Providers Gear Up to Deliver Emergency Broadband Benefit
Providers are gearing up to offer discounted services through the FCC emergency broadband benefit program. The $3.2 billion program is expected to help millions of low-income consumers and those hit hardest by the pandemic (see 2102260058).
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The Wireline Bureau announced milestone dates for interested providers in a public notice Thursday. The expedited and automatic approval processes for noneligible telecom carriers interested in participating are intended to give ETCs and non-ETCs an even platform to start offering services on the same day. The portal for alternative eligibility verification and applications for non-ETCs interested in participating opens Monday. The deadline for both is March 22. Universal Service Administrative Co., which will administer the funds, will also launch its provider election notice inbox March 11.
Whether non-ETCs should be given priority to participate in the program was a point of contention during the comment period, but many were glad the FCC adopted a streamlined process. "I intend to participate on the very moment of the very first day that this program launches," tweeted Patty Boyers, ACA Connects chair and president of Boycom Communications, a non-ETC. Incompas members have been attending webinars hosted by USAC to understand how they can participate, since many are non-ETCs, General Counsel Angie Kronenberg told us: “Member companies are really excited about the possibility of participating.”
Several providers have announced they will participate. The EBB “is a welcome step in getting assistance directly to those in need during this pandemic, and we plan to participate in the effort,” said Mitch Rose, Comcast executive vice president-federal government affairs. Lumen is “hopeful that we will be able to participate and look forward to reviewing the program rules," emailed a spokesperson. "Verizon intends to participate in EBB for "home and mobile service," a spokesperson emailed: It's working "closely with the FCC to be ready when it launches in April." T-Mobile didn’t respond to a request for comment but expressed interest in the program when the FCC sought comments (see 2102080024). AT&T is participating.
NCTA expects "many to participate as part of the industry’s ongoing efforts to make progress in closing the digital divide," emailed a spokesperson. The group has been talking to member companies about EBB.
USTelecom members “stand ready to serve communities in need and look forward to working to connect consumers though this important initiative,” it commented. A spokesperson didn't say whether any of its members will participate. CEO Jonathan Spalter said the program is "an important development and will bring critical connectivity assistance to students and others affected by the pandemic.” CTIA wouldn't say whether its members will participate and "looks forward to working with the FCC to ensure eligible consumers across the country can apply this important benefit to mobile wireless services," said Scott Bergmann, senior vice president-regulatory affairs.
Rural ISPs are interested in the program and keeping an eye on implementation details before considering what to do next, emailed Michael Romano, NTCA senior vice president-industry affairs. Romano noted the Wireline Bureau was directed to develop forms and guidance for participation: “Those details as they become available will be important as members evaluate whether and how to participate.”