[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 3, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12445-12446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04397]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[FR ID: 17530]


Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice of a new matching program.

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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 Pennsylvania's 
Department of Human Services (PDHS); (``Agency''). 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. More information 
about this program is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section 
below.

DATES: Written comments are due on or before April 2, 2021. This 
computer matching program will commence on April 2, 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4212302b3423213b022421216c252d34"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0151736877606278416762622f666e77">[email protected]</span></a>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202-418-1707 or 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c494b6adb2a5a7bd84a2a7a7eaa3abb2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="feae8c97889f9d87be989d9dd0999188">[email protected]</span></a>.

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 
will help 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 (81 FR 33026, May 
24, 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

[[Page 12446]]

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 Medicaid 
or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits 
administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Under 
FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline 
discounts and also for EBBP benefits.

PARTICIPATING NON-FEDERAL AGENCIES:
    Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PDHS).

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 (81 FR 33026, May 24, 
2016), 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 
Medicaid or SNAP benefits administered by the Pennsylvania Department 
of Human Services. 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, the last four digits of the applicant's Social 
Security Number, date of birth, and first name or last name. The 
National Verifier will transfer these data elements to the Pennsylvania 
DHS which will respond either ``yes'' or ``no'' that the individual is 
enrolled in a EBBP-qualifying assistance program: State of 
Pennsylvania's SNAP or 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 can be found on the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/managing-director/privacy-transparency/privacy-act-information#systems.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-04397 Filed 3-2-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P


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