The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau has announced that it has reached a settlement with Blue Jay Wireless to resolve an investigation into whether the company improperly enrolled several thousand Hawaiian customers as eligible for enhanced Tribal support reimbursements from the FCC’s Lifeline program. The FCC’s investigation concluded that Blue Jay Wireless had incorrectly requested and received Lifeline Tribal reimbursements for enrolled consumers who did not reside on Hawaiian Home Lands. In 2014, the Hawaiian Public Utilities Commission informed Blue Jay Wireless that its enrollment numbers did not match the state’s own numbers. Up to $25 per month is available to qualifying, low-income consumer who reside on Tribal lands, including Hawaiian Home Lands in the State of Hawaii. Under the terms, Blue Jay Wireless must pay the FCC $2 million and adopt substantial compliance procedures. Blue Jay Wireless, headquartered in Texas, is eligible to participate in Lifeline in 17 states and Puerto Rico.
