Free Press Opposes FCC Lifeline Rulings, “A Direct Attack” on Low-Income Americans
Free Press opposes FCC Lifeline Rulings that will affect the Lifeline Program, a program that connects low-income Americans to crucial communications services. The proposed changes were released October 26th in a draft by Chairman Pai and the current FCC administration to be a part of the November 16 Open Meeting agenda and would greatly eliminate…
READ MORE
Cherokee Tribal Organization ‘Stongly Opposes’ FCC Lifeline Changes
November 9 — In light of the FCC’s proposed changes to the Lifeline Program, there have been responses from several Native American Tribal Organizations, including Oklahoma’s Cherokee Nation, the United States’ largest federally-recognized tribe. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief, Bill Baker wrote the FCC to express strong opposition to the proposed changes that will be up…
READ MORE
Lifeline Advocates Urge FCC to Reconsider Proposed Program Changes
On October 26th, the FCC published the upcoming November 16 public meeting agenda, which calls for some significant changes to the Lifeline Program, which provides affordable communication services to low-income Americans. Advocates of the Lifeline Program are now voicing their concerns about some of the proposed rules, which will mainly aim to: Direct Lifeline Funds…
READ MORE
Colville Tribe Responds to FCC Plans for Tribal Lifeline Funds
November 7, 2017 — The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR) sent a response to the FCC, regarding recent changes that will soon be decided regarding the Lifeline Program changes, specifically the proposal to limit Tribal Lifeline Funds (and eventually all Lifeline funds) to facilities-based providers. Dr. Michael E. Marchand, Chairman of the CTCR, writes…
READ MORE
FCC Seeks to Impose Cap on Lifeline Program
October 26, 2017 — Washington D.C. Recent FCC proposals seek to impose caps on Lifeline Program funds. Universal Service Funds & FCC Proposal for Cap on Lifeline Program The rulings would seek to impose a $2 Billion cap on the Lifeline Program, whose funds are administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company and account for…
READ MORE
FCC Proposed Lifeline Changes Affect Tribal Areas
The proposed FCC changes to Tribal Lifeline were outlined by Chairman Pai in a recent release of the November 16 Public Meeting Agenda. The Agenda outlines the Chairman’s intentions for the Enhanced Tribal Funds that support bridging the digital divide on the Tribal lands in Oklahoma and Nevada. FCC Proposes Limitations on Tribal Land Subsidies…
READ MORE
Chuck Campbell Presents “The National Verifier”
About “The National Verifier”: This presentation was largely focused on USAC’s implementation and initial rollout of the National Verifier. The discussion included an overview of the APIs, migration, federal and state database access, recertification and the transition to NLAD-based reimbursement. About Chuck Campbell: Chuck has more than 25 years of experience delivering a wide variety…
READ MORE
Joshua Guyan Presents “Lifeline: California Update”
About "Lifeline: California Update": This presentation touched on the $39 non-recurring cost reimbursement, California port freezes and exceptions, Lifeline eligibility and the CPUC waiver filed at the FCC, and California LifeLine renewal (recertification) improvement efforts. About Joshua Guyan: Josh Guyan advises providers of wireline, wireless, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and satellite services on domestic... READ MORE
John Heitmann Presents “Lifeline: Washington Update”
About "Lifeline: Washington Update": This presentation focused on the recent Lifeline activity on Capitol Hill, at the FCC and coordination with other Lifeline stakeholders. Included in this discussion was the minimum service standard increases and the use of unlicensed spectrum such as Wi-Fi, as well as notices for plan transitions. About John Heitmann: John Heitmann,... READ MORE
David Dorwart presents “Who is the National Lifeline Association?”
Presentation Description: This presentation was an introduction to the National Lifeline Association (NaLA) from Chairman. A review of the organization's mission and vision statements preceded an introduction of the organization's stakeholders, including who makes up both the Board and the organization's 450+ members. About the Speaker: David Dorwart has been a significant driver of advocacy... READ MORE