EBB Providers 'Falsely Claiming' CEP Eligibility: FCC OIG
Some emergency broadband benefit program providers' sales agents enroll households by "falsely claiming" the household includes a child attending a Department of Agriculture community eligibility provision (CEP) school during the eligibility verification process, said an FCC Office of Inspector General…
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advisory Monday. The data "clearly show a number of CEP schools are grossly overrepresented in EBB household enrollments when compared to the actual student enrollment at those schools," the advisory said. OIG found nearly 50 provider retail stores listed as the home address for households and more than 2,000 households living more than 50 miles from their designated CEP school. OIG didn't identify the schools "to preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations." The Office of Managing Director directed Universal Service Administrative Co. to modify the EBB application portal to require proof of enrollment at a CEP school. The bureau is also referring bad actors to the Enforcement Bureau and recouping "improperly disbursed funds," said a public notice. Accepted documentation includes a school letter confirming enrollment or a report card, said a Wireline Bureau PN. The bureau is also requiring current EBB enrollees to confirm their CEP-based eligibility: Households that "fail to timely confirm their eligibility will be de-enrolled."