Database Update: California Conditionally Permitted to Opt Out of National Lifeline Database

On March 4, 2013, the FCC Wireline Competition Bureau issued an Order conditionally granting certification of the California Public Utilities Commission ("CPUC") to opt out of the National Lifeline Accountability Database (“NLAD”).  The NLAD is intended to detect and eliminate duplicate Lifeline support provided to individuals and households and is expected to come online later this year.

In the Order, the Bureau expressed concerns regarding the potential for duplicative support because California does not utilize an eligibility database.  The Bureau conditioned approval of the CPUC's opt out on the implementation of a system that incorporates a third party identity verification service.  The CPUC must come into compliance by August 1, 2013.

In addition to California, Texas and Vermont  have been permitted to opt out of the NLAD.  Opt out petitions filed by Oregon, and Puerto Rico remain pending.