The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau is seeking comment on a petition filed by TracFone Wireless, Inc. (TracFone) that requests a waiver of the FCC rule that prohibits Lifeline providers from retaining copies of documentation that low-income consumers use to establish their eligibility to enroll in Lifeline service. TracFone argues that allowing it to retain copies of customers’ documents proving eligibility based on income level or participation in a government assistance program will prevent fraudulent Lifeline enrollments and generally reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. Additionally, TracFone believes copies of such documentation will serve as auditable evidence in the event of an audit by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) or other FCC auditors. Comments on TracFone’s petition are due March 3, 2014. Reply comments are due on or before March 18, 2014.
