FCC Demands Repayment of $1.18 Million for Provider Overbilling of Computer Tablets in COVID-Era Programs 
   
WASHINGTON, September 23, 2025—The Federal Communications Commission demanded a total of $1.18 million be repaid to American taxpayers by Boomerang Wireless and Assist Wireless for overpayment of reimbursement claims they made and received for connected devices provided to consumers as part of COVID-era connectivity programs.  The companies had sought reimbursement of as much as $100 per tablet for devices that were widely available for half that price.

Chairman Brendan Carr issued the following statement: 

“FCC programs are not here to line the pockets of unscrupulous providers.  These programs served an important role during a crisis, and yet some companies saw them as a target for overbilling and padded their reimbursement requests.  We will continue to monitor and review all our programs to protect the taxpayers’ money.”

Additional Background: 

Providers that participated in the since-ended Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) could receive reimbursement for connected devices provided to eligible households.  Reimbursement was limited to the market value of the device, minus a co-pay from the household, up to a maximum reimbursement of $100 per device.   

During the programs, Amazon Fire 7 tablets were available for $49.99 or less.  Between May 2021 and August 2023, Boomerang and Assist submitted claims and received $100 per tablet for more than 7,000 and 6,000 devices respectively.  After the Universal Service Administrative Company began a program integrity review, the companies revised their market value assessment to $69.99, which was still above actual market value, and continued to submit thousands of additional claims.  

The companies have 30 days to pay the full amount to the U.S. Treasury.  Specifically, Boomerang must repay $131,027.10 in ACP and $513,608.04 in EBB payments, for a total of $644,635.14.  Assist must repay $93,534.66 in ACP and $444,415.72 in EBB payments, for a total of $537,950.38.  

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Media Contact: MediaRelations@fcc.gov / (202) 418-0500
@FCC / www.fcc.gov