TruConnect Asks FCC to Reconsider Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Rules

Wireless carriers TruConnect, American Broadband & Telecommunications, Standup Wireless, and SafetyNet Wireless have asked the Federal Communications Commission to reconsider its Emergency Broadband Benefit Program rules. The carriers say the rules unintentionally allow eligible consumers in the program to obtain multiple connected devices, even though the FCC only authorizes one connected device per eligible household. "This same process defect also allows a subscriber the opportunity to use all of the data supplied by one EBB program provider, then transfer their benefit to another provider and receive a new allotment of data." The carriers believe this benefit transfer can take place as many times in a month as the subscriber chooses. The carriers are concerned because the program only reimburses one provider for any device provided to that household during the entire program. The way the rules are written puts providers "at great risk of not being reimbursed for the devices or the data they provide subscribers." The carriers say the FCC should require customers to stay with one provider for at least 45 days from enrollment with the provider, except under extraordinary circumstances.