Search Results for keywords:"Lifeline program"

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Search Results: keywords:"Lifeline program"

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 10630
    Reading Time:about 4 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new matching program with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and the Tennessee Department of Human Services. This program aims to verify the eligibility of people applying for or subscribed to the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by checking if they receive SNAP benefits in Tennessee. The initiative is expected to help confirm qualifications for these benefits, reduce fraud, and improve service to low-income consumers who rely on discounted broadband and voice services. Written comments about this program are due by March 27, 2025, and the program will last for 18 months starting from that date.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC is checking with people in Tennessee who get help paying for food to make sure they also qualify for help paying for phone or internet service. This is done to make sure that those getting the special offers really need them.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:86 FR 994
    Reading Time:about 2 hours

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has responded to a court order by reviewing how its decision to reclassify broadband internet access affects public safety, pole attachments, and support for low-income consumers through the Lifeline program. The FCC decided to maintain the classification of broadband as an information service, emphasizing the benefits of regulatory certainty and innovation, despite some concerns about its impact on public safety and infrastructure. They concluded that the advantages of encouraging investment and innovation outweigh potential drawbacks, ensuring that the Lifeline program can still support broadband access for low-income Americans through carefully defined legal authority. Additionally, adjustments will be made to Lifeline rules, removing broadband as a standalone supported service while continuing to fund it as part of voice-broadband bundles.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC decided to keep the internet rules the same to help companies be creative and make cool new things, but they also promised to help people who need the internet, like those who can't easily afford it, by bundling it with phone services.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 10635
    Reading Time:about 4 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new computer matching program in collaboration with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and the Missouri Department of Social Services. This program aims to verify the eligibility of participants in the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by checking if they receive benefits from programs like SNAP or Medicaid. These benefits help individuals and families access discounts for broadband and voice services. The matching process involves sharing certain personal details, such as parts of a Social Security Number, to confirm eligibility.

    Simple Explanation

    The government wants to make sure people getting internet discounts really need them, so they will check with a company and a Missouri office to see if these people get help from other programs like food stamps. This means they’ll look at some private information to double-check things, but it’s not clear how they’ll keep everyone’s info super safe or fix mistakes.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 11832
    Reading Time:about 3 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the re-establishment of a computer matching program in collaboration with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. This program aims to help determine the eligibility of applicants and subscribers for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Lifeline program, which provides discounted broadband and voice services for low-income individuals. It specifically checks if applicants or subscribers in Nevada are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Medicaid. This initiative is part of efforts to improve the efficiency of the Lifeline program and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC is working with some other groups to check if people in Nevada can get help paying for phone and internet. They want to make sure the right people are getting help and stop any sneaky stuff.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 2697
    Reading Time:about 4 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is introducing a new computer matching program with the Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology to verify eligibility for programs like Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs offer discounts on broadband and voice services to low-income individuals. The program will check if applicants are enrolled in benefits like SNAP and Medicaid, using data shared between various agencies. This verification aims to ensure only eligible individuals receive these discounts while reducing fraud.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC wants to make sure that only people who should get help paying for phone and internet are getting it. They will work with people in Colorado to check if those asking for help really need it, but the information shared will be kept safe.