-depth data validations (IDVs) to check for and eliminate duplicative Lifeline support, eliminating Link Up support on non-Tribal lands and on Tribal lands for Lifeline-only ETCs, and capping support for Toll Limitation Service (TLS). Based on these savings and anticipated savings in the second half of the year, the Bureau anticipates the reforms will yield at least $200 million in savings to the Fund for 2012.
Word PDF
Birch, Blue Jay, EZ Reach, Linkup Telecom, Tele Circuit Network and You Talk Mobile Public Notice: 7/11/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on petitions filed by Birch, Blue Jay Wireless, EZ Reach Mobile, Linkup Telecom, Tele Circuit Network Corporation and You Talk Mobile-Federal for designation as eligible telecommunications carriers.
Word PDF
TracFone Public Notice: 7/9/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed on May 30, 2012 by TracFone Wireless (TracFone) to require eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) to retain documentation of program-based eligibility. In its petition, TracFone requests that the Commission require all ETCs to retain a copy of the underlying documentation used to determine program-based Lifeline eligibility for at least three years following receipt of such documentation. TracFone states that the recently-adopted rule, 47 C.F.R § 54.410(c)(1)(i)(B), which requires ETCs to review subscriber documentation prior to enrollment, does not sufficiently protect against waste, fraud, and abuse.
Word PDF
Hopi Telecommunications, Inc., Order: 6/29/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau grants a request for a limited extension of time to Hopi Telecommunications, Inc. to submit an application to participate in the Commission's broadband adoption pilot program for low-income consumers.
Word PDF
District of Columbia PSC Waiver Order: 6/20/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau releases an order granting a petition filed by the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DC PSC) on behalf of itself and the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) for waiver from 47 C.F.R. § 54.410(d) of the Commission’s rules adopted in the Lifeline Reform Order.
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i-wireless, LLC Order: 6/12/2012
In this Order, the Wireline Competition Bureau conditionally grants the Amended i-wireless ETC Petition and the Amended Cricket ETC Petition for the purpose of providing Lifeline services in certain states.
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The Compliance Plan of NTCH, Inc. Public Notice: 6/11/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau approves the compliance plan for participation in the Lifeline program of NTCH, Inc. NTCH, a facilities based carrier, was conditionally granted forbearance from the service area redefinition requirement.
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Lifeline Waiver Order: 5/31/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau releases an order granting in part and denying in part four separate petitions filed by US Telecom, California, Oregon and Colorado seeking permanent or temporary waiver of the various rules adopted in the Lifeline Reform Order.
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American Broadband & Telecom., Budget Prepay, Consumer Cellular, Global Connection, Terracom and Total Call Public Notice: 5/25/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau approves compliance plans for participation in the Lifeline program by American Broadband & Telecommunications, Budget PrePay, Consumer Cellular, Global Connection, Inc. of America, TerraCom and Total Call.
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USF/ICC Transformation Third Order on Reconsideration: 5/14/2012
The Commission reconsiders and clarifies certain aspect of the USF/ICC Transformation Order in response to various petitions for reconsideration and/or clarification. The Commission addresses certain aspects of ETC reporting obligations, support adjustments for carriers with artificially low local rates, and issues related to support for carriers serving Alaska. The Commission also denies two requests related to intercarrier compensation.
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Public Notice Seeking Comment on California Public Utilities Commission: 5/4/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau releases a Public Notice seeking comment on a petition filed by the California Public Utilities Commission seeking a waiver from Section 54.410 of the rules adopted in the Lifeline Reform Order.
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Webinar Public Notice: 5/4/2012
On May 14, 2012, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) will hold a webinar to discuss the Broadband Adoption Lifeline Pilot Program. The Bureau encourages virtual participation and will take questions from remote participants. The Webinar will feature short presentations by three experts who specialize in project design of field experiments, and a discussion by the experts on designing pilot projects for the Broadband Adoption Pilot Program. In addition, staff from the Bureau will be available to answer questions regarding the application procedures for entities interested in filing applications to participate in the Broadband Adoption Pilot Program. Applications are due July 2, 2012.
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Public Notice Seeking Comment On State Waiver Petitions: 5/4/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau releases a Public Notice seeking comment on petitions filed by state commissions seeking a waiver from the uniform eligibility criteria adopted in the Lifeline Reform Order.
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Public Notice Seeking Comment on USTelecom Petition for Waiver : 5/1/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau releases a Public Notice seeking comment on a petition filed by USTelecom seeking a temporary waiver of sections 54.407(d), 54.410(b)(2), 54.410(c)(2) adopted in the Lifeline Reform Order. Comments are due May 15, 2012.
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Public Notice Released Regarding Effective Dates of Certain Lifeline Rules Approved by OMB: 5/1/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau releases a Public Notice announcing the effective dates of certain rules established in the Lifeline Reform Order which were approved by the Office of Management and Budget.
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Lifeline Pilot Program Application Procedures and Deadline Public Notice: 4/30/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau released a Public Notice setting forth the application procedures and deadline of July 2, 2012, for applicants to submit proposed pilot projects for offering discounted broadband service.
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Q Link Wireless, Total Call Mobile and True Wireless Public Notice: 4/27/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on petitions for designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier filed by Q Link Wireless, Total Call Mobile and True Wireless.
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Opposition Dates Set for Lifeline Order Reconsideration Petitions Public Notice: 4/25/2012
On April 5, 2012, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau released a Public Notice listing petitions for reconsideration of the Commission’s Lifeline Reform Order. The Public Notice was subsequently published in the Federal Register and the Wireline Competition Bureau issues this Public Notice listing May 7, 2012 and May 15, 2012 as the dates in which parties must file oppositions and replies, respectively.
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T-Mobile, Kajeet, Tag Mobile, Telrite and Global Connection Public Notice: 4/10/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on petitions for designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier filed by T-Mobile, kajeet, Inc., TAG Mobile, Telrite Corp., and Global Connection, Inc. of America.
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Lifeline Reform Guidance Regarding the Effective Date Public Notice: 3/29/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau provides guidance regarding the effective date of the $9.25 flat rate on non-Tribal lands.
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USTelecom et al Public Notice: 3/9/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on a Petition for Waiver and Clarification of the Commission’s Lifeline Reform Order filed by the United State Telecom Association, the Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance, the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, the Organization For the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies, the Western Telecommunications Alliance, and the Eastern Rural Telecom Association (collectively “USTelecom et al.”) on March 9, 2012. Comments are due March 20, 2012.
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Comments and Comment Dates Established for Lifeline Public Notice: 3/6/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau sets the comment cycle for Lifeline Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, released Feb. 6, 2012.
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Guidance for the Submission of Compliance Plans Public Notice: 2/29/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau provides guidance on the compliance plans that must be submitted to the Bureau by carriers seeking to avail themselves of the Commission’s conditional grant of forbearance in the Lifeline Reform Order.
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TracFone Wireless, Inc Public Notice: 2/27/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on an Emergency Petition for Declaratory Ruling and Interim Relief filed by TracFone Wireless, Inc. (TracFone) on February 22, 2012. In its petition, TracFone states that it received a letter from the Puerto Rico Telecommunications Regulatory Board (Board), directing TracFone to de-enroll, as of March 1, 2012, certain Lifeline subscribers found by the Board to be receiving duplicative Lifeline benefits. TracFone notes that a second letter directed the company to de-enroll, as of April 1, 2012, certain Lifeline subscribers found by the Board to be receiving more than one Lifeline benefit per family unit. According to the petition, de-enrolled subscribers would be barred from re-enrolling in Lifeline for four months following their de-enrollment by the eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC). TracFone asserts that the Board’s process for resolving duplicative Lifeline subscriptions is inconsistent with Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, as well as the Commission’s Lifeline Reform Order.TracFone requests that the Commission issue an order concluding that the Board’s directives to TracFone and other ETCs are unlawful, and the Commission should preempt the Board’s duplicate resolution process.
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Cricket Communications, Inc. Order: 2/7/2012
In this Order, we approve a Compliance Plan submitted by Cricket Communications, Inc. (Cricket) for complying with conditions imposed in the Cricket Forbearance Order.
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Lifeline Reform Order: 2/6/2012
The Report and Order comprehensively reforms and begins to modernize the Universal Service Lifeline program. The Order substantially strengthens protections against waste, fraud and abuse and improves program administration and accountability. The Order includes a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on a number of program issues, including the establishment of an eligibility database and using universal service funds to support digital literacy.
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Virgin Mobile USA, L.P. Public Notice: 2/3/2012
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Virgin Mobile’s petition for Commission agreement with the Kansas State Corporation Commission for redefinition of the service areas of several rural telephone companies.
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USF/ICC Transformation Public Notice: 2/3/2012
On January 12, 2012, the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau released a Public Notice listing the 24 petitions for reconsideration of the Commission’s USF/ICC Transformation Order.
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Virgin Mobile USA, LP Public Notice: 1/23/2012
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Virgin Mobile’s petition for forbearance from the service area definition requirement for eligible telecommunications carriers for the limited purpose of participating in the Lifeline program.
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2011

