The FCC has denied an extension request by four Lifeline providers, affirming that federal subsidies should not be granted for services that remain unused. The Lifeline program, which provides connectivity to low-income customers, temporarily lifted the service usage requirement during COVID but ended the waiver on April 30, 2021. Providers sought an additional month of funding; however, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr emphasized the importance of responsible money management and preventing abuse in federal funding. The decision highlights the Commission's commitment to uphold these standards.
The American public pays for the federal subsidies that support the agency's Lifeline program. Therefore, the FCC has a responsibility to be good stewards of those funds.
One way we police waste, fraud, and abuse is through enforcement of the FCC's non-usage rule. This rule prohibits Lifeline providers from obtaining federal subsidies for services that subscribers are not using.
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