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DA 18-854
Released:  August 15, 2018
WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU APPROVES THE WIRELINE AND WIRELESS COMPLIANCE PLAN OF GLOBAL CONNECTION
WC Docket Nos. 09-197, 11-42
The Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) hereby approves the joint wireline and wireless compliance plan See Global Connection Inc. of America Revised Wireline and Wireless Compliance Plan, WC Docket No. 09-197, 11-42 (filed Apr. 16, 2018) (Global Connection Compliance Plan).
 of Global Connection, Inc. of America, (Global Connection) filed pursuant to the requirements for the continued provision of Lifeline service. See Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization et al, 27 FCC Rcd 6656, 6816, paras. 379-380 (2012) (2012 Lifeline Reform Order); In the Matter of Lifeline & Link Up Reform & Modernization, 30 FCC Rcd 7818 (2015) (2015 Lifeline Order). 

The Act provides that a carrier be designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) to receive universal service support. 47 U.S.C. § 214(e)(1)(A).
  The Commission has required that all telecommunications carriers seeking Lifeline-only ETC designation must meet the following conditions: (1) compliance with certain 911 and enhanced 911 (E911) public safety requirements; and (2) Bureau approval of a compliance plan providing specific information regarding the carrier and its service offerings and outlining the measures the carrier will take to implement its obligations. See 2012 Lifeline Reform Order, 27 FCC Rcd at 6814, 6819, paras. 373 and 389.  Subsequently, the Bureau provided guidance for carriers submitting compliance plans pursuant to the 2012 Lifeline Reform Order.  See Wireline Competition Bureau Provides Guidance for the Submission of Compliance Plans Pursuant to the Lifeline Reform Order, Public Notice, 27 FCC Rcd 2186 (WCB 2012).

The Bureau has clarified that any transfer of ownership or control of an ETC with an approved Lifeline compliance plan requires Commission approval in advance of the transaction. Wireline Competition Bureau Reminds Carriers of Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Designation and Compliance Plan Approval Requirements for Receipt of Federal Universal Service Support, Public Notice, 29 FCC Rcd 9144, 9145 (WCB 2014) (2014 ETC Public Notice). 
  This includes renewing compliance plan approval for changes in the corporate ownership and control of the ETC. Id.
  
In accordance with this requirement, Global Connection submitted an amended compliance plan for both its wireline and wireless Lifeline services for Bureau approval. See Global Connection Compliance Plan.
  Global Connection has previously-approved wireline and wireless compliance plans See Wireline Competition Bureau Approves the Compliance Plans of American Broadband & Telecommunications, Budget Prepay, Consumer Cellular, Global Connection, Terracom, and Total Call, Public Notice, 27 FCC Rcd 5776 (WCB 2012); Wireline Competition Bureau Approves the Wireline Compliance Plans of Global Connection and Phone Club Corporation, Public Notice, 31 FCC Rcd 8860 (WCB 2016).
 and currently provides resold wireline Lifeline service in twenty-six states and wireless Lifeline service in twenty-six states and territories. Global Connection Compliance Plan, at 3. The twenty-six wireline states are: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The twenty-six wireless states and territories are: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
  Global Connection is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Global Connection Holdings Corporation (Global Holdings). Global Connection Compliance Plan, at 3.
  Odin Mobile LLC has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire a majority ownership interest in Global Holdings. Id.
  Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Odin Mobile will acquire 75 percent of Global Holdings’ stock. Id. 
  Global Holdings will retain the remaining minority ownership interest. Id.

The Bureau has reviewed Global Connection’s combined wireline and wireless compliance plan for conformance with the relevant requirements, and now approves the compliance plan.  We note that with respect to this matter, Global Connection will remain the only entity with an approved compliance plan.  Additionally, Global Connection must continue to comply with any future additions to or amendments of the Lifeline program rules unless it has relinquished its relevant designation(s) pursuant to section 214(e)(4) of the Act.  
People with Disabilities:  To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-7400 or TTY (202) 418-0484.
For further information, please contact Christian Hoefly, Telecommunications Access Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau at (202) 418-3607.
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