Telispire Forbearance Withdrawal Order: 12/16/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau approves Telispire’s notice to withdraw its forbearance petition seeking facilities based forbearance on behalf of MVNOs.
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Chairman Genachowski Lifeline Letter: 12/12/2011
On December 12, 2011, Chairman Genachowski sent a letter to the Commissioners of each state public utilities / public service commission, urging them to join the FCC in reforming the Lifeline program by increasing their efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.
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Lifeline Duplicate Resolution Process Guidance Letter: 12/6/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau releases a guidance letter directing the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to issue a request for proposals (RFP) by January 16, 2012, to procure customer care functionalities for the Lifeline Duplicate Resolution Process so that it can continue with targeted IDVs in select states when directed by the Wireline Competition Bureau.
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Enforcement Advisory: 12/5/2011
On December 5, 2011, the Commission’s Enforcement Bureau issued an Enforcement Advisory reminding Lifeline telephone service providers of the prohibition in the Commission’s rules against signing up for Lifeline service any consumer who is already enrolled in the program.
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USF/ICC Transformation Public Notice: 12/2/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau provides notice that it is releasing data and maps relevant to the USF/ICC Transformation Proceeding.
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USF/ICC Transformation Order & FNPRM: 11/18/2011
In this order, the Commission comprehensively reforms and modernizes the universal service and intercarrier compensation systems to ensure that robust, affordable voice and broadband service, both fixed and mobile, are available to Americans throughout the nation.
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CAL Communications , Inc. Public Notice: 11/15/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a compliance plan by CAL Communications detailing the company's adherence to conditions imposed in the CAL Communications Forbearance Order for the provision of Lifeline service.
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PlatinumTel Communications, LLC Public Notice: 11/15/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a compliance plan filed by PlatinumTel detailing the company's adherence to conditions imposed in the PlatinumTel Forbearance Order for the provision of Lifeline service.
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Cintex Wireless, LLC Public Notice: 10/28/2011
WCB seeks comment Cintex Wireless, LLC's petition for limited ETC designation for the provision of Lifeline and Link Up support in Alabama,Connecticut,Delaware,District of Columbia,Florida,New Hampshire,New York,North Carolina, Tennessee and Virgina.
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NE Colorado Cellular, d/b/a Viaero Wireless Public Notice: 10/27/2011
Wireline Competition Bureau initiates a proceeding to consider a petition by NE Colorado Cellular, d/b/a Viaero Wireless seeking the Commission's agreement in redefining the service area of a rural telephone companies in Kansas.
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NTCH's Compliance Plan Public Notice: 10/25/2011
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a compliance plan filed by NTCH detailing the company’s adherence to conditions imposed in the NTCH Forbearance Order for the provision of Lifeline service.
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Recellular's Compliance Plan Public Notice: 10/25/2011
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a compliance plan filed by ReCellular detailing the company’s adherence to conditions imposed in the ReCellular Forbearance Order for the provision of Lifeline service.
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i-wireless, LLC Order: 10/21/2011
Wireline Competition Bureau approves i-wireless's Compliance Plan detailing the company's adherence to conditions imposed in i-wireless's Forbearance Order for the provision of Lifeline service.
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Low Income Program Disbursement Public Notice: 10/20/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau announced the publication in the Federal Register of the Bureau’s September 23, 2011 public notice seeking comment on a proposal for disbursing USF low income support based on actual claims as opposed to projected claims for support.
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Cricket Communications, Inc. Public Notice: 10/5/2011
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a compliance plan filed by Cricket Communications for implementation of conditions for forbearance from the service area conformance requirement.
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PlatinumTel, LLC Order: 9/23/2011
The Commission grants PlatinumTel, CAL Communications and ReCellular. forbearance from the facilities requirement of sec 214(e)(1)(A) of the Act and sec 54.201(d), (i) of the Commission’s rules for eligibility to be designated a limited ETC for Lifeline program.
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Low Income Disbursement Public Notice: 9/23/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a USAC proposal for disbursing USF low-income support based on ETC’s actual monthly support claims rather than projected monthly support claims.
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Budget Prepay, Inc. Public Notice: 9/20/2011
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Budget PrePay’s petition for ETC designation in Florida for the limited purpose of offering Lifeline and Link-Up service.
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Airvoice Wireless, LLC Public Notice: 9/20/2011
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition for forbearance from the facilities requirement for the purpose of participating in the Lifeline program filed by Airvoice.
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PlantinumTel Communications, LLC Public Notice: 9/20/2011
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on PlatinumTel’s petitions for limited ETC designation for the purpose of Lifeline and Link Up services in nine states and the District of Columbia.
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NTCH, Inc. and Cricket Communications, Inc. Order: 9/16/2011
In this order, we address two petitions for forbearance, one filed by Cricket Communications, Inc. (Cricket) and one filed by NTCH, Inc. and its affiliated operating entity NTCH-West Tenn, Inc. (collectively, NTCH), pursuant to section 10 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the Act). These petitions seek forbearance from the requirement that the service area of a competitive eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) conform to the service area of any rural telephone company serving the same area, for the limited purpose of becoming designated as Lifeline-only ETCs.
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Lifeline and Link Up Protective Order: 8/25/2011
In the Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission proposed rules to reform and modernize the low income support mechanism of the universal service fund.
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Lifeline/Link Up Public Notice: 8/5/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks additional targeted comment on issues raised in the Commission's Lifeline/Link Up Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
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Universal Service Intercarrier Compensation Transormation Public Notice: 8/3/2011
In response to the USF/ICC Transformation NPRM, several parties have offered specific proposals for reform. We seek comment on how these proposals comport with the Commission’s articulated objectives and statutory requirements. We invite comment on specific aspects of the proposals and on additional issues that are not fully developed in the record.
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TracFone Wireless, Inc. Order: 8/2/2011
In this order, we dismiss without prejudice a request filed by the Adams County E-911 Emergency Telephone Service Authority, the Arapahoe County E-911 Emergency Communication Service Authority, and the Jefferson County Emergency Communications Authority (collectively, the “Colorado 911 Authorities”) seeking Commission action pursuant to section 1.41 of the Commission’s rules. The Colorado 911 Authorities request that the Commission reject TracFone Wireless Inc.’s (TracFone) self-certification that it is in compliance with basic 911 and enhanced 911 (E911) requirements in the state of Colorado and compel TracFone to comply with Colorado law relating to 911 funding.
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American Broadband and Telecommunications Public Notice: 7/26/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on the proposed compliance plan filed by American Broadband & Telecommunications (American Broadband). American Broadband seeks permission from the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) to become a Lifeline-only eligible telecommunications carriers (ETC) and has pending a petition seeking forbearance from the requirement that an ETC provides service, at least in part, over its own facilities. In granting similar forbearance petitions in the past, the Commission has required carriers to submit for approval a proposed compliance plan demonstrating how the carrier intended to satisfy conditions imposed by the Commission’s grant of forbearance for Lifeline-only support. In this case, although American Broadband’s forbearance petition remains pending, American Broadband separately submitted a proposed compliance plan intended to satisfy conditions imposed by the Commission on other non-facilities based carriers when granting similar forbearance requests.
