Verizon, TracFone formalize commitments to Lifeline program
By Will Johnson, Verizon svp and agc, federal regulatory and legal affairs:
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Verizon is committed to ensuring that those who struggle to make ends meet have access to wireless service. In September 2020, Verizon announced plans to acquire TracFone Wireless, Inc., a leading pre-paid and value mobile provider in the U.S., from Mexico’s America Movil. TracFone is a primary provider of the federal Lifeline program, which helps low-income Americans afford mobile phone service. Many Americans depend on this service to stay connected, and Verizon is dedicated to continuing TracFone’s participation in the program and providing service to these customers. As we’ve said before, supporting Lifeline is foundational to this deal.
Verizon has worked closely with key stakeholders to double-down on its commitment to Lifeline. With input from organizations such as Public Knowledge, the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, the California Center for Rural Policy, and Communications Workers of America, Verizon has filed formal commitments with the Federal Communications Commission documenting our support for the critical Lifeline program.
In our letter to the FCC, Verizon made the following commitments:
TracFone will offer Lifeline services for at least three years
TracFone will continue to offer a Lifeline plan at no charge to the consumer
Verizon will actively market and advertise Lifeline services
The reseller agreements Verizon is assuming from TracFone will be honored
5G will be available to Lifeline customers
Verizon will provide quarterly reports so the FCC can monitor Verizon’s compliance with these commitments
Verizon is eager to serve Lifeline customers, help close the digital divide and increase connectivity for all Americans when we need it most. Verizon’s letter to the FCC outlining these commitments, as well as a letter of support from key public interest groups, can be found below.
