Next Century Cities Submits Reply Comments Urging the FCC to Preserve the Lifeline Voice-Only Discount
Next Century Cities Submits Reply Comments Urging the FCC to Preserve the Lifeline Voice-Only Discount
When the federal Lifeline program was established in 1985, it provided a discount on phone service to qualifying low-income consumers. This continued until March 31, 2016, when the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) adopted an order to reform the Lifeline program.
The Lifeline Modernization Order added broadband as an eligible service to the Lifeline program. It also included provisions for the phase-out of voice-only support. Currently, eligible households are able to receive a $5.25 discount on their phone bill. However, starting December 1, 2021, this discount would be reduced to nothing.
In 2016, the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (“NASUCA”) filed a petition for reconsideration with the FCC requesting the FCC reverse its decision to phase out voice-only support. On June 1, 2021, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking to refresh the record on NASUCA’s petition.
On August 17th, Next Century Cities filed reply comments urging the FCC to continue support for voice-only services through the Lifeline program. Specifically, the letter highlights the following points.
Low-income consumers that are disconnected will be forced into more expensive post-paid or bundled service plans that they may not be able to afford.
Voice services may be the only link that some consumers have to emergency responders. Removing voice-only service may cut these consumers off from potentially life-saving services.
Consumer personal and financial situations are constantly changing. Eliminating a voice-only option could inadvertently disconnect consumers who are going through some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives.
During the course of the pandemic, the number of phone calls has risen drastically. Many households, particularly those with unreliable broadband access, still rely on voice services as a primary connection to essential services. Ensuring that voice-only support remains a part of the Lifeline program is essential to keeping those without means to afford more expensive plans connected to the services they need.
You can read NCC’s August 17th reply comments here.
Next Century Cities Submits Reply Comments Urging the FCC to Preserve the Lifeline Voice-Only Discount
When the federal Lifeline program was established in 1985, it provided a discount on phone service to qualifying low-income consumers. This continued until March 31, 2016, when the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) adopted an order to reform the Lifeline program.
The Lifeline Modernization Order added broadband as an eligible service to the Lifeline program. It also included provisions for the phase-out of voice-only support. Currently, eligible households are able to receive a $5.25 discount on their phone bill. However, starting December 1, 2021, this discount would be reduced to nothing.
In 2016, the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (“NASUCA”) filed a petition for reconsideration with the FCC requesting the FCC reverse its decision to phase out voice-only support. On June 1, 2021, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking to refresh the record on NASUCA’s petition.
On August 17th, Next Century Cities filed reply comments urging the FCC to continue support for voice-only services through the Lifeline program. Specifically, the letter highlights the following points.
During the course of the pandemic, the number of phone calls has risen drastically. Many households, particularly those with unreliable broadband access, still rely on voice services as a primary connection to essential services. Ensuring that voice-only support remains a part of the Lifeline program is essential to keeping those without means to afford more expensive plans connected to the services they need.
You can read NCC’s August 17th reply comments here.
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