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FCC Response

FCC Response:

In an effort to keep Americans connected as the country experiences serious disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai challenged internet service providers (ISPs) to take the Keep Americans Connected Pledge on March 13, 2020. On April 30, 2020, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced the extension of his Keep Americans Connected Pledge until June 30, 2020. Read the full announcement here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-364090A1.pdf. The Keep Americans Connected Pledge calls on ISPs to pledge for the next 60 days to: 

(1) not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic; 

(2) waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and 

(3) open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

Go here to read the full announcement: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-363033A1.pdf.

On March 17, 2020, the FCC Wireline Competition Bureau’s issued an Order waiving the Lifeline program’s recertification and reverification requirements for participating low-income consumers for 60 days.  The Bureau also waived the 2019 Lifeline Order’s requirement that participating carriers’ enrollment representatives register with the Lifeline program administrator, the Universal Service Administrative Company for 60 days. Read the Order here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-363104A1.pdf

Track the FCC’s response to COVID-19 at: https://www.fcc.gov/keep-americans-connected

Additional FCC Resources:

Hundreds of Rate-of-Return Carriers Will Waive Late Fees and DSL Installation and Cancellation Fees
Media Contact: Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509 will.wiquist@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC PROVIDES RELIEF THAT ENABLES RURAL BROADBAND AND PHONE PROVIDERS TO IMMEDIATELY
docs.fcc.gov

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