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   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

   June 25, 2013 Mark Wigfield, 202-418-0253

   E-mail: mark.wigfield@fcc.gov

       FCC TAKES FURTHER STEPS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH RULES PROTECTING
                LIFELINE PROGRAM AGAINST WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE

   Washington, D.C. - The FCC took further steps today to ensure that
   providers participating in the [1]Lifeline program follow rules that
   protect the program against waste, fraud and abuse.  Lifeline provides a
   discount on phone service for eligible low-income consumers.

   "The FCC adopted tough, comprehensive reforms last year to combat waste,
   fraud and abuse in the Lifeline program," said Acting Chairwoman Mignon
   Clyburn. "These reforms saved over $200 million in the first year alone,
   and are on track to save $2 billion by the end of 2014. We take any abuse
   of our rules seriously - and are acting aggressively to enforce them in
   order to preserve this program for the less fortunate among us who rely on
   Lifeline to reach emergency services, jobs and loved ones."

   In an Enforcement Advisory, the Enforcement Bureau reminded providers that
   they are responsible for the conduct of their agents or representatives
   marketing the service. The Bureau is concerned that some providers are not
   taking steps to make certain that their agents follow Lifeline rules, and
   is investigating possible misconduct on the part of these providers as
   well as their agents. The Advisory also reminds providers that it is
   unlawful to sell or transfer Lifeline service to anyone else.

   In addition, the Wireline Competition Bureau emphasized that providers
   must verify eligibility of a new subscriber before initiating service.
   Despite the directives provided in the [2]Lifeline Reform Order, some ETCs
   may be activating phones for consumers prior to fully verifying their
   eligibility.

   Last week, Commission staff, along with representatives from the Universal
   Service Administrative Company (USAC), hosted a webinar that drew 600
   participants to share information about the [3]National Lifeline
   Accountability Database (NLAD).  Along with the database vendor,
   Commission staff and USAC representatives explained that the NLAD would be
   operational by year end and what steps would be followed to meet this
   goal.  Establishment of the NLAD will ensure permanent detection and
   prevention of multiple Lifeline subscriptions in a household.

   Link to Enforcement Advisory:
   http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-13-1435A1

   Link to Order:
   http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-13-1441A1.pdf

                                     -FCC-

   NEWS

   Federal Communications Commission

   445 12^th Street, S.W.

   Washington, D. C. 20554

   This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the
   full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.

   See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

                                        News Media Information 202 / 418-0500

                                                 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov

                                                          TTY: 1-888-835-5322

References

   Visible links
   1. http://www.fcc.gov/lifeline
   2. http://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-reforms-modernizes-lifeline-program-low-income-americans
   3. http://www.fcc.gov/blog/hitting-ground-running-lifeline-accountability-database