Hurricane survivors granted reduced-price phone and internet services through FCC program
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an order to provide a helping hand to those affected by hurricanes and tornadoes. The order aims to ease the eligibility requirements for discounted phone and broadband services for impacted households.
Under the new rules, the waiver of Lifeline eligibility requirements applies to households that are receiving individual assistance from FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP) as a result of any hurricane or other tropical weather system that is declared during the next six months. This means that qualified consumers can receive a $9.25 monthly discount on Lifeline-supported broadband service or a $5.25 monthly discount on Lifeline-supported voice service.
The Lifeline program offers qualifying low-income consumers discounts on fixed or mobile voice or broadband internet service, as well as on bundled service. The Commission has emphasized the importance of Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) publicizing this opportunity to impacted households, and has reminded ETCs of their obligation to publicize the availability of Lifeline service in a manner reasonably designed to reach those likely to qualify for the service.
In addition, the Commission has granted discretion to waive a rule where strict compliance is inconsistent with the public interest. This means that the Commission may waive Lifeline eligibility requirements for households receiving individual assistance from FEMA's IHP due to good cause shown, considering factors such as public interest, hardship, equity, and effective implementation of overall policy on an individual basis.
The order also requires ETCs to modify their application systems to allow FEMA IHP participants to quickly apply and enroll for the Lifeline program under this waiver. The Commission expects ETCs to publicize the availability of Lifeline service to those likely to qualify for the program.
Impacted individuals will have the opportunity to enroll in the Lifeline program for up to six months after a declaration is issued during the waiver period, using their participation in FEMA IHP as the qualifying program. The Commission has extended the Lifeline program eligibility period for six months for households receiving individual assistance from FEMA's IHP due to any hurricane or tropical weather system declared during the next six months.
The FCC has also issued an order to provide discounted phone and broadband services to storm survivors. The order temporarily waives certain eligibility rules for consumers receiving federal disaster assistance, making it easier for them to access these essential services during difficult times.
In conclusion, the FCC's order is a significant step towards ensuring that hurricane and tornado victims have access to affordable phone and broadband services. The Commission's efforts to ease the eligibility requirements and publicize the availability of Lifeline services will undoubtedly help many households in need.
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