Let States 'Take the Lead' on Lifeline Certification, Pai Tells House Democrats

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai invoked the words of Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., in declaring that policymakers must “return the role of state utility commissions in determining Lifeline eligibility,” citing a statement that Udall offered in introducing joint Lifeline overhaul legislation with Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb. (see 1702170051). Pai was responding to a group of House Democrats’ Feb. 15 criticisms, led by House Communications Subcommittee ranking member Mike Doyle, D-Pa., in a reply released Monday and dated April 28, focused on the commission’s revocation of Lifeline certification for certain broadband providers. Applications are pending before the Wireline Bureau. “I do not believe that the Bureau should approve these applications,” Pai said, citing more than 3.5 million Americans receiving subsidized broadband through Lifeline via the eligible telecom carriers that are certified. “It would be irresponsible for the Bureau to allow companies to sign up customers for subsidized broadband service through an unlawful federal authorization process that will soon be withdrawn. This would force many consumers to switch broadband providers in a relatively short period of time, which wouldn't be fair to them.” He lauded the state certification role: “By letting states take the lead on certification as envisioned by Congress, we will strengthen the Lifeline program and put the implementation of last year's order on a solid legal footing. This will benefit all Americans, including those participating in the program.” Pai laid out some of his intentions on these matters at the end of March (see 1703290054).