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I-Wireless, LLC Public Notice: 7/5/2011
WCB seeks comment on i-wireless, LLC.’s petition for ETC designation in Florida for the limited purpose of participating in the Lifeline program.
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CAL Communications, Inc. Order: 6/27/2011
In this order, the Wireline Competition Bureau extends by 90 days the date by which the petition requesting forbearance filed by CAL Communications, Inc shall be deemed granted in the absence of a Commission decision that the petition fails to meet the standards for forbearance.
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Standing Rock Telecommuncations, Inc. Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration: 6/22/2011
In this order, we designate Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. (Standing Rock), a Tribally owned telecommunications carrier, as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) throughout the entire Standing Rock Sioux Reservation (Reservation), effective immediately.
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Nexus Communications, Inc. Public Notice: 6/22/2011
WCB seeks comment on Nexus Communications, Inc.’s petition for limited ETC designation for the purpose of participating in the Lifeline and Link Up programs.
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Lifeline and Link Up Report and Order (Duplicative Payment Order): 6/21/2011
This order takes action to address potential waste in the universal service Lifeline program by adopting near-term rules aimed at ensuring that qualified low income consumers receive no more than a single Lifeline benefit.
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Terracom, Inc. Public Notice: 6/20/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed on June 13, 2011, by TerraCom, Inc (TerraCom). TerraCom seeks designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier for the limited purpose of offering Lifeline and Link-Up services to end-user customers in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
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Tag Mobile, LLC. Public Notice: 6/9/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed on June 7, 2011, by TAG Mobile, LLC (TAG). TAG seeks designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier for the limited purpose of offering Lifeline and Link-Up services to end-user customers in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
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Total Call Mobile, Inc. Public Notice: 5/26/2011
In this public notice, Total Call Mobile Inc. seeks forbearance from the facilities requirement to be designated an ETC for the limited purpose of Lifeline support.
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Cricket Forbearance 90 Day Extension: 5/16/2011
In this order, pursuant to section 10(c) of the Communications Act, we extend by 90 days the date by which the petition requesting forbearance filed by Cricket Communications, Inc. shall be deemed granted in the absence of a Commission decision that the petition fails to meet the standards for forbearance under section 10(a) of the Act.
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Western Wireless Order: 5/12/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau approves the requests of Western Wireless, LLC, successor by merger of Western Wireless Corporation d/b/a Verizon Wireless (Western Wireless), to relinquish its eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) designations in the state of Wyoming and on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
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AT&T Mobility Order: 5/12/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau addresses a petition filed by AT&T pursuant to section 214(e)(6) of the Communications Act in which AT&T requests transfer of the eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) designation held by Western Wireless, LLC d/b/a Alltel for service offered to Tribal members on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the state of South Dakota and designation as an ETC. The Bureau grants in part AT&T Mobility’s petition, finding that AT&T meets the eligibility requirements of section 214(e)(1) of the Act and the Commission’s rules to be designated as an ETC.
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Budget Prepay, Inc. Public Notice: 5/2/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on nine petitions filed by Budget PrePay, Inc. (Budget PrePay) on April 18, 2011. Budget PrePay seeks designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier for the limited purpose of offering Lifeline and Link-Up services to end-user customers in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Nexus Communications, Inc. Public Notice: 5/2/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a Nexus Communications, Inc. (Nexus) petition filed on April 5, 2011. Nexus seeks designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier for the limited purpose of offering Lifeline and Link-Up services in the non-rural areas of Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Annual Lifeline Verification Surveys and Certifications Public Notice: 4/28/2011
This public notice serves as a reminder that an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) in a state with its own state-based low-income program must submit a certification, signed by an officer of the company, to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) by August 31, 2011, and ensure that USAC receives the certification by that date, attesting that the ETC has complied with the state verification procedures.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Millennium 2000, Inc. Public Notice: 4/27/2011
Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed on April 12, 2011 by Millennium 2000, Inc. (Millennium 2000), a mobile virtual network operator, for forbearance from the requirement in section 214(e)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, that eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) provide service, at least in part, over their own facilities.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
American Broadband and Telecommunications Public Notice: 4/7/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed on February 25, 2011, by American Broadband & Telecommunications for forbearance from the requirement that eligible telecommunications carriers provide service, at least in part, over their own facilities.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Universal Service Fund/Intercarrier Compensation Reform Workshop Public Notice: 3/30/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau announces the second in a series of workshops on universal service and intercarrier compensation reform. This workshop, to be held April 27, 2011, in Washington D.C., will focus on universal service reform proposals, including Phase One of the Connect America Fund.
Order: Word | PDF
Line Up, LLC Public Notice: 3/30/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on the petition of Line-Up, LLC for designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier under section 214(e)(6) of the Act.
Order: Word | PDF
Airvoice Wireless LLC Withdrawal Order: 3/24/2011
In this order the Bureau grants Airvoice’s request to withdraw its forbearance petition that sought forbearance from section 214(e)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, in order to seek designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) for the sole purpose of participating in the universal service fund Lifeline program.
Order: Word | PDF
NTCH, Inc. Public Notice: 3/16/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by NTCH, Inc. on behalf of itself and its affiliate WGH Communications, Inc. (collectively, NTCH).
Public Notice: Word | PDF
OneLink Wireless, Inc. Public Notice: 3/8/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by OneLink Wireless, Inc. (OneLink) seeking designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier for the limited purpose of offering Lifeline and Link-Up services to end-user customers in Alabama, New York, North Carolina and Virginia.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Lifeline and Link Reform and Modernization NPRM: 3/4/11
This NPRM takes steps to comprehensively reform and modernize the Lifeline/Link Up program for 21st century communications needs building on recommendations of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, the Government Accountability Office, and the National Broadband Plan. The reforms will set the program on a firmer footing, establishing greater accountability and ensuring that millions of low-income Americans continue to receive affordable phone service while using savings from reforms to fund pilot programs for broadband.
NPRM: Word | PDF
Connect America Fund NPRM: 2/9/2011
In this NPRM, the Commission proposes to transform the high-cost portion of the Universal Service Fund to support broadband, as well as to reform the intercarrier compensation system.
NPRM: Word | PDF
WCB Guidance Letter: 1/21/2011
The Wireline Competition Bureau provides guidance to USAC on duplicate claims for Lifeline support.
Letter: Word | PDF
TracFone Order: 1/14/2011
This order denies a petition for waiver filed by TracFone seeking to modify the compliance plan condition that it require each of its Lifeline customers to self-certify annually that they are the head of their household and receive Lifeline-supported service only from TracFone.
Order: Word | PDF
Boomerang Wireless, LLC Public Notice: 1/6/2011
Boomerang Wireless, LLC is seeking designation as an ETC for the limited purpose of participating in the universal service low-income Lifeline program.
Order: Word | PDF

