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National Lifeline Association's Support for FCC Lifeline Reforms

On February 18, 2026, the National Lifeline Association (NaLA) expressed its strong support for the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) initiative to reform the Lifeline program, aimed at supporting low-income households with sustainable connectivity. As part of this rulemaking, NaLA welcomes the proposed measures designed to minimize waste, fraud, and abuse within the Lifeline program. These proposals include stringent benefit transfer controls, safeguards for enrollment representatives, and clear usage requirements for all Lifeline offerings.

NaLA's commendation hinges on the proposed Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which seeks to ensure that Lifeline benefits are allocated to only those low-income households that rightfully qualify. Notable measures in the NPRM include efforts to enhance screening processes to prevent duplications, the collection of full social security numbers when deemed necessary, standardized informed consent protocols for enrollments and transfers, and the eradication of state opt-outs from critical databases such as the National Lifeline Accountability Database and the National Verifier. These rational reforms are crucial in maintaining the program’s integrity and ensuring that essential connectivity reaches those households that require it most.

Over the years, NaLA has engaged with various stakeholders in government to advocate for important reforms related to program integrity within the Lifeline initiative. The association embodies a commitment to the ethical management of the Lifeline program and stands ready to collaborate with the FCC and other stakeholders to adopt logical solutions that address the challenges faced without burdening eligible households or the providers serving them.

As discussions on Lifeline reforms progress, NaLA underlines the necessity for Congress, the FCC, and the wider community to acknowledge the requirement for increasing the amount of data available to eligible households. Currently, the meager allocation of 4.5 GB of mobile broadband coming with Lifeline plans is insufficient for enrollees to carry out essential tasks—such as job hunting, communicating with employers, attending telehealth consultations, tracking children's educational progress, community engagement, and accessing safety and government services.

NaLA's provider members understand firsthand that the present subsidy amount of $9.25 monthly falls significantly short of covering affordable Lifeline services, which should include adequate voice, text, and data options. Hence, NaLA is determined to keep dialogue open with Congress, the bipartisan Universal Service Fund Working Group, and all relevant stakeholders to push for permanent, legislative adjustments that will ensure Lifeline can effectively fulfill its promise of providing affordable connectivity for low-income American households.

About NaLA

Founded in 2001, the National Lifeline Association (NaLA) is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Lifeline program. Through educational initiatives and engagement with stakeholders, NaLA strives to foster a community of Lifeline providers and advocates. As a 501(c)(6) non-profit, its operations rely on voluntary contributions that are directly allocated towards advancing and securing the Lifeline initiative's goals.

For additional information, visit NaLA's official website.