Here is an Update to yesterday’s ITA FCC Reform Alert summarizing
the changes to the Lifeline and LinkUp programs contained in the FCC’s February
order modernizing both programs.
First a couple of
points of clarification:
The
LinkUp program will end by April 1, 2012.
The
changes to the Lifeline program reimbursement, creating a standard bill credit
of $9.25 will take place "30 days after publication of the FCC’s order in
the Federal Register.” That publication has not yet occurred. Therefore, the 30
day clock has not started running. We are hopeful the FCC will minimize
customer (and carrier) confusion by publishing the Order in the Federal
Register this week, therefore aligning the 30 day clock with the April 1st date
of for the LinkUp elimination. ITA will distribute more information on this
when it is obtained, and we thank Burnie Snoddy for helping to identify this
clarification.
Second,
ITA has been in constant contact with IUB staff to discuss the ramifications of
every ETC filing revised local service tariffs to remove the references to
LinkUp and to adjust the Lifeline credit.
Because these are due to changes in law, the IUB suggests that companies file
tariff revisions 21 days before the effective date. this causes a problem
because of the April 1st date eliminating the LinkUp and the uncertain date of
changing the lifeline charges. (30 days after publication in the Federal
Register).
Third, ITA has submitted to the IUB draft changes to Lifeline brochure and
certification form. Once the IUB completes its review and approves the newly
revised brochure and certification, ITA will send that to the members.
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