Media Contact: 
Claude Aiken, (202) 418-2100
claude.aiken@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MIGNON CLYBURN
On Reversing Lifeline Broadband Provider Designations
  -
WASHINGTON, February 3, 2017 – “Today, the agency reverses course on providing more 
competition and consumer choice for Lifeline customers. Rather than working to close the digital 
divide, this action widens the gap.
“By eliminating the designations of nine entities to provide Lifeline broadband service, the 
Bureau has substantially undermined businesses who had begun relying on those designations. 
These providers include a minority-owned business, a provider enabling students to complete 
their homework online, and others serving Tribal lands.
“Given the serious policy concerns at stake here, I asked to have this Order considered by the full 
Commission. But, clearly the goal was to include this in the ‘Friday News Dump’, as my request 
was flatly denied. 
“I remain hopeful, however, that this is not the final answer and that the providers’ requests will 
remain pending after today’s action. I implore the Chairman and the Bureau to consider these 
designation requests expeditiously. #ConsumersFirst.”
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Office of Commissioner Mignon Clyburn: (202) 418-2100
Twitter: @MClyburnFCC
www.fcc.gov
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official 
action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).