Give ACP Providers 'Substantial Flexibility': Verizon

Give providers participating in the affordable connectivity program "substantial flexibility" until at least April 1 for any requirements the FCC adopts in its final order on the program, Verizon told staff to Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, said a letter posted Tuesday in docket 21-450 (see 2111230058). It recommended the commission not adopt an opt-in requirement for households enrolled in the emergency broadband benefit program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act prohibits participating providers from "[requiring] the eligible household to submit to a credit check in order to apply the affordable connectivity benefit to an internet service offering,” to which Verizon noted "does not prohibit providers from simply performing a credit check or from using the results of a credit check for other purposes."