Affordable Phone and Internet Services Granted to Hurricane Victims by the FCC
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an order to provide a helping hand to those affected by hurricanes and tornadoes. The order aims to help millions of people seeking emergency assistance by offering discounted phone and broadband services to storm survivors.
In the wake of devastating weather systems, the Commission's order applies to survivors who are currently receiving individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program (IHP). This waiver period will last for six months after a Presidential declaration of emergency or major disaster.
The Lifeline program, which offers discounts for qualifying low-income consumers, will be extended to these households. Qualifying consumers can receive a $9.25 monthly discount on Lifeline-supported broadband service or a $5.25 monthly discount on Lifeline-supported voice service.
The FCC found that good cause exists to waive the Lifeline eligibility requirements for households receiving individual assistance from FEMA's IHP due to any hurricane or tropical weather system during the six-month waiver period. This means that impacted individuals will be able to enroll in the Lifeline program using their participation in FEMA's IHP as the qualifying program.
Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) have been reminded of their obligation to publicize the availability of Lifeline service to those likely to qualify. ETCs are expected to publicize this opportunity to impacted households and modify their application systems to allow FEMA IHP participants to quickly apply and enroll for the Lifeline program under this waiver.
The Commission may take into account considerations of hardship, equity, or more effective implementation of overall policy on an individual basis. The Lifeline program is designed to quickly assist those impacted by the storms and continues to offer discounts for lower-income households on fixed or mobile voice or broadband internet service, as well as on bundled service.
The order also aims to temporarily waive certain eligibility rules for consumers receiving federal disaster assistance to enroll in the Lifeline program. This will allow households not already enrolled in the Lifeline program to enter the program if they are receiving individual assistance from FEMA's IHP as a result of the impacts of Hurricane Milton or other hurricanes or other tropical weather systems that result in a Presidential declaration of emergency or major disaster that occur during the next six months.
In summary, the FCC's order provides a valuable opportunity for storm survivors to easily apply for and enroll in the Lifeline program, offering discounted phone and broadband services to help them in their recovery process.
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