USAC Preps for Lifeline Minimum Service Increases Even as Others Seek FCC Changes
Universal Service Administrative Co. is preparing for "any path forward" in response to FCC plans to impose updated minimum service standards for its Lifeline program starting Dec. 1, Catie Miller, communications manager for USAC's Lifeline program, said Wednesday during a…
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webinar for carriers participating in the program. She said it's preparing its call center to address customer concerns and asked industry stakeholders to let USAC know what other support steps it should take. She said carriers must update the type of Lifeline service their customers have, because this would be the first time reimbursement would change based on whether they have voice-only or voice plus broadband service. Under the minimum service standard changes set for Dec. 1, Lifeline support for voice-only service is reduced to $7.25 per month, and minimum broadband performance is 8.75 GB. Industry and consumer groups oppose the changes and want the FCC to delay them until further study (see 1907310074). They seek prompt response to an industry petition for delay so carriers can inform their customers of service changes, if needed, in time to meet regulatory standards (see 1909130020).