The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has released a Public Notice clarifying the application process to become a designated Lifeline Broadband Provider (LBP), minimum service standards and the relationship between federal and state ETC programs. The LBP designation process became effective October 3, 2016 and requires the Commission to act on a designation petition within 6 months from submission of a completed application. The rules also provide for a streamlined 60-day streamlined approval process for applications meeting certain criteria. The Public Notice also specifies the content of LBP petitions and clarifies certain service obligations imposed on Lifeline broadband service.
