The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) has issued an Order that clarifies the FCC’s rules regarding subscriber usage of Lifeline-supported service. Specifically, the Bureau has clarified that, pursuant to the Lifeline Reform Order, an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) must both assess and collect a monthly fee from a subscriber in order to avoid the Lifeline usage requirements, including the requirement to de-enroll subscribers who fail to use their Lifeline service within any consecutive 60-day period. Acting pursuant to authority it was delegated in the Lifeline Reform Order, the Bureau also amends language in Sections 54.405(e)(3) and 54.407(c) of the FCC’s rules to reflect the clarification set forth in the Order.
