Nov 5

Nov 5 FCC “Pauses” Two Lifeline Program Changes: Phase-Out Of Support For Voice-Only Services & Increase In Mobile Broadband Data Capacity

November 5, 2021 – The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has paus ed both the scheduled phase-out of Lifeline support for voice-only services and the scheduled increase in the Lifeline mobile broadband data capacity minimum service standards.[1] The pause will last for at least one year, until December 1, 2022.

Pursuant to the 2016 Lifeline Order,[2] support for Lifeline voice-only services was reduced from $7.25 to $5.25 on December 1, 2020, and was scheduled to be eliminated in most areas on December 1, 2021.

The minimum service standard for mobile broadband data capacity was set to increase from 4.5 GB per month to 18 GB per month on December 1, 2021.

The Bureau determined there is “good cause” to issue its Order pausing the two Lifeline program changes in light of the creat ion of the Emergency Benefit Broadband Program, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and new data co ll ected for the State of the Lifeline Marketplace Report. Accordingly, basic Lifeline support of $5.25 remains available to eligible consumers who subscribe to voice-only service on and after December 1, 2021, and the minimum service standard for mobile broadband data capacity will remain at 4.5 GB per month.

Over the next year, the FCC will continue to evaluate whether longer-term modifications to the Lifeline program are needed.

**********

[1] Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, WC Docket No. 11-42, Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for Universal Service Support, WC Docket No. 09-197, Connect America Fund, WC Docket No. 10-90, Order, DA 21-1389 (Nov. 5, 2021), https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-21-1389A1.pdf.

[2] Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, WC Docket No. 11-42, Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for Universal Service Support, WC Docket No. 09-197, Connect America Fund, WC Docket No. 10-90, Third Report and Order, Further Report and Order, and Order on Reconsideration, FCC 16-38 (2016), https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-16-38A1.pdf.