3.15.16 – RSS: Fundamental Changes Coming To The Lifeline Program
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler has circulated an order that will modernize the universal service Lifeline program. Read more here.
3.8.16 – Reuters: FCC unveils proposal for $9.25/month low-income broadband subsidy
By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The head of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission circulated Tuesday a final proposal seeking approval for a $9.25 monthly subsidy for low-income Americans to get broadband Internet access. Read more here.
2.23.16 – NECA: Don’t Let FCC Cut Off Oklahoma Lifeline
By Loris Taylor, Matthew Rantanen & Susan Feller Indian Country In a February 2, 2016 press release, Federal Communications Commissioner Ajit Pai called the continuation of Tribal Lifeline subsidies in Oklahoma a “legal scandal” and a “bloated tax payer subsidy.” Read more here. OR http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2016/02/21/dont-let-fcc-cut-oklahoma-lifeline
2.23.16 – NECA: High Cost USF Reform – Chairman Wheeler Circulating RoR USF Reform Order for Approval
Chairman Wheeler posted a blog on February 19, 2016, entitled Bipartisan Solutions for Universal Service, in which he indicated he circulated an Order last week to modernize USF support for rate-of-return carriers. Read more here.
2.22.16 – RSS: New Lifeline Rules Effective February 17, 2016
A number of revised Lifeline rules that were adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the June 2015 Lifeline Reform Order have been published in the Federal Register, giving them an effective date of February 17, 2016. Read more here.
2.9.16 – RSS: FCC Criteria Determining When 600 MHz Operations “Commence”
The FCC has announced in a public notice that petitions for reconsideration of the Commencing Operations Report and Order (R&O), which defines when and in what areas 600 MHz Band wireless licenses will be deemed to “commence operations” for the purpose of establishing when the secondary and unlicensed users must
2.5.16 – USAC: FCC Lifeline Program Rule Changes
On January 15, the FCC released a Public Notice (DA 16-56) announcing OMB approval for several rule changes from the 2015 Lifeline Reform Order. To read more, click here.
2.5.16 – USDA: One More Tool to Help Bring Broadband to Rural America
“What can I do to bring broadband to my rural community?” To read the entire USDA blog, click here.
1.28.16 – USDA and The EPA Announce Federal Planning Assistance for Broadband and Sustainable Community Development – Cool & Connected
USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Brandon McBride encouraged communities interested in using broadband service to help revitalize small-town main streets and promote economic development apply for Cool & Connected, a pilot program sponsored by USDA Rural Utilities Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Sustainable Communities. Read more
1.22.16 – USDA Announces WEBINAR Schedule for the DLT Grant Program
On January 27th, February 2nd, and February 18th (1 – 3 pm EST) the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) will host webinars focused on the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. More information is available on the USDA website.