Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program, 44020-44021 [2021-17278]

Download as PDF 44020 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 152 / Wednesday, August 11, 2021 / Notices requirements for all Uniendo a Puerto Rico Fund and Connect USVI Fund Stage 2 mobile support recipients. Uniendo a Puerto Rico Fund and Connect USVI Fund Stage 2 mobile support recipients will also file network coverage and other data as required by the Commission’s orders. The Commission and USAC will use this information to monitor the deployment progress of mobile carriers and to verify that carriers meet the public interest obligations for 4G LTE and 5G mobile broadband and voice services in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Instead of filing in the HUBB portal, mobile support recipients will submit their reports electronically as part of a web form accessed via the Commission’s Form 477 portal (477 Portal) and the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). This collection mechanism is being used to reduce the technological burden on the public and the Commission, as carriers and the public are familiar with both of these systems. The Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) will specify the filing process by which Stage 2 mobile support recipients must file their reports in the 477 Portal prior to the filing deadlines. In the 2020 Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Order, the Commission adopted a support mechanism to provide funding through a competitive auction to connect rural homes and businesses to high-speed broadband networks. The Commission established specific public interest obligations and deployment milestones for all carriers receiving this support. Specifically, the Commission imposed defined deployment obligations and associated HUBB reporting requirements (annual location reporting and build-out certifications) for all support recipients. We therefore propose to revise this information collection. Finally, we propose to increase the burdens associated with existing and new reporting requirements to account for additional carriers that will be subject to these requirements. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES [FR Doc. 2021–17114 Filed 8–10–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 23:05 Aug 10, 2021 Jkt 253001 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [FR ID: 42435] Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice of a new matching program. AGENCY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (‘‘Privacy Act’’), this document announces the establishment of a computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission (‘‘FCC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘Agency’’) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the Mississippi Department of Human Services (Department). The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which is administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC, or other federal programs that use qualification for the FCC’s Lifeline Program as an eligibility criterion. More information about this program is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. DATES: Written comments are due on or before September 10, 2021. This computer matching program will commence on September 10, 2021, and will conclude 18 months after becoming effective. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Margaret Drake, FCC, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, or to Privacy@fcc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202–417–1707 or Privacy@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) was established by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182. EBBP is a program that helps lowincome Americans obtain discounted broadband service and one-time co-pay for a connected device (laptop, desktop computer or tablet). This program was created specifically to assist American families’ access to broadband, which has proven to be essential for work, school, and healthcare during the public health emergency that exists as a result of COVID–19. A household may qualify for the EBBP benefit under various criteria, including an individual qualifying for the FCC’s Lifeline program. In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016, the Commission ordered USAC to create a National SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (‘‘National Verifier’’), including the National Lifeline Eligibility Database (LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and subscribers with other data sources to verify the eligibility of an applicant or subscriber. The Commission found that the National Verifier would reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, improve service for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits administered by the Mississippi Department. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits. Participating Non-Federal Agencies Mississippi Department of Human Services (Department). Authority for Conducting the Matching Program Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54. Purpose(s) In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the FCC required USAC to develop and operate the National Verifier to improve efficiency and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. The stated purpose of the National Verifier is ‘‘to increase the integrity and improve the performance of the Lifeline program for the benefit of a variety of Lifeline participants, including Lifeline providers, subscribers, states, community-based organizations, USAC, and the Commission.’’ 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006, para. 126. To help determine whether Lifeline applicants and subscribers are eligible for Lifeline benefits, the Order contemplates that the USAC-operated LED will communicate with information systems and databases operated by other Federal and State agencies. Id. at 4011– 2, paras. 135–7. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive SNAP benefits administered by the Mississippi E:\FR\FM\11AUN1.SGM 11AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 152 / Wednesday, August 11, 2021 / Notices Department. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits. Categories of Individuals The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who have applied for EBBP benefits; are currently receiving benefits; are individuals who enable another individual in their household to qualify for EBBP benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian for EBBP benefits; or are individuals who have received EBBP benefits. Categories of Records The categories of records involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to first and last name, date of birth and the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security Number. The National Verifier will transfer these data elements to the Mississippi Department, which will respond either ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ that the individual is enrolled in an EBBP-qualifying assistance program: State of Mississippi’s SNAP and Medicaid. System(s) of Records The USAC records shared as part of this matching program reside in the EBBP system of records, FCC/WCB–3, Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11523 (Feb. 25, 2021). Federal Communications Commission. Katura Jackson, Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 2021–17278 Filed 8–9–21; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [FR ID: 42433] Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice of a computer matching program. AGENCY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (‘‘Privacy Act’’), this document announces the notice of a computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission (‘‘FCC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘Agency’’) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (‘‘Agency’’). The jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 23:05 Aug 10, 2021 Jkt 253001 purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of Lifeline (existing purpose) and the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, both of which are administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC. More information about these programs is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. DATES: Written comments are due on or before September 10, 2021. This computer matching program will commence on September 10, 2021, and will conclude 18 months after the effective date. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Margaret Drake, FCC, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, or to Privacy@fcc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202–418–1707 or Privacy@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Lifeline program provides support for discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under FCC direction. Consumers qualify for Lifeline through proof of income or participation in a qualifying program, such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or various Tribal-specific federal assistance programs. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) was established by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182. EBBP is a program that helps low-income Americans obtain discounted broadband service and one-time co-pay for a connected device (laptop, desktop computer or tablet). This program was created specifically to assist American families’ access to broadband, which has proven to be essential for work, school, and healthcare during the public health emergency that exists as a result of COVID–19. A household may qualify for the EBBP benefit under various criteria, including an individual qualifying for the FCC’s Lifeline program. In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016, the Commission ordered USAC to create a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (‘‘National Verifier’’), including the National Lifeline Eligibility Database (LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and subscribers with other data sources to verify the eligibility of PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 44021 an applicant or subscriber. The Commission found that the National Verifier would reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, improve service for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive Federal Public Housing Assistance benefits administered by the HUD. Persons receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits. Participating Non-Federal Agencies U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Authority for Conducting the Matching Program The authority for the FCC’s EBBP is Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54. The authority for the FCC’s Lifeline program is 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 CFR 54.400 et seq.; Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, et al., Third Report and Order, Further Report and Order, and Order on Reconsideration, 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006–21, paras. 126–66 (2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order). Purpose(s) In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the FCC required USAC to develop and operate the National Verifier to improve efficiency and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. The stated purpose of the National Verifier is ‘‘to increase the integrity and improve the performance of the Lifeline program for the benefit of a variety of Lifeline participants, including Lifeline providers, subscribers, states, community-based organizations, USAC, and the Commission.’’ 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006, para. 126. To help determine whether Lifeline applicants and subscribers are eligible for Lifeline benefits, the Order contemplates that the USAC-operated LED will communicate with information systems and databases operated by other Federal and State agencies. Id. at 4011– 2, paras. 135–7. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching agreement is to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline (existing purpose), as well as to the new E:\FR\FM\11AUN1.SGM 11AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 152 (Wednesday, August 11, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44020-44021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17278]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[FR ID: 42435]


Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice of a new matching program.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended 
(``Privacy Act''), this document announces the establishment of a 
computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission 
(``FCC'' or ``Commission'' or ``Agency'') and the Universal Service 
Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the Mississippi 
Department of Human Services (Department). The purpose of this matching 
program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers 
of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which is administered by 
USAC under the direction of the FCC, or other federal programs that use 
qualification for the FCC's Lifeline Program as an eligibility 
criterion. More information about this program is provided in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

DATES: Written comments are due on or before September 10, 2021. This 
computer matching program will commence on September 10, 2021, and will 
conclude 18 months after becoming effective.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Margaret Drake, FCC, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, or to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202-417-1707 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program 
(EBBP) was established by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act of 2021, Public Law 116-260, 134 Stat. 1182. EBBP is a program that 
helps low-income Americans obtain discounted broadband service and one-
time co-pay for a connected device (laptop, desktop computer or 
tablet). This program was created specifically to assist American 
families' access to broadband, which has proven to be essential for 
work, school, and healthcare during the public health emergency that 
exists as a result of COVID-19. A household may qualify for the EBBP 
benefit under various criteria, including an individual qualifying for 
the FCC's Lifeline program.
    In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016, the Commission 
ordered USAC to create a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier 
(``National Verifier''), including the National Lifeline Eligibility 
Database (LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and 
subscribers with other data sources to verify the eligibility of an 
applicant or subscriber. The Commission found that the National 
Verifier would reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, 
improve service for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and 
abuse in the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 
directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants' 
eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify 
the eligibility of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining 
whether they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
benefits administered by the Mississippi Department. Under FCC rules, 
consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts and 
also for EBBP benefits.

Participating Non-Federal Agencies

    Mississippi Department of Human Services (Department).

Authority for Conducting the Matching Program

    Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116-260, 134 
Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54.

Purpose(s)

    In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the FCC required USAC to 
develop and operate the National Verifier to improve efficiency and 
reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. The stated 
purpose of the National Verifier is ``to increase the integrity and 
improve the performance of the Lifeline program for the benefit of a 
variety of Lifeline participants, including Lifeline providers, 
subscribers, states, community-based organizations, USAC, and the 
Commission.'' 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006, para. 126. To help determine 
whether Lifeline applicants and subscribers are eligible for Lifeline 
benefits, the Order contemplates that the USAC-operated LED will 
communicate with information systems and databases operated by other 
Federal and State agencies. Id. at 4011-2, paras. 135-7.
    The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to 
leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants' eligibility for 
EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility 
of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive 
SNAP benefits administered by the Mississippi

[[Page 44021]]

Department. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify 
for Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits.

Categories of Individuals

    The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the 
matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who 
have applied for EBBP benefits; are currently receiving benefits; are 
individuals who enable another individual in their household to qualify 
for EBBP benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or 
guardian for EBBP benefits; or are individuals who have received EBBP 
benefits.

Categories of Records

    The categories of records involved in the matching program include, 
but are not limited to first and last name, date of birth and the last 
four digits of the applicant's Social Security Number. The National 
Verifier will transfer these data elements to the Mississippi 
Department, which will respond either ``yes'' or ``no'' that the 
individual is enrolled in an EBBP-qualifying assistance program: State 
of Mississippi's SNAP and Medicaid.

System(s) of Records

    The USAC records shared as part of this matching program reside in 
the EBBP system of records, FCC/WCB-3, Emergency Broadband Benefit 
Program, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11523 
(Feb. 25, 2021).

Federal Communications Commission.
Katura Jackson,
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2021-17278 Filed 8-9-21; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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