2010

Virgin Mobile USA, LP Order: 12/29/2010
WCB Conditionally Grants Virgin Mobile ETC Designation in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, and the District of Columbia.
Order: Word | PDF
American Public Communications Council Public Notice: 12/16/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition for interim relief and a petition for rulemaking filed on December 6, 2010, by American Public Communications Council (APCC).
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Tracfone Public Notice: 12/8/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed on December 1, 2010, by TracFone Wireless, Inc. (TracFone) for a declaratory ruling.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
AirVoice Wireless, LLC Public Notice: 12/8/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed on December 1, 2010, by AirVoice Wireless, LLC (AirVoice) for forbearance from the requirement that eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) provide service, at least in part, over their own facilities.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
ReCellular, Inc Public Notice: 10/20/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by ReCellular, Inc. for forbearance from the requirement that eligible telecommunications carriers provide service, at least in part, over their own facilities.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Conextion Wireless Order: 10/1/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on nine petitions filed on September 22, 2010, by GreatCall, Inc. (GreatCall).In this order, we grant in part and deny in part a petition for forbearance filed by Conexions, LLC d/b/a Conexion Wireless (Conexions).Conexions, a wireless reseller, requested that the Commission forbear from the requirement that carriers designated as eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) for purposes of federal universal service support provide services, at least in part, over their own facilities.
Order: Word | PDF
Greatcall, Inc. Public Notice: 10/1/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on nine petitions filed on September 22, 2010, by GreatCall, Inc. (GreatCall).
Public Notice: Word | PDF
I-Wireless, LLC Public Notice: 9/2/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by i-wireless, LLC (i-wireless) on August 25, 2010. In the petition, i-wireless seeks designation as a limited eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) to participate in the Commission’s Lifeline program in the States of Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, North Carolina, New York, Tennessee, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Plans of Head Start Telecom, Inc., Consumer Cellular, Inc., and Line Up, LLC Public Notice: 8/31/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on the compliance plans recently filed by Head Start Telecom, Inc., Consumer Cellular, Inc., and Line Up, LLC. These compliance plans are intended to satisfy the conditions imposed by the Commission when it granted limited forbearance from the requirement that carriers provide services, at least in part, over their own facilities in order to be designated an eligible telecommunications carrier.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Allied Wireless Communications Corporation Order: 8/30/2010
In this order, the Bureau grants the petition of Allied Wireless Communications Corporation (AWCC) to be designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) in the state of North Carolina. We find that AWCC meets the eligibility requirements of section 214(e)(6) of the Communications Act and the Commission’s rules to be designated as an ETC in North Carolina.
Order: Word | PDF
Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. Public Notice: 8/24/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on whether Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. should be designated as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier in partial rural wire centers so that it can serve the entire Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. Memorandum Opinion and Order: 8/24/2010
In this order, the Wireline Competition Bureau designates Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. (Standing Rock), a wireless carrier owned and operated by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) in certain wire centers within the boundaries of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation (Standing Rock Reservation). The Bureau defers action on Standing Rock’s request to redefine and serve partial rural wire centers on the Reservation.
Memorandum Opinion and Order: Word | PDF
AT&T Mobility Public Notice: 8/11/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed July 30, 2010, by AT&T, Inc., on behalf of its affiliate, AT&T Mobility. AT&T Mobility seeks to have the Bureau transfer to it the Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) designation held by WWC LLC d/b/a Alltel (Alltel) for services offered to Tribal members on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. AT&T Mobility further requests that the effective date of an ETC grant be retroactive to June 22, 2010, the closing date of the AT&T/Verizon Wireless transaction.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Head Start, Consumer Cellular, Midwestern Telecom Inc., Line Up Order: 7/30/2010
FCC Conditionally Grants Forbearance Requests for Lifeline Universal Service Support.
Order: Word | PDF
Platinumtel Communications, LLC Public Notice: 7/13/2010
Sought comment on PlatinumTel Communications, LLC petition for forbearance from eligible telecommunications carrier facilities requirement.
Order: Word | PDF
i-wireless, LLC Order: 6/25/2010
FCC Conditionally Grants i-wireless Forbearance Request for Lifeline Universal Service Support.
Order: Word | PDF
Cricket Communication Inc. Public Notice: 6/25/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed on June 21, 2010, by Cricket Communications, Inc. (Cricket), a wireless telecommunications carrier.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Conexions, LLC Order: 6/22/2010
In this order, WCB extends from July 8, 2010 to October 6, 2010 the statutory deadline for acting on a petition for forbearance filed by Conexions, which requests forbearance from the Act’s facilities requirement for the limited purpose of participating in the universal service Lifeline program.
Order: Word | PDF
Low-Income Pilot Program Public Notice: 6/21/2010
Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Remote Participation Details for June 23, 2010 Low-Income Pilot Program Roundtable Discussion.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Lifeline and Link-Up Eligibility, Verification and Outreach Public Notice: 6/15/2010
Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Seeks Comment on Lifeline and Link-Up Eligibility, Verification, and Outreach Issues Referred to Joint Board.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
I-Wireless Forbearance Proceeding Public Notice: 6/14/2010
WCB Announces Quiet Period for I-Wireless Forbearance Proceeding.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Broadband Pilot Programs For Low Income Consumers Public Notice: 6/8/2010
June 23, 2010, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (eastern daylight time), the Wireline Competition Bureau will host a roundtable discussion in the Commission Meeting Room to enable interested parties to discuss the design of pilot programs that would provide subsidies for broadband access to low-income consumers.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Line Up, LLC Petition for Forbearance Public Notice: 6/7/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed on May 27, 2010, by Line Up, LLC (Line Up) for forbearance from the requirement in section 214(e)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, that eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) provide service, at least in part, over their own facilities. Line Up seeks forbearance to enable it to be designated an ETC for purposes of receiving universal service low-income support under the Lifeline program.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Lifeline Verification Surveys And Ceritifications Public Notice: 6/7/2010
This public notice serves as a reminder that an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) in a state with its own state-based low-income program must submit a certification, signed by an officer of the company, to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) by August 31, 2010, and ensure that USAC receives the certification by that date, attesting that the ETC has complied with the state verification procedures. In addition, this public notice reminds all ETCs in federal default states to submit their annual Lifeline verification survey results to USAC and ensure that these results are received by USAC by August 31, 2010.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Consumer Cellular ETC Forbearance Deadline Extension Order: 6/4/2010
In this order, WCB extends from June 30, 2010, to September 28, 2010, the statutory deadline for acting on a petition for forbearance filed by Consumer Cellular. The underlying petition for forbearance is one of the me-too petitions requesting forbearance from the Act’s facilities requirement for the limited purpose of participating in the Commission’s low income program.
Order: Word | PDF
Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless Order: 5/28/2010
In this order, WCB approves the request of Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless and its affiliates (Cellco) for pro forma amendment of the eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) designations currently held by Cellco in the name of ALLTEL Communications, Inc. and its affiliated legal entities (Alltel) in Virginia and North Carolina, as well as ETC designations held by both Alltel and RCC Holdings, Inc. in Alabama. Under this order, the designated service areas of Alltel and RCC would reflect Cellco as the ETC designated entity. This order in does not affect the universal service reductions merger conditions.
Order: Word | PDF
Arkansas Preemption Dismissal Order: 5/18/2010
In this order, we dismiss as moot a petition filed by Alltel Communications, Inc. (Alltel) seeking a declaratory ruling preempting section 5(d)(1) of the Arkansas Telecommunications Regulatory Act of 1997.
Order: Word | PDF
Puerto Rico Low Income Public Notice: 5/11/2010
The Bureau announces that the comment and reply comment deadlines for the Puerto Rico Order and Second NPRM will be June 7, 2010 and June 21, 2010, respectively.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Low Income Joint Board Referral Order: 5/4/2010
