State Delays Controversial Monthly Fee on Lifeline Phone Service
The Georgia Public Service Commission voted Tuesday to delay the roll-out of a controversial $5 monthly fee on Lifeline phone service.
Wireless phone companies had complained they needed more time to set up brand new billing systems.
“We’ve got Georgia businesses that need time to get their plan in place and whatever is necessary to follow the orders,” said Public Service Commissioner Bubba McDonald.
The vote delays the roll-out of the fee until October.
The move comes as the PSC is being sued over the fee. A national group representing wireless companies filed the lawsuit this month in federal court, claiming Georgia commissioners have no right to regulate what companies charge customers.
The Lifeline federal program helps nearly a million low-income Georgians pay for phone service.
Last month, commissioners voted to add the monthly fee to cut down on what they say is rampant fraud and abuse in the program.
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