FCC Reminds ETCs of Eligibility Requirements for Lifeline

On December 5, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC’) released an Enforcement Advisory (“Advisory”) reminding Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (“ETCs”) offering Lifeline service that they are obligated to properly confirm that consumers are eligible for the service and ensure that consumers are not already receiving a Lifeline service from another provider.

Sections 54.401(a)(1) and 54.405 of the FCC’s rules state ETCs are only allowed to offer Lifeline services to consumers that are not already receiving Lifeline service.  Furthermore, ETCs are required to explain to consumers in “plain, easily comprehensible language” that they are not allowed to receive more than one Lifeline service.  Violation of Lifeline rules can potentially lead to a maximum penalty of $1,500,000, loss of ETC status, and/or repeal of the company’s Section 214 authorization.

A copy of the Advisory may be accessed here: http://fcc.us/vskTJ7.