FCC implements rule ending COVID-era Lifeline waiver extensions

"denies a request by Lifeline providers to extend the FCC's COVID-era waiver of the program's non-usage rules."

"While the Commission offered flexibility during the pendency of the COVID-19 pandemic, that does not mean we should allow providers to game the system for extra reimbursement, at the American public's expense, after the need for this leniency had clearly-and officially-ended,"

"I thank the FCC staff for their diligence throughout this process to ensure no money is wasted."

The FCC refused a request from four Lifeline providers to extend a COVID-era waiver of the program's non-usage rule by one month, which would have yielded additional federal reimbursements despite continued non-use. Lifeline subsidies for voice and broadband require recent service usage; the FCC temporarily waived that requirement from March 30, 2020, to April 30, 2021, to preserve connectivity during the pandemic. Assist Wireless, Boomerang Wireless, Easy Wireless, and i-wireless sought support through March 1, 2021. The FCC affirmed the April 30, 2021 waiver end date and denied entitlement to extra support.

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