Groups Speak With Starks on Emergency Broadband Fund

Consider alternatives to verify providers' eligibility for the emergency broadband relief fund due to "the shortcomings of the National Verifier database," digital and civil rights groups led by Public Knowledge told FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, per a filing posted Tuesday in docket 20-445. Free Press, MediaJustice, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and Gigi Sohn of the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy participated. Set criteria for new entrants that encourage "participation by a broad array of providers," including noneligible telecom carriers, the groups recommended, and include periodic reporting so Universal Service Administrative Co. can track how much funding remains available throughout the program and a method for notifying program participants about their eligibility for Lifeline services. The groups raised concerns about public awareness of the fund and recommended the commission use some administrative funds for marketing campaigns (see 2101070052). Adopt "plug and play" materials to inform and reach eligible participants, they said. Starks has been meeting with such groups on their recommendations.