In this Order, we ask the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Joint Board) to review the Commission’s eligibility, verification, and outreach rules for the Lifeline and Link Up universal service programs, which currently provide discounts on telephone service for low-income customers.
Order: Word | PDF
NEP Cellcorp ETC Designation Order: 4/29/2010
In this order, WCB grants the request of NEP Cellcorp, Inc. to amend its ETC designation in Pennsylvania to include the rural study area of North-Eastern Pennsylvania Telephone Company.
Order: Word | PDF
Head Start Forbearance Extension Order: 4/29/2010
In this order, WCB extends from May 15, 2010, to August 13, 2010, the statutory deadline for acting on a petition for forbearance filed by Head Start. The underlying petition for forbearance is one of the me-too petitions requesting forbearance from the Act’s facilities requirement for the limited purpose of participating in the Commission’s Lifeline universal service program.
Order: Word | PDF
US Cellular Tennessee ETC Amendment Order: 4/27/2010
In this order, WCB grants the request of United States Cellular Corporation to amend its ETC designation in the state of Tennessee.
Order: Word | PDF
Qwest II Remand Order and MO&O: 4/16/2010
In the Order on Remand, the Commission responds to the Tenth Circuit on high-cost universal service support for non-rural carriers. In the Memorandum Opinion and Order, the Commission determines that supplemental high-cost support is required under the current non-rural high-cost support mechanism to achieve reasonably comparable rates in Wyoming.
Order: Word | PDF
Hurricane Katrina Lifeline Audits Public Notice: 3/31/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on three requests for review of certain of certain Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) low-income support audit findings against Cingular Wireless (Cingular), T-Mobile USA, Inc. (T-Mobile), and TracFone Wireless, Inc. (TracFone). In each case, USAC found that the carrier failed to comply with the documentation retention requirements of the Commission's Hurricane Katrina Order.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Midwestern Telecommunications Forbearance Public Notice: 3/30/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed on March 16, 2010, by Midwestern Telecommunications, Inc. (Midwestern) for forbearance from the requirement in section 214(e)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, that eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) provide service, at least in part, over their own facilities. Midwestern seeks forbearance to enable it to be designated an ETC for purposes of receiving universal service low-income support under the Lifeline and Link Up programs.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
NTCH ETC and Forbearance Petitions Public Notice: 3/15/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a two petitions filed on March 5, 2010, by NTCH, Inc. (NTCH), a provider of commercial mobile radio services. NTCH seeks designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) for certain areas in Alabama and Tennessee. NTCH seeks ETC designation for the limited purpose of participating in the universal service low-income Lifeline program and does not request ETC designation to receive universal service high-cost support. In a separate petition, NTCH seeks forbearance from the definition of service area contained in section 214(e)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and section 54.207(b) of the Commission’s rules so that it can be designated an ETC for the limited purposes of participating in the Lifeline program.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Virgin Mobile Petition to Modify Compliance Plan Public Notice: 3/15/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on the petition filed on March 4, 2010, by Virgin Mobile USA, L.P. (Virgin Mobile). On October 29, 2009, the Bureau approved Virgin Mobile’s plan for complying with the conditions imposed by the Commission in granting Virgin Mobile’s request to forbear from the facilities ownership requirement of section 214(e)(1)(A) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Grant of this forbearance allowed Virgin Mobile to seek designation as a limited eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) for the purpose of providing universal service low-income support through the Lifeline program. Virgin Mobile now seeks to supplement its compliance plan with two additional methods by which it will satisfy the requirement that its Lifeline customers self-certify before receiving service that they are the head of their household and only receive Lifeline-supported service from Virgin Mobile.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
USAC Form 497 Line 9 Letter Public Notice: 3/10/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on USAC’s February 23, 2010 letter asking: (1) what recovery action, if any, USAC should take against an ETC that has failed to pro-rate support claims for partial-month Lifeline customers; and (2) whether ETCs may use Line 9 of FCC Form 497 for any purpose other than to report the amount of support attributed to partial-month Lifeline customers.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Colorado 911 Public Notice: 3/1/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by the Adams County E-911 Emergency Telephone Service Authority, the Arapahoe County E-911 Emergency Communication Service Authority, and the Jefferson County Emergency Communications Authority (collectively, the Colorado 911 Authorities).
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Alltel Audit Public Notice Extension : 2/17/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau grants a one-week extension of the deadline for filing reply comments in response to the Alltel Audit Public Notice, DA 09-2639 (rel. Dec. 30, 2009). Reply comments must be filed on or before February 23, 2010. Parties must comply with all other procedures and filing requirements announced in the Alltel Audit Public Notice.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Lifeline Declaratory Ruling Order : 2/2/2010
In this order, we address four petitions for waiver of section 54.410 of the Commission’s rules and six requests for a declaratory ruling concerning the Commission’s Lifeline certification and verification requirements. We grant the requests for waiver seeking an extension of the June 22, 2005, deadline to submit sample Lifeline verification data in the US Cellular Washington Petition, the ADT Petition, and the VA Cellular Petition. We also grant the Petitioners’ requests for a declaratory ruling and conclude that when a state commission mandates Lifeline support, but does not impose certification and verification requirements on certain carriers within the state, the affected carriers must follow federal default criteria for certification and verification purposes. Finally, we grant the requests filed by Wisconsin RSA #4 and US Cellular Wisconsin to withdraw their petitions.
Order: Word | PDF
Virgin Mobile ETC PN: 1/28/2010
WCB seeks comment on a petition filed by Virgin Mobile USA, L.P. (Virgin Mobile), a provider of commercial mobile radio services. Virgin Mobile seeks designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) in the state of Alabama. Virgin Mobile seeks ETC designation for the limited purpose of participating in the universal service low-income Lifeline program and does not request ETC designation to receive universal service high-cost support.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
PEMA TracFone Opposition Withdrawal Order: 1/28/2010
In this order, WCB grants the request filed by PEMA to withdraw its petition to reject TracFone’s self-certification that TracFone is in full compliance with applicable Pennsylvania 911 and E-911 obligations.
Order: Word | PDF
Standing Rock Telecom ETC PN: 1/19/2010
WCB seeks comment on a petition filed by Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. (SRTI), a tribal-government owned wireless carrier. SRTI seeks designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier for a service area coterminous with the existing rural study areas within the external boundaries of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in South Dakota and North Dakota.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
CenturyTel of Eagle Order: 1/12/2010
TAPD grants the request of CenturyTel of Eagle to withdraw its application for review. On August 1, 2002, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission petitioned the Commission for agreement with its proposed redefinition of the service area of CenturyTel of Eagle. On November 25, 2002, that redefinition petition was deemed approved under Commission rule 54.207(c)(2)(ii). CenturyTel filed an application for review arguing that the Commission’s deemed-approved process violates the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and that the redefinition of its service area was not in the public interest. On October 20, 2009, CenturyTel filed a request for withdrawal of its application for review.
Order: Word | PDF
Cricket ETC Designation Petition: 1/12/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Cricket Communications, Inc. (Cricket), a provider of commercial mobile radio services. Cricket seeks designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) for certain counties in New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia as well as in the District of Columbia. Cricket seeks ETC designation for the limited purpose of participating in the universal service low-income Lifeline and Link-Up programs and does not request ETC designation to receive universal service high-cost support. Please note: Cricket is a facilities-based ETC and thus does not require forbearance before being designated an ETC.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Consumer Cellular ETC Designation Petition: 1/12/2010
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Consumer Cellular, Inc. (Consumer Cellular), a reseller of commercial mobile radio services. Consumer Cellular seeks designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) for certain counties in Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Consumer Cellular seeks ETC designation for the limited purpose of participating in the universal service low-income Lifeline program and does not request ETC designation to receive high-cost universal service support. Please note: Consumer Cellular has a petition pending before the Commission seeking forbearance from the facilities-based ETC requirement; this ETC designation petition assumes that the Commission will grant that petition.
Public Notice: Word | PDF

