Iowa Public Utilities Commission Lifeline Eligibility Certification Process

Strategic Insights -

The Iowa Public Utilities Commission has issued an annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form, which requires all carriers to complete and submit to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This form is crucial for carriers to recertify consumer eligibility for the Lifeline program, which provides discounted phone and internet services to low-income individuals.

Key Takeaways:

  • All ETCs must complete the certification form for each Study Area Code (SAC) through which they provide Lifeline service.
  • The form must be submitted to USAC and filed with the FCC by January 31st annually.
  • ETCs are required to recertify consumer eligibility by relying on a database, a third-party administrator, or direct contact with the consumer.
  • The recertification process involves reviewing income and program-based eligibility documentation, confirming consumer eligibility through state databases or notice of eligibility from the state Lifeline administrator, and de-enrolling subscribers who are found to be ineligible or non-responsive.
  • The form also requires ETCs to report the number of subscribers de-enrolled for non-usage by month, and to provide information on affiliated ETCs and non-usage requirements.
  • ETCs must also certify that they have procedures in place to recertify consumer eligibility by relying on a database, a third-party administrator, or direct contact with the consumer.

Statistics:

  • Farmers Cooperative Telephone Company has 351162 subscribers in SAC 143001951, with 2020 as the recertification year.
  • As of January 15, 2021, the company has 3 affiliated ETCs, with 0 subscribers de-enrolled for non-usage.
  • The company has 0 subscribers de-enrolled prior to recertification attempts, with 0 subscribers recertified through direct contact with the consumer in January 2020.
  • The company has certified that it has procedures in place to recertify consumer eligibility by relying on a database, and has reported 0 subscribers de-enrolled as a result of database recertification.

Sources:

  • Iowa Public Utilities Commission. (2020). Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form.
  • Federal Communications Commission. (2020). Lifeline Program.
  • Universal Service Administrative Company. (2020). Lifeline Program Information.