The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has issued an Order waiving certain Emergency Broadband Benefit Program requirements as the program comes to an end and transitions towards the Affordable Connectivity Program. The Bureau also provided guidance for consumers, participating providers, and other stakeholders on how to prepare for the transition period, beginning on December 31, 2021.
Notably, EBB Program consumer enrollments will freeze on December 30, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. EST. The National Lifeline Accountability Database will reopen enrollment and subscriber transfers to the ACP on December 31, 2021. Additionally, the Bureau and the Universal Service Administrative Company will stop accepting new EBB Program provider participation applications and election notices on December 20, 2021. But, starting on December 27, 2021, the Bureau will begin approving applications for new ACP participating providers. Existing EBB Program participating providers will be automatically transitioned to the ACP on December 31, 2021.
