FCC Sets $2.33 Billion Lifeline Budget, Updates Minimum Broadband, Voice Service Standards
The FCC announced a $2.33 billion Lifeline budget for 2019 and updated minimum standards for fixed and mobile broadband services supported by the USF low-income subsidy program, said a Wireline Bureau public notice Wednesday in docket 11-42. Indexing for inflation,…
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the budget for next calendar year was increased from 2018's $2.28 billion. The minimum fixed broadband standards, based on Form 477 and urban rate survey data, take effect Dec. 1. The minimum speed will be 18/2 Mbps, with an exception for providers that don't offer that capability in any generally available residential package to a subscriber's residence (they could offer the highest speed they can, and at least 4/1 Mbps). The minimum fixed broadband data usage will be 1,000 GB per month. Under a 2016 order schedule, the mobile broadband data usage standard was increased to 2 GB per month, while the minimum mobile speed remains at 3G level. Under the 2016 order, the minimum mobile voice service standard will increase to 1,000 minutes per month.