Reminder: May 2 Deadline for ETCs to Decide on 2016 Lifeline Recertification

Eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) that wish to elect who will manage their 2016 annual Lifeline recertification have until May 2, 2016, to notify the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) about their choice. This applies both to companies that did not elect to have USAC conduct their 2015 annual recertification but wish to do so now, and any that had USAC complete the 2015 recertification but want to do it themselves in 2016. ETCs that used USAC in 2015 and would like USAC to conduct the recertification in 2016 do not need to take action. ETCs in states that manage Lifeline recertification (e.g., Texas) may not opt into USAC.

There are pros and cons to having USAC conduct the recertification. On the plus side, your staff is free to focus on other projects during this busy period. On the negative side, companies that had USAC conduct the recertification in the past saw higher de-enroll numbers due to nonresponse, which can cause additional work for your company in the long run when those customers subsequently wish to be re-added.

If you have any questions or you would like JSI’s help to weigh your options, please contact Lans Chase in JSI’s Georgia office at 770-569-2105 or Lisa McLaughlin in JSI’s Texas office at 512-338-0473.

Source: JSI e-lert