FCC Streamlines Lifeline Process for Tribal Consumers

The Federal Communications Commission eased the Lifeline program application and enrollment process during the COVID-19 pandemic for low-income consumers living on rural Tribal lands. Specifically, the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau issued a temporary waiver (until Aug 31, 2020) to allow Lifeline carriers to begin providing Lifeline service to consumers in rural Tribal areas even if those consumers have not yet submitted certain documentation to complete their application. A carrier that elects to provide service under June 1’s waiver can claim Lifeline support for service provided during the application process after the subscriber has submitted the necessary documentation and received confirmation of his or her eligibility. The Lifeline program provides qualifying low-income consumers with monthly discounts on broadband and voice services, including a monthly discount of up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands.