The FCC is Cracking Down on Lifeline Phone Providers in California & Other States It Accuses of Fraud

FCC Proposes Reforms into Phone and Internet Fraud: 'No Taxpayer Dollars for Dead People'

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Wednesday proposed reforms to the agency's program that helps low-income Americans afford phone and internet services amidst reports of abuse of the program, especially in states such as California.

The FCC is Cracking Down on Lifeline Phone Providers in California & Other States It Accuses of Fraud

The Federal Communications Commission has initiated formal investigations into several Lifeline providers operating in California and other states that previously opted out of the federal eligibility verification system. These probes focus on potential violations of program rules, particularly the enrollment of deceased individuals and duplicate subscribers in the Lifeline program, which offers discounted phone and […] The post The FCC is Cracki…

Public Knowledge Opposes FCC Vote Jeopardizing Lifeline Program

Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted to adopt a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on Lifeline program reforms to create more procedural hurdles and administrative burdens that risk making enrollment and participation more complex, more surveilled, and more punitive in an already underutilized program. Public Knowledge contends that the Commission should reimagine this proceeding to be more consumer focused by examining …

Commissioners Expected to Approve Lifeline Changes 2-1 With Limited Changes

The FCC's controversial NPRM on Lifeline rules appears likely to be approved 2-1 Wednesday, with a dissent by Commissioner Anna Gomez and only limited changes, said industry officials engaged in the proceeding. Groups seeking changes to the rules said they...

FCC Investigating Lifeline Providers as Advocates, Dems Push Back Against Increased ID Verification

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2026 – The Federal Communications Commission said Tuesday it was investigating “an initial group” of companies for potentially defrauding its subsidy program for low-income mobile subscribers.The announcement comes one day before the agency is set to vote on a proposal that would seek comment on increasing eligibility requirements for its Lifeline program, a move advocacy groups sought to persuade the agency against in meeti…