CPUC Seeks Comment on FCC Lifeline Order
The California Public Utilities Commission is seeking comment on how to modify the state LifeLine program for low-income households in light of the recent FCC Lifeline order, CPUC Commissioner Catherine Sandoval said in a ruling Thursday. The ruling also asks…
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questions on several other issues on the state program. “The key policy areas the Commission may need to address as a result of the FCC’s Order include: the future role of the California LifeLine Program, the services supported by California LifeLine, the defining characteristics of a low-income household, and the entity tasked with the responsibility of enrolling consumers,” CPUC said. “More generally, this Ruling invites parties to suggest ways this Commission may advance its decades-old commitment to California LifeLine in light of the FCC’s 'modernized' federal Lifeline program and California’s statutory commitments to universal and affordable telecommunications service including basic telephone service and its policies to promote access to broadband internet access services.” The comments on the FCC order are due Oct. 7, replies Oct. 17, CPUC said. States have sued the FCC over the Lifeline order, and at a July NARUC meeting Sandoval said California may want to opt out of national Lifeline verification because the state already has a strong third-party verifier (see 1607270020).