Broadband Infrastructure

Trade Groups Push FCC to Keep Lifeline Verification With USAC

NTCA, NRECA say new identity-check and Social Security number collection duties should not be shifted to individual carriers.

Zach Stark

Jun 4, 2026 — 2 min read

Image of three social security cards from the Social Security Administration Website.

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2026 – An effort at the Federal Communications Commission to adopt changes to a communications services subsidy program has become something of a struggle.

The Rural Broadband Association (NTCA) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) urged the FCC in a June 2 filing to keep Lifeline verification duties centralized with USAC and the National Verifier, rather than shifting new identity-check or Social Security number collection responsibilities onto individual carriers.

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Broadband Infrastructure FCC NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association NRECA Lifeline

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