2009

Alltel Lifeline Audit PN: 12/30/2009
In this Public Notice, the Commission seeks comment on the Verizon/Alltel Management Trust’s request for review of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) low-income support audit findings that the Verizon/Alltel Management Trust: (1) lacked effective procedures for excluding duplicate claims for universal service low-income support under the Lifeline program from a single address; (2) claimed Tier 4 Lifeline support for subscribers not residing on Tribal lands and failed to provide Tier 4 Lifeline support to eligible households on Tribal lands; (3) sought Lifeline reimbursement for subscribers claimed on other carriers’ FCC Forms 497; and (4) claimed Lifeline support for subscribers on Tribal lands who received a rate plan that included toll-free calling.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Cellco/Verizon ETC PN: 12/30/2009
WCB seeks comment on the Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless requests to amend the eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) designations currently held by Alltel in Alabama, North Carolina, and Virginia (and also ETC designations held by RCC Holdings in Virginia). Under the proposed amendment, Alltel’s and RCC’s ETC designations would reflect Cellco as the designated entity.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
TracFone Wireless, Inc.: 10/21/2009
TracFone “One-Per-Household” Letter: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a letter from TracFone Wireless, Inc., which (1) asks the Commission to clarify whether its ruling that carriers can receive universal service Lifeline support for a single telephone line in an eligible consumer’s principal residence is intended to limit the availability of Lifeline-supported service to only one qualified low-income resident per homeless shelter; and (2) requests guidance on how eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) may enroll residents of shelters in their Lifeline programs without risking violation of the “one-per-household” rule. WCB also seeks comment on the effects of the one-per-household rule for Lifeline support in the context of other types of group living facilities, and on whether and how ETCs that provide Lifeline-supported service to homeless individuals who do not use shelters may comply with the one-per-household rule. Comments are due November 20 , 2009 and reply comments are due December 7, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Lifeline Verification & Certification: 8/10/2009
Wireline Competition Bureau reminds ETCs of the August 31, 2009 deadline for their submission of annual Lifeline verification surveys and certifications and on August 31 of each subsequent year thereafter, attesting that the ETC has complied with the state verification procedures.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
TracFone Lifeline Petition to Modify Lifeline Head of Household: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a TracFone petition to modify a condition (imposed by the Commission’s designation of TracFone) that TracFone must require each of its Lifeline customers to annually self-certify that they are the head of their household and receive Lifeline-supported service only from TracFone. Specifically, TracFone requests that it be allowed to verify annually that its Lifeline customers are heads of households and receive Lifeline-supported service only from TracFone through use of a statistically valid sample of those customers. Comments are due July 6, 2009 and reply comments are due July 20, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
TracFone Lifeline Tier 1 Petition: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by TracFone in which TracFone requests that it be allowed to receive Tier One Lifeline support in the amount of $6.50 per month per Lifeline customer in all service areas where it operates as en eligible telecommunications carrier, provided that TracFone: (1) passes through the full amount of its federal Lifeline support to its Lifeline customers; and (2) provides each of its Lifeline customers with an additional monthly Lifeline benefit of $3.50. This petition for waiver seeks the same relief that TracFone is seeking in a petition for rulemaking that it recently filed. Comments are due July 6, 2009 and reply comments are due July 20, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Head Start ETC Forbearance Petition: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on Head Start's petition for forbearance from the eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) facilities requirement for designation as a limited ETC eligible for low-income support. Comments are due July 6, 2009 and reply comments are due July 20, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
i-wireless ETC Forbearance Petition: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on i-wireless's petition for forbearance from the eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) facilities requirement for designation as a limited ETC eligible for low-income support. Comments are due July 6, 2009 and reply comments are due July 20, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
AT&T Lifeline Audit Petition: The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on AT&T’s petition regarding USAC’s Lifeline audit of AT&T. In its petition, AT&T seeks review of USAC’s findings that: (1) USAC should recover toll limitation service (TLS) support from AT&T because AT&T cannot supply documentation detailing its incremental cost of providing TLS to its Lifeline customers; (2) AT&T was required to advertise to its Lifeline customers toll blocking and all other services supported by federal universal service support mechanisms; and (3) AT&T was required to populate Line 9 of FCC Form 497 (the Lifeline and Link-Up Worksheet) with pro-rata dollars attributable to Lifeline subscribers that entered or exited the Lifeline program mid-month. Comments are due July 6, 2009 and reply comments are due July 20, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Smith Bagley, Inc.: 5/4/2009
The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by Smith Bagley seeking an increase to Tier Four of the Universal Service Low-Income Program from $25 per month to $30 per month. Comments on the petition are due June 3, 2009 and reply comments are due June 18, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
TracFone Wireless, Inc. Request for Waiver of Section 54.418 of the Commission’s Rules: 4/10/2009
