CTIA and the National Consumer Law Center, on behalf of its low-income clients, National Hispanic Media Coalition, OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, United Church of Christ, and OC, Inc., have petitioned the FCC to pause new Lifeline standards scheduled to take effect on December 1, 2019. As described by the petitioners, these include “an unanticipated five-fold increase in the minimum required broadband data usage allowance” and “the phase-down in support for voice services, which are still relied upon by upwards of 40 percent of current Lifeline subscribers.” Though the FCC has scheduled a review of Lifeline program changes to be completed by June 30, 2021, the petitioners argue that marketplace change has outpaced the timeline for the Lifeline timeline. Comments on the petition are due by July 31, 2019 and reply comments by August 15, 2019.
