FCC and Georgia tag-team to bust cheap internet moochers
Published Date: 9/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Georgia’s Department of Human Services to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline, a program that helps low-income folks get cheaper internet and phone service. This new data-matching program starts on October 29, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to stop fraud while making sure help goes to the right people. If you want to share your thoughts, comments are open until October 29, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Georgia SNAP check for Lifeline eligibility
If you apply for or receive Lifeline in Georgia, the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier will send your first and last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to the Georgia Department of Human Services starting October 29, 2026. Georgia will reply “yes” or “no” on whether you are enrolled in SNAP to verify Lifeline eligibility; the matching program runs for 18 months.
Personal data shared with Georgia DHS
The matching program will transfer specific personal data—first and last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number—to the Georgia Department of Human Services, which will use those elements to check SNAP enrollment and respond yes/no.
National Verifier may lower Lifeline provider costs
The Commission previously found that the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (which includes this matching activity) would reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, improve service for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.
Verification also applies to other federal programs
This matching agreement will verify Lifeline eligibility and also verify eligibility for other Federal programs that use Lifeline qualification as a criterion by checking SNAP enrollment in Georgia via the National Verifier.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19917, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Connecticut’s Department of Social Services to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline, a program that helps low-income folks get discounted internet and phone service. This new data-matching program starts on October 29, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to cut down fraud and make sure help goes to the right people. If you want to share your thoughts, comments are due by October 29, 2026.
2026-19919, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The FCC is asking the public and other agencies to help review and improve a paperwork process to make it easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want your comments by October 29, 2026, to help reduce the hassle and keep things running smoothly. This is part of a government effort to cut down on unnecessary forms and save time and money.
2026-19915, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on a form that businesses and nonprofits fill out about equal job opportunities in broadcasting. They want your thoughts on how to make this paperwork easier and clearer, especially for small businesses. If you have ideas or concerns, speak up by November 30, 2026—this helps keep the process smooth and fair without extra costs or hassle.
2026-19920, Sunshine Act; Open Commission Meeting Wednesday, September 30, 2026
The FCC is holding an open meeting on September 30, 2026, to update rules that affect how they review environmental impacts and to free up more airwaves for satellite and mobile internet. These changes will speed up approvals and add over 1,000 megahertz of spectrum, boosting innovation and connectivity for everyone. If you want to attend, you’ll need to pass security checks, but you can also watch live online.
2026-19910, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
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2026-19922, Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to review and comment on some paperwork they want to collect. They especially want ideas on how to make things easier for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due by October 29, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape these rules and reduce hassle!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19917, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Connecticut’s Department of Social Services to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline, a program that helps low-income folks get discounted internet and phone service. This new data-matching program starts on October 29, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to cut down fraud and make sure help goes to the right people. If you want to share your thoughts, comments are due by October 29, 2026.
Next: 2026-19919, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The FCC is asking the public and other agencies to help review and improve a paperwork process to make it easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want your comments by October 29, 2026, to help reduce the hassle and keep things running smoothly. This is part of a government effort to cut down on unnecessary forms and save time and money.