Granted a request from TracFone Wireless, Inc. for a conditional waiver of section 54.418 of the Commission's rules, which requires ETCs to notify their Lifeline and Link-Up customers about the DTV transition .
Order: Word | PDF
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency TracFone Certification Petition: 3/30/2009
The The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency asking the Commission to reject TracFone Wireless, Inc.'s certification of compliance with all Pennsylvania 911 and E911 obligations. Comments on the petition are due April 29, 2009 and reply comments are due May 14, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Virgin Mobile Conditional Forbearance and Lifeline ETC Order: 3/5/2009
The Commission conditionally granted a petition filed by Virgin Mobile USA, L.P. (Virgin Mobile) seeking forbearance from the requirement that a carrier designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) provide services, at least in part, over its own facilities. The Commission granted Virgin Mobile forbearance for ETC designation for Lifeline universal service support only. The Commission also conditionally designated Virgin Mobile an ETC for Lifeline support only in New York, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Order: Word | PDF
TracFone PSAP Forbearance Condition Modification Order: 3/5/2009
The Commission modified a forbearance condition imposed on TracFone Wireless, Inc. as a requirement that TracFone must meet prior to receiving support under the Lifeline universal service program. Specifically, TracFone must request a certification from each public safety answering point (PSAP) where it provides Lifeline service confirming that TracFone provides its customers with access to basic and E911 service; however, if, within 90 days of TracFone's request a PSAP has not provided the certification and the PSAP has not made an affirmative finding that TracFone does not provide its customers with access to 911 and E911 service within the PSAP's service area, TracFone may self-certify that it meets the basic and E911 requirements.
Order: Word | PDF

2008

TracFone Wireless, Inc.: 12/23/08, WCB seeks comment on TracFone’s request to modify the requirement that it obtain certification from each PSAP where it offers Lifeline service that it has 911 and E911 capabilities. The requirement was imposed by the order granting TracFone forbearance from the ETC facility requirement. Comments are due January 6, 2009, and reply comments are due January 13, 2009.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | Text
Commission Responds to D.C. Circuit Mandamus and Joint Board Recommended Decision and Seeks Further Comment on Comprehensive Reform: 11/6/08, The Commission addresses compensation rates for ISP-bound traffic, declines to adopt the Joint Board's recommendations for reforming distribution of high-cost universal service support, and seeks further comment on comprehensive universal service and intercarrier compensation reform. Comments will be due 14 days after publication in the Federal Register, and reply comments will be due 21 days after Federal Register publication.
Order: Word | PDF
Martin Statement: Word | PDF
Copps, Adelstein, Tate and McDowell Joint Statement: Word | PDF
AT&T (Kansas, Indiana, and Oklahoma) Petition for Review: 9/17/08, The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition for review filed on August 18, 2008 by AT&T (Kansas, Indiana and Oklahoma) of USAC's audit findings of AT&T's participation in the Lifeline program. Specifically, AT&T seeks review of USAC's findings that AT&T: (1) was required to maintain copies of Lifeline subscriber self-certifications prior to the effective date of the Commission’s applicable rule; (2) failed to comply with the Commission’s rule requiring eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) to secure Lifeline-compliance certifications from their resellers; (3) was required to advertise toll blocking and all other services supported by federal universal service support mechanisms; and (4) was required to populate Line 9 of FCC Form 497 (the Lifeline and Link-Up Worksheet) with pro-rata dollars attributable to Lifeline subscribers that entered or exited the Lifeline program mid-month. Comments are due October 17, 2008, and reply comments are due November 3, 2008.
Public Notice: Word | PDF | Text
Hayneville Fiber Transport, Inc. d/b/a Camellia Communications: 9/17/08, The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a request by Hayneville Fiber Transport, Inc. d/b/a Camellia Communications that it be allowed to revise its Form 525 line count reports filed with USAC. USAC adopted a policy that competitive ETCs may not make line count revisions to a Form 525 filing more than 24 months after the date of the original filing. Comments are due October 17, 2008, and reply comments are due November 3, 2008.
Public Notice: Word | PDF
Low-Income USF Support Certification Public Notice: 8/5/08, The Wireline Competition Bureau reminds eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) that, by September 2, 2008, an ETC in a state with its own state-based low-income universal service program must submit a certification, signed by an officer of the company, to USAC attesting that the ETC has complied with the state verification procedures. All ETCs in federal default states must also submit their annual Lifeline verification survey results to USAC by September 2, 2008.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat | Text
Public Notice: 5/16/08, The Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a Qwest request for review of three USAC low-income audit findings. Comments are due on June 16, 2008 and reply comments are due on July 1, 2008.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat
Order: 4/30/08, The Wireline Competition Bureau grants a petition filed by Micronesian Telecommunications Corporation and PTI Pacifica, Inc. to waive the DTV notification requirements in section 54.418 of the Commission's rules.
Order: Word | Acrobat
Public Notice. 4/14/08, Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on an AT&T petition, filed Jan. 7, 2008, seeking review of a USAC audit decision. ATT seeks review of USAC’s finding that an ETC must use Line 9 of FCC Form 497 if the ETC gains or loses Lifeline customers mid-month. In its petition, AT&T asks the Commission to find that USAC erred when it concluded that AT&T is required to populate Line 9 of the FCC Form 497 with partial or pro-rata dollars attributable to Lifeline subscribers who entered or left the Lifeline program during any given month, regardless of whether the company sought partial or pro-rata dollars from USAC. DA 08-855 Acrobat | Word

