Providers Have EBB Responsibilities

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More than 825 providers are taking part in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program that begins today (see lede story.) The benefit is available to new, prior or existing customers. The Universal Service Administrative Company is the program administrator with FCC oversight.

The FCC Enforcement Bureau said broadband providers must obtain informed subscriber consent to enroll subscribers, including existing Lifeline customers. Providers can’t jeopardize Lifeline service for customers who don’t choose to take part in the EBB.   

Providers must obtain a co-pay for EBB-covered devices. “Circumventing this rule by conjuring a ‘credit’ in lieu of a customer payment or otherwise offering a connected device free of charge is contrary to the policy of requiring households receiving subsidized connected devices to have an ownership stake in the devices,” cautions the bureau in an advisory.

Providers also can’t suggest or imply that signing up for EBB services is required for obtaining or continuing other services, including Lifeline services.

At a minimum, according to the bureau, Lifeline providers must make it clear that subscribers: 1) may continue their existing Lifeline service without enrolling in the EBB Program; 2) may choose to take EBB Program benefits from a service provider other than their existing Lifeline provider; and 3) may transfer EBB Program benefits to another provider at any time.

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