Reminder: Lifeline Minimum Service Standards Change Dec. 1

Our ETC clients are reminded that the FCC’s new minimum service standards for Lifeline become effective for fixed (home) service providers this Saturday, December 1, 2018 (see our August 2 e-Lert for complete details). You will note the exception for fixed broadband speeds below. The new minimum service standards are as follows:

  • Fixed voice: No minimum service standard
  • Fixed broadband speed: Increases to 18/2 Mbps (Exception: If the service provider does not offer any generally available residential fixed broadband packages at the subscriber’s residence that meet the 18/2 Mbps standard, it can still receive support for the highest-performing generally available fixed broadband offering of at least 4 Mbps/1 Mbps.)
  • Fixed broadband usage: Increases from 250 GB of usage per month to 1000 GB

Customers whose service no longer meets the minimum service standards as of December 1 should have been notified by the company that their service no longer qualifies for Lifeline. They should be offered an option to switch to a Lifeline-supported plan or be de-enrolled from Lifeline and pay full price for the plan to which they are currently subscribed.

If you have any questions about the new minimum service standards, please contact one of our experts by clicking the button below.

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