2007

2006 and Earlier

Public Notice. 8/29/06, Illinois Commerce Commission Informs the FCC that Illinois is not a "Federal Default State". DA 06-1738 Acrobat | Word

2005 Releases

Public Notice. 9/8/05, The Commission conditionally granted the petition of TracFone Wireless for forbearance from the requirement that a carrier designated as an ETC for purposes of federal universal service support provide services, at least in part, over its own facilities. TracFone seeks eligibility for Lifeline support only. This Order does not establish TracFone as an ETC. TracFone's pending ETC petitions will be addressed in subsequent order(s). (CC Dkt. No. 96-45) FCC 05-165 Acrobat | Word
Order. 6/6/05, The Wireline Competition Bureau Granted the California Public Utilities Commission's and the People of the State of California's Request to extend the date to establish certification and verification procedures. (WC Dkt. No. 03-109 and CC Dkt No. 96-45) DA 05-1602 Acrobat | Word
Public Notice. 5/18/05, The Wireline Competition Bureau Answers Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Lifeline Order. (Dkt. No. CC 96-45) DA 05-1406 Acrobat | Word
Memorandum Opinion and Order. 3/30/05, The Commission granted the petition of Smith Bagley, Inc. seeking waiver of Sections 54.400(e) of the Commission's Lifeline and Link-Up eligibility rules. (WC Dkt. No. 03-109) FCC 05-77 Acrobat | Word
Public Notice. 3/4/05, Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Delay of Effective Date for Revised Form 497 used for Low-Income Universal Service Support until further notice. (WC Dkt. No. 03-109) DA 05-604 Acrobat | Word

2004 Releases

Public Notice. 10/4/04, The Wireline Competition Bureau annouces delayed effective date for revised Form 497 for Low-Income Universal Seerivce Support. (WC Dkt No. 03-109) DA 04-3188 Acrobat | Word
4/29/04, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. This Order expands the federal default eligibility criteria to include an income-based criterion and additional porgrams, adopts certification and verification procedures, and adopts outreach guidelines. The Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seek comment on adopting an eligibility criterion of 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. (WC Dkt No. 03-109) FCC 04-87 Acrobat | Word| Excel Lifeline Study Tables
Data. 4/29/04, Dataset used in Appendix K - Lifeline Staff Analysis; Quantifying the effects of adding an income criterion to the Lifeline eligibility criteria. (WC Dkt No. 03-109) FCC 04-87 Excel

2003 Releases

Order on Reconsideration and Order. 10/11/01, Addresses petitions for reconsideration of the Twelfth Report and Order, which adopted rules to provide additional targeted support to low-income consumers on tribal lands, and clarifies rules regarding the qualification criteria for enhanced Lifeline and Link-Up service (CC Dkt No. 96-45) FCC 01-J-2 Acrobat | Text

2001 Releases

Public Notice. 10/11/01, Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Seeks Comment on Review of Lifeline and Link-Up Service For All Low-Income Consumers. (CC Dkt No. 96-45) FCC 01-J-2 Acrobat | Text
Public Notice. 3/27/01, The Commission released a Public Notice concerning the petition of Genesis Communications International, Inc. for Declaratory Ruling Regarding Lifeline Assistance Revenues, Pleading Cycle Established. Comments Due: 04/26/2001. Reply Comments Due: 05/11/2001. (CC Dkt No. 96-45) DA No. 01-757. Text | Word
Public Notice. 3/14/01, The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has filed a request for expanded universal service support for low-income consumers in the Commonwealth, similar to the measures adopted in the Commission's Tribal Order for low-income subscribers living on tribal lands. Comment Date: April 13, 2001, Reply Comment Date: April 30, 2001 (CC Dkt No. 96-45) DA 01-622 Text | Word
Correction to Public Notice 2/14/01, Common Carrier Bureau seeks nomination for board member position representing low-income consumer on Universal Service Administrative Company Board of Directors. Nominations are due March 16, 2001. Due to a typographical error, the Public Notice was released as DA 01-370, rather than as DA 01-369. This document corrects the DA number to DA 01-369. (Dkt No 96-45, 97-21). DA 01-370
Corrected Public Notice: DA 01-369 Text | Word 2/28/01
Public Notice. 2/14/01, Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Nomination for Board Member Position Representing Low-Income Consumers on Universal Service Administrative Company Board of Directors. (Dkt No 96-45 and 97-21). DA 01-370

2000 Releases

Order. 12/27/00, The Commission released Bell Atlantic-PA Lifeline Database Order. This order waives the requirement in the Commission's Lifeline eligibility rules that Bell Atlantic-PA (now Verizon) obtain signed certifications of eligibility from qualifying low-income consumers. Instead, the order allows Bell Atlantic-PA to rely on a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare database to verify the eligibility of low-income consumers, thereby reducing burdens on consumers and Bell Atlantic. (CC Dkt. No. 96-45) DA 00-2899 Text |Word
Order. 12/21/2000, The Commission asked the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to review the definition of universal service pursuant to 47 U.S.C. sections 254(c)(1) and (c)(2) and to review Lifeline and Link Up service for all low-income customers. (CC Dkt. No. 96-45 FCC 00-440) Text | Word
Order. 7/12/2000, The Commission adopts measures to: (1) promote telecommunications subscribership and infrastructure deployment within American Indian and Alaska Native tribal communities; (2) establish a framework for the resolution of eligible telecommunications carrier designation requests; and (3) apply the framework to pending petitions for designation as eligible telecommunications carriers. (CC Dkt. No. 96-45) FCC 00-208: Acrobat | Text | Word

Bureau/Office:

Wireline Competition

Tags:

Lifeline - Universal Service

Updated:

Friday, February 3, 2017