§ 54.1804 - Participating provider obligation to offer the Affordable Connectivity Program.

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§ 54.1804 xxx

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Participating provider obligation to offer the Affordable Connectivity Program.

All participating providers in the Affordable Connectivity Program shall:

(a) Make available the affordable connectivity benefit to eligible households.

(b) Publicize the availability of the Affordable Connectivity Program in a manner reasonably designed to reach those likely to qualify for the service and in a manner that is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

(c) Notify all consumers who either subscribe to or renew a subscription to an internet service offering about the Affordable Connectivity Program and how to enroll.

(1) Providers shall deliver a notice in writing or orally, in a manner that is accessible to persons with disabilities:

(i) During enrollment for new subscribers;

(ii) At least 30 days before the date of renewal for subscribers not enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program who have fixed-term plans longer than one month; and

(iii) Annually for subscribers not already enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program who have month-to-month or similar non-fixed term plans.

(2) The notice shall, at a minimum, indicate;

(i) The eligibility requirements for consumer participation;

(ii) That the Affordable Connectivity Program is non-transferable and limited to one monthly internet discount and a one-time connected device discount per household;

(iii) How to enroll, such as a customer service phone number or relevant website information; and

(iv) That the Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Government benefit program operated by the Federal Communications Commission and, if the Program ends, or when a household is no longer eligible, subscribers will be subject to the provider's regular rates, terms, and conditions.

(d) Frequently carry out public awareness campaigns in their Affordable Connectivity Program areas of service that highlight the value and benefits of broadband internet access service and the existence of the Affordable Connectivity Program in collaboration with State agencies, public interest groups, and non-profit organizations and retain documentation sufficient to demonstrate their compliance with the public awareness obligations.

[87 FR 8382, Feb. 14, 2022

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