The Wireline Competition Bureau is seeking comments on an Emergency Petition and Petition for Rulemaking filed by TracFone Wireless, Inc. (TracFone) asking the FCC to direct USAC to alter the implementation of the Lifeline National Verifier and associated processes and initiate a rulemaking proceeding to improve the efficiency of the National Verifier. TracFone identifies significant shortcomings in the National Verifier processes that it believes are undermining the Lifeline program. TracFone asks the FCC to direct USAC to implement fifteen specific modifications to the National Verifier and associated processes, including waiving the applicant initialing requirement to allow check marks and redesigning the Lifeline paper application. TracFone also urges the FCC to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to address the shortcomings including exploring alternative methods to verify current low-income program participation and invalid addresses, and to permit service providers to check applicant verification via an Application Program Interface. As USAC has launched the National Verifier in 12 states, and was to soft launch in four more states December 4, 2018, TracFone explains the seriousness of the burdensome National Verifier processes and urges the FCC to act swiftly to ensure that the Lifeline application processes will not be complex and inaccessible for low-income households. Otherwise, TracFone asserts, the Lifeline program will be significantly harmed and will lose participants at an unprecedented pace. Comments are due by December 18, 2018, and reply comments are due by December 26, 2018.
