Nexus Communications’ Reachout Wireless isn’t entitled to federal universal service...
Nexus Communications’ Reachout Wireless isn’t entitled to federal universal service funds in Tennessee because its Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) designation there only applies to wireline, the Regulatory Authority ruled Monday. “Nexus has misled our legislators and consumers that the TRA…
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has the power to prevent Nexus from providing wireless service,” authority chair Sara Kyle said. “The TRA does not have jurisdiction over wireless providers, and because Nexus never applied to the FCC for proper certification, Nexus does not qualify for reimbursement from federal universal service funds.” The ruling reaffirms that Nexus “is not and has never been” approved under Tennessee law for federal USF reimbursement on 68 free minutes per month it was offering wireless customers qualifying for the Lifeline program, the regulator said. “Nothing in the TRA’s decision interferes with the ability of Nexus to continue to provide wireless service to its customers,” the authority said. “It merely precludes federal reimbursement to the company for the phones and free minutes it gives to its wireless Lifeline customers.” Nexus still can ask the FCC for ETC status, the state agency said. That would qualify the company for federal USF reimbursement for its “free” offerings in Tennessee, the authority said. The regulator advised low-income Tennesseans wanting Lifeline or Link-up service that Tracfone and Virgin Mobile are designated as ETCs and operate in the state.