OTI Urges FCC to Protect Low-Income Consumers in Emergency Broadband Benefit, Verizon/TracFone Merger

OTI met with FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel via phone to discuss the connectivity needs of low-income consumers in the context of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program and Verizon's proposed acquisition of TracFone. OTI recommended pricing guardrails to protect EBB subscribers from coercive upselling tactics, a ban on data caps, mandatory use of the Broadband Nutrition Label, a simplified application process, renewed outreach to Pell Grant students, and a ban on negative credit reporting for EBB subscribers. OTI also urged the FCC to appoint an ombudsman to ensure the Verizon/TracFone merger does not harm low-income consumers.