Providers Warned Against Misleading EBB-Eligible Consumers

Providers participating in the FCC emergency broadband benefit program must make clear to eligible consumers that the temporary benefit is different from Lifeline, and charge households the required copay of $10-$50 toward the cost of a connected device, said an Enforcement Bureau advisory Tuesday. “Providers may be linking EBB program enrollment to implementation of technical changes necessary to retain the subscriber’s existing service or automatically enrolling subscribers that provide information needed for another purpose.” The $3.2 billion program starts Wednesday and will last until the funds run out or six months after the public health emergency ends.