FCC, NARUC Seek to Raise Lifeline Awareness

The FCC and states will partner to raise Lifeline awareness amid the pandemic, said Commission Chairman Ajit Pai and NARUC President Brandon Presley in a Monday letter to NARUC members. The FCC is expanding access to the national verifier to allow state agencies to help consumers sign up, “much like Lifeline service providers do today,” said the Republican FCC chairman and Democratic Mississippi commissioner. “We hope that state public utility commissions, state departments of health and human services, and state social service agencies will take advantage of this new feature.” Pai and Presley urged state commissions to share Lifeline information with consumers. Industry, policymakers and consumer advocates seek new ways to expand Lifeline enrollment and benefits (see 2004240014).