May 2020

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau announces the launch of the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (National Verifier) for all new enrollments in Puerto Rico. Starting on June 23, 2020, eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) in Puerto Rico will be required to use the National Verifier’s eligibility determination process for all consumers applying for Lifeline service and must cease using legacy eligibility processes for prospective Lifeline subscribers. As of June 23, 2020, consumers in Puerto Rico can begin to check their eligibility for Lifeline se

The recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act added $1.5 billion to an existing grant program of the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). This is a significant opportunity, both because of the size of the allocation and its breadth of eligibility. The grants are available to local and state governments, non-profits, and other non-commercial entities that have a compelling case for using infrastructure projects (including broadband initiatives) to ameliorate the economic effects of the coronavirus crisis.