Florida Public Service Commission native order document 06754-2024

OCR transcription for search; preserved printed pages are authoritative

FILED 6/20/2024
DOCUMENT NO. 06754-2024
FPSC - COMMISSION CLERK

BEFORE THE FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

In re: Petition for designation as eligible DOCKET NO. 20240062-TP
telecommunications carrier in the State of ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0202-PAA-TP
Florida, by TruConnect Communications, Inc. | ISSUED: June 20, 2024

The following Commissioners participated in the disposition of this matter:

MIKE LA ROSA, Chairman
ART GRAHAM
GARY F. CLARK
ANDREW GILES FAY
GABRIELLA PASSIDOMO

NOTICE OF PROPOSED AGENCY ACTION
ORDER GRANTING ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER DESIGNATION

BY THE COMMISSION:

NOTICE is hereby given by the Florida Public Service Commission that the action
discussed herein is preliminary in nature and will become final unless a person whose interests
are substantially affected files a petition for a formal proceeding, pursuant to Rule 25-22.029,
Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).

Background

On April 16, 2024, TruConnect Communications, Inc. (TruConnect or Company) filed a
petition with the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC or Commission) seeking designation
as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) in the State of Florida. TruConnect’s request for
ETC designation is specifically for the sole purpose of providing Lifeline services to qualifying
consumers throughout Florida. TruConnect is a provider of commercial mobile radio service
(CMRS) and offers prepaid wireless telecommunications services to consumers as a reseller.
Specifically, TruConnect uses the network infrastructure and wireless transmission facilities of
T-Mobile USA, Inc. (T-Mobile) and Verizon Wireless (Verizon) to operate as a Mobile Virtual
Network Operator. TruConnect is currently designated as an ETC providing Lifeline service in
11 other states.

As a CMRS provider, TruConnect is regulated as a common carrier pursuant to 47 U.S.C.
§ 153(11).! TruConnect is a Delaware corporation authorized to do business as a foreign

' 47 U.S.C. § 153(11) (defining a common carrier as “any person engaged as a common carrier for hire, in interstate
or foreign communications by wire or radio... .”; 47 U.S.C. §332(c)(1)(A) (treating commercial mobile service
providers as common carriers).

ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0202-PAA-TP
DOCKET NO. 20240062-TP
PAGE 2
corporation in the state of Florida. Formerly known as Telscape Communications, Inc.,
TruConnect is a subsidiary of TSC Acquisition Corporation.
TruConnect asserts it meets all applicable federal requirements for designation as a
Lifeline only ETC in Florida pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 214(e) and 47 C.F.R. § 54.201. TruConnect
acknowledges and asserts that, if approved it will comply with Sections 364.10 and 364.105,
Florida Statutes (F.S.), and Rule 25-4.0665 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), which govern
Lifeline service and provide for transitional discount for customers who no longer qualify for
Lifeline. In addition to the federal rules and statutes discussed above, we have jurisdiction in this
matter pursuant to Section 364.10, F.S.
Section 214(e)(2) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the Act) provides state public
utility commissions with “primary responsibility” for the designation of ETCs. We initially
exercised this authority to designate both wireline and wireless carriers as ETCs. In 2011, the
Florida Legislature removed the FPSC authority to designate wireless ETC providers.2 However,
the Florida Legislature amended Section 364.10, F.S., in 2024 to specifically grant us jurisdiction
to address wireless ETC petitions for Lifeline purposes only.3
Decision
I. 	Requirements for ETC Designation
This Order addresses whether TruConnect qualifies for ETC designation to provide
Lifeline service throughout the State of Florida.4 Section 364.10, F.S. allows us to approve
wireless Lifeline ETC petitions for requesting carriers. Specifically, paragraphs 364.10(1)(a) and
(3)(a) F.S., provide us with the authority to designate a CMRS provider as an ETC for the limited
purpose of providing Lifeline service.
Federal rules outline the requirements for ETC designation.5 To obtain ETC designation
to provide Lifeline services, federal rules require that carriers:
1) 	Be a common carrier;
2) 	Offer the services that are supported by the federal universal support mechanisms
either using its own facilities or a combination of its own facilities and resale of
another carrier’s services;
3) 	Advertise the availability of its Lifeline service through a media of general
distribution;
2 House Bill 1231 (2011), effective July 1, 2011.
3 Senate Bill 478 (2024), effective April 15, 2024.
4 47 C.F.R. § 254(e)
5 47 U.S.C. § 214(e)(1), 47 C.F.R. § 54.101, 47 C.F.R. § 54.201, and 47 C.F.R. § 54.401; While Section 47 C.F.R. §
54.101(a) also includes requirements addressing toll limitation services to qualifying low-income consumers, the
FCC in its 2012 Lifeline and Link Up Reform Order (FCC 12-11) stated that: “ETCs are not required to offer toll
limitation service to low-income consumers if the Lifeline offering provides a set amount of minutes that do not
distinguish between toll and non-toll calls.”

ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0202-PAA-TP
DOCKET NO. 20240062-TP
PAGE 3
4) 	Provide voice grade access to the public switch network or its functional
equivalent;
5) 	Offer minutes of use for local service at no additional charge to end users;
6) 	Provide access to the emergency services available by local government or other
public safety organizations;
7) 	Provide Broadband Internet Access Service;6
8) 	Demonstrate financial and technical capability to provide Lifeline service; and
9) 	Not charge Lifeline customers a monthly number-portability charge.
In addition, Florida law requires the following for ETC designation:
1) 	Offer discounted transitional basic telecommunications service.7
2) 	Participate in the Lifeline Promotion Process.8
II. 	Forbearance of Facilities Requirements
TruConnect plans to offer all of the supported services enumerated under Section
254(c) of the Act through its wireless resale agreements with T-Mobile and Verizon.
Therefore, it sought forbearance of the facilities requirement 	from 	the 	FCC. 	On
December 26, 2012, the FCC approved TruConnect’s compliance plan which is a
condition for obtaining forbearance from the facilities requirement for the provision of
Lifeline service. As part of its compliance plan TruConnect committed to do the
following:9
1) 	Provide the supported services throughout the carriers’ designated areas;
2) 	Remain functional in emergency situations;
3) 	Comply with the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association's
Consumer Code for Wireless Service;
4) 	Demonstrate that it is financially and technically capable of providing the
Lifeline service in compliance with federal rules; and
5) 	Describe the terms and conditions of the broadband Internet access service
plans offered to Lifeline subscribers.
Because TruConnect will offer the supported services and is compliant with the FCC
requirements pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 214(e) and 47 C.F.R. 54.201, as well as the Florida specific
requirements, TruConnect is eligible for designation as a Lifeline only ETC in Florida.
6 Broadband Internet Access Service (BIAS) is defined as a mass-market retail service that provides the capability to
transmit and receive data, but excluding dial-up service.
7Section 364.105, F.S. states that each ETC shall offer a residential basic local telecommunications service at 70
percent of the residential local telecommunications service rate for any Lifeline subscriber who no longer qualifies
for Lifeline for a period of 1 year after the date the subscriber ceases to qualify for Lifeline.
8Rule 25-4.0665(3), F.A.C. The Lifeline Promotion Process is an electronic system developed in collaboration with
the Florida Department of Children and Families, ETCs and the FPSC. This system helps assist ETCs and the FPSC
in providing information on how to apply for Lifeline assistance to eligible customers.
9 47 C.F.R. § 54.202(a)

ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0202-PAA-TP
DOCKET NO. 20240062-TP
PAGE 4
III. 	Financial, Managerial, and Technical Capabilities
As noted in its petition, TruConnect has offered service since 1996 and has not filed for
any form of bankruptcy relief. The Company has operated as an ETC in 11 states and has not
been subject to any ETC revocation proceedings. The Company has over 25 years of technical
and managerial experience, and it does not rely exclusively on Lifeline reimbursements for its
operating revenues. As TruConnect will be providing resold wireless service, it will also rely
upon the managerial and technical expertise of its underlying carriers.
IV. 	Public Interest
State commissions are required to find that ETC designation is in the public interest.10
TruConnect asserts granting its ETC designation will bring Lifeline eligible consumers more
choice in providers without creating an additional burden on the federal high-cost programs. In
Florida, consumers are currently limited to three wireless Lifeline providers. These three
companies represent 98 percent of the Lifeline market in Florida.11 However, the FPSC’s
estimated Lifeline participation rate for the last two years has hovered around 18 percent.12 The
increase in carriers servicing this market may increase participation through additional marketing
and would serve the public interest.
V. 	Conclusion
We have reviewed TruConnect’s petition for ETC designation in Florida. TruConnect
meets the requirements for designation as an ETC. Additionally, the Company has demonstrated
sufficient financial, managerial, and technical capabilities. Therefore, we find TruConnect shall
be granted an ETC designation in the service areas identified in Attachment A of this Order. We
further find that if there is a future change of Company ownership, the new owners shall be
required to file a petition with us to demonstrate that it is in the public interest to maintain the
Company’s ETC designation.
Based on the foregoing, it is
ORDERED by the Florida Public Service Commission that TruConnect Communications
Inc.’s Petition for Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier throughout the State of
Florida is GRANTED. It is further
ORDERED 	that 	TruConnect 	Communications 	Inc. 	is 	designated 	an 	eligible
telecommunications carrier for the sole purpose of providing Lifeline service to qualifying
consumers in the State of Florida. It is further
10 47 U.S.C. 214(e)(2)
11 2023 Florida Lifeline Assistance Report, December 2023, Appendix C, p 24.
12 Ibid, p 13.

ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0202-PAA-TP
DOCKET NO. 20240062-TP
PAGES
ORDERED that if there is a future change in TruConnect Communications Inc. ·s
ownership. the new owners shall file a petition with the Commission to demonstrate that it is in
the public interest to maintain the ETC designation. It is further
ORDERED that the provisions of this Order, issued as proposed agency action, shall
become final and effective upon the issuance of a Consummating Order unless an appropriate
petition, in the form provided by Rule 28-106.201, F.A.C., is received by the Commission Clerk,
2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850. by the close of business on the
date set forth in the "Notice of Further Proceedings" attached hereto. It is further
JOI
ORDERED that in the event this Order becomes final, this docket shall be closed.
By ORDER of the Florida Public Service Commission this 20th day of June, 2024.
Commission Cle,
Florida Public Service Commission
2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
(850) 413-6770
www.floridapsc.com
Copies 	furnished: 	A 	copy of this document 	is
provided to the parties of record at the time of
issuance and, if applicable, interested persons.

ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0202-PAA-TP
DOCKET NO. 20240062-TP
PAGE 6
NOTICE OF FURTHER PROCEEDINGS OR JUDICIAL REVIEW
The Florida Public Service Commission is required by Section 120.569(1), Florida
Statutes, to notify parties of any administrative hearing that is available under Section 120.57,
Florida Statutes, as well as the procedures and time limits that apply. This notice should not be
construed to mean all requests for an administrative hearing will be granted or result in the relief
sought.
Mediation may be available on a case-by-case basis. If mediation is conducted, it does
not affect a substantially interested person's right to a hearing.
The action proposed herein is preliminary in nature. Any person whose substantial
interests are affected by the action proposed by this order may file a petition for a formal
proceeding, in the form provided by Rule 28-106.201, Florida Administrative Code. This petition
must 	be 	received 	by 	the 	Office 	of 	Commission 	Clerk, 	2540 	Shumard 	Oak 	Boulevard,
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850, by the close of business on July 11, 2024.
In the absence of such a petition, this order shall become final and effective upon the
issuance of a Consummating Order.
Any objection or protest filed in this/these docket(s) before the issuance date of this order
is considered abandoned unless it satisfies the foregoing conditions and is renewed within the
specified protest period.

ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0202-PAA-TP
DOCKET NO. 20240062-TP ATTACHMENT A
PAGE 7

TRUCONNECT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

FLORIDA
SERVICE AREA ZIP CODES
32003 32083 32142 32212 32302 32355 32445 32539
32004 32084 32143 32214 32303 32356 32446 32540
32006 32085 32145 32215 32304 32357 32447 32541
32007 32086 32147 32216 32305 32358 32448 32542
32008 32087 32148 32217 32306 32359 32449 32544
32009 32091 32149 32218 32307 32360 32452 32547
32011 32092 32157 32219 32308 32361 32454 32548
32013 32094 32158 32220 32309 32362 32455 32549
32024 32095 32159 32221 32310 32395 32456 32550
32025 32096 32160 32222 32311 32399 32457 32559
32026 32097 32162 32223 32312 32401 32459 32560
32030 32099 32163 32224 32313 32402 32460 32561
32033 32102 32164 32225 32314 32403 32461 32562
32034 32105 32168 32226 32315 32404 32462 32563
32035 32110 32169 32227 32316 32405 32463 32564
32038 32111 32170 32228 32317 32406 32464 32565
32040 32112 32173 32229 32318 32407 32465 32566
32041 32113 32174 32230 32320 32408 32466 32567
32042 32114 32175 32231 32321 32409 32501 32568
32043 32115 32176 32232 32322 32410 32502 32569
32044 32116 32177 32233 32323 32411 32503 32570
32046 32117 32178 32234 32324 32412 32504 32571
32050 32118 32179 32235 32326 32413 32505 32572
32052 32119 32180 32236 32327 32417 32506 32577
32053 32120 32181 32237 32328 32420 32507 32578
32054 32121 32182 32238 32329 32421 32508 32579
32055 32122 32183 32239 32330 32422 32509 32580
32056 32123 32185 32240 32331 32423 32511 32583
32058 32124 32187 32241 32332 32424 32512 32588
32059 32125 32189 32244 32333 32425 32513 32590
32060 32126 32190 32245 32334 32426 32514 32591
32061 32127 32192 32246 32335 32427 32516 32592
32062 32128 32193 32247 32336 32428 32520 32601
32063 32129 32195 32250 32337 32430 32521 32602
32064 32130 32198 32254 32340 32431 32522 32603
32065 32131 32201 32255 32341 32432 32523 32604
32066 32132 32202 32256 32343 32433 32524 32605
32067 32133 32203 32257 32344 32434 32526 32606
32068 32134 32204 32258 32345 32435 32530 32607
32071 32135 32205 32259 32346 32437 32531 32608
32072 32136 32206 32260 32347 32438 32533 32609
32073 32137 32207 32266 32348 32439 32534 32610
32079 32138 32208 32267 32350 32440 32535 32611
32080 32139 32209 32277 32351 32442 32536 32612
32081 32140 32210 32290 32352 32443 32537 32613
32082 32141 32211 32301 32353 32444 32538 32614

ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0202-PAA-TP
DOCKET NO. 20240062-TP ATTACHMENT A
PAGE 8

TRUCONNECT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

FLORIDA
SERVICE AREA ZIP CODES
32615 32706 32768 32824 32906 32971 33055 33129
32616 32707 32771 32825 32907 32976 33056 33130
32617 32708 32772 32826 32908 32978 33060 33131
32618 32709 32773 32827 32909 33001 33061 33132
32619 32710 32774 32828 32910 33002 33062 33133
32621 32712 32775 32829 32911 33004 33063 33134
32622 32713 32776 32830 32912 33008 33064 33135
32625 32714 32777 32831 32919 33009 33065 33136
32626 32715 32778 32832 32920 33010 33066 33137
32627 32716 32779 32833 32922 33011 33067 33138
32628 32718 32780 32834 32923 33012 33068 33139
32631 32719 32781 32835 32924 33013 33069 33140
32633 32720 32782 32836 32925 33014 33070 33141
32634 32721 32783 32837 32926 33015 33071 33142
32635 32722 32784 32839 32927 33016 33072 33143
32639 32723 32789 32853 32931 33017 33073 33144
32640 32724 32790 32854 32932 33018 33074 33145
32641 32725 32791 32855 32934 33019 33075 33146
32643 32726 32792 32856 32935 33020 33076 33147
32644 32727 32793 32857 32936 33021 33077 33148
32648 32728 32794 32858 32937 33022 33081 33149
32653 32730 32795 32859 32940 33023 33082 33150
32654 32732 32796 32860 32941 33024 33083 33151
32655 32733 32798 32861 32948 33025 33084 33152
32656 32735 32799 32862 32949 33026 33090 33153
32658 32736 32801 32867 32950 33027 33092 33154
32662 32738 32802 32868 32951 33028 33093 33155
32663 32739 32803 32869 32952 33029 33097 33156
32664 32744 32804 32872 32953 33030 33101 33157
32666 32745 32805 32877 32954 33031 33102 33158
32667 32746 32806 32878 32955 33032 33106 33159
32668 32747 32807 32885 32956 33033 33107 33160
32669 32750 32808 32886 32957 33034 33109 33161
32680 32751 32809 32887 32958 33035 33110 33162
32681 32752 32810 32890 32959 33036 33111 33163
32683 32753 32811 32891 32960 33037 33112 33164
32686 32754 32812 32893 32961 33039 33114 33165
32692 32756 32814 32896 32962 33040 33116 33166
32693 32757 32815 32897 32963 33041 33119 33167
32694 32759 32816 32898 32964 33042 33121 33168
32696 32762 32817 32899 32965 33043 33122 33169
32697 32763 32818 32901 32966 33045 33124 3317/0
32701 32764 32819 32902 32967 33050 33125 33172
32702 32765 32820 32903 32968 33051 33126 33173
32703 32766 32821 32904 32969 33052 33127 33174
32704 32767 32822 32905 32970 33054 33128 33175

ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0202-PAA-TP
DOCKET NO. 20240062-TP ATTACHMENT A
PAGE 9

TRUCONNECT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

FLORIDA
SERVICE AREA ZIP CODES
33176 33301 33388 33446 33514 33592 33661 33740
33177 33302 33394 33447 33521 33593 33662 33741
33178 33303 33401 33448 33523 33594 33663 33742
33179 33304 33402 33449 33524 33595 33664 33743
33180 33305 33403 33454 33525 33596 33672 33744
33181 33306 33404 33455 33526 33597 33673 33747
33182 33307 33405 33458 33527 33598 33674 33755
33183 33308 33406 33459 33530 33601 33675 33756
33184 33309 33407 33460 33534 33602 33677 33757
33185 33310 33408 33461 33537 33603 33679 33758
33186 33311 33409 33462 33538 33604 33680 33759
33187 33312 33410 33463 33539 33605 33681 33760
33188 33313 33411 33464 33540 33606 33682 33761
33189 33314 33412 33465 33541 33607 33684 33762
33190 33315 33413 33466 33542 33608 33685 33763
33191 33316 33414 33467 33543 33609 33686 33764
33192 33317 33415 33468 33544 33610 33687 33765
33193 33318 33416 33469 33545 33611 33688 33766
33194 33319 33417 33470 33547 33612 33689 33767
33195 33320 33418 33471 33548 33613 33690 33769
33196 33321 33419 33472 33549 33614 33694 3377/0
33197 33322 33420 33473 33550 33615 33701 33771
33198 33323 33421 33474 33556 33616 33702 33772
33199 33324 33422 33475 33558 33617 33703 33773
33206 33325 33424 33476 33559 33618 33704 33774
33222 33326 33425 33477 33563 33619 33705 33775
33231 33327 33426 33478 33564 33620 33706 33776
33233 33328 33427 33480 33565 33621 33707 33777
33234 33329 33428 33481 33566 33622 33708 33778
33238 33330 33429 33482 33567 33623 33709 33779
33239 33331 33430 33483 33568 33624 33710 33780
33242 33332 33431 33484 33569 33625 33711 33781
33243 33334 33432 33486 33570 33626 33712 33782
33245 33335 33433 33487 33571 33629 33713 33784
33247 33336 33434 33488 33572 33630 33714 33785
33255 33337 33435 33493 33573 33631 33715 33786
33256 33338 33436 33496 33574 33633 33716 33801
33257 33339 33437 33497 33575 33634 33729 33802
33261 33340 33438 33498 33576 33635 33730 33803
33265 33345 33439 33499 33578 33637 33731 33804
33266 33346 33440 33503 33579 33646 33732 33805
33269 33348 33441 33508 33583 33647 33733 33806
33280 33349 33442 33509 33584 33650 33734 33807
33283 33351 33443 33510 33585 33651 33736 33809
33296 33355 33444 33511 33586 33655 33737 33810
33299 33359 33445 33513 33587 33660 33738 33811

ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0202-PAA-TP
DOCKET NO. 20240062-TP ATTACHMENT A
PAGE 10

TRUCONNECT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

FLORIDA
SERVICE AREA ZIP CODES
33812 33876 33944 34024 34098 34218 34287 34482
33813 33877 33945 34025 34099 34219 34288 34483
33815 33880 33946 34030 34101 34220 34289 34484
33820 33881 33947 34031 34102 34221 34290 34487
33823 33882 33948 34032 34103 34222 34291 34488
33825 33883 33949 34033 34104 34223 34292 34489
33826 33884 33950 34034 34105 34224 34293 34491
33827 33885 33951 34035 34106 34228 34295 34492
33830 33888 33952 34036 34107 34229 34420 34498
33831 33890 33953 34037 34108 34230 34421 34601
33834 33896 33954 34038 34109 34231 34423 34602
33835 33897 33955 34039 34110 34232 34428 34603
33836 33898 33956 34041 34112 34233 34429 34604
33837 33900 33957 34042 34113 34234 34430 34605
33838 33901 33960 34044 34114 34235 34431 34606
33839 33902 33965 34050 34116 34236 34432 34607
33840 33903 33966 34051 34117 34237 34433 34608
33841 33904 33967 34052 34119 34238 34434 34609
33843 33905 33970 34053 34120 34239 34436 34610
33844 33906 33971 34054 34133 34240 34441 34611
33845 33907 33972 34055 34134 34241 34442 34613
33846 33908 33973 34058 34135 34242 34445 34614
33847 33909 33974 34060 34136 34243 34446 34636
33848 33910 33975 34066 34137 34249 34447 34637
33849 33911 33976 34067 34139 34250 34448 34638
33850 33912 33980 34068 34140 34251 34449 34639
33851 33913 33981 34069 34141 34260 34450 34652
33852 33914 33982 34076 34142 34264 34451 34653
33853 33915 33983 34078 34143 34265 34452 34654
33854 33916 33990 34080 34145 34266 34453 34655
33855 33917 33991 34081 34146 34267 34460 34656
33856 33918 33993 34082 34201 34268 34461 34660
33857 33919 33994 34083 34202 34269 34464 34661
33858 33920 34001 34084 34203 34270 34465 34667
33859 33921 34002 34085 34204 34272 34470 34668
33860 33922 34004 34086 34205 34274 34471 34669
33862 33924 34006 34087 34206 34275 34472 34673
33863 33927 34007 34088 34207 34276 34473 34674
33865 33928 34008 34089 34208 34277 34474 34677
33867 33929 34009 34090 34209 34278 34475 34679
33868 33930 34010 34091 34210 34280 34476 34680
33870 33931 34011 34092 34211 34281 34477 34681
33871 33932 34020 34093 34212 34282 34478 34682
33872 33935 34021 34094 34215 34284 34479 34683
33873 33936 34022 34095 34216 34285 34480 34684
33875 33938 34023 34096 34217 34286 34481 34685

ORDER NO. PSC-2024-0202-PAA-TP

DOCKET NO. 20240062-TP

PAGE 11

34688
34689
34690
34691
34692
34695
34697
34698
34705
34711
34712
34713
34714
34715
34729
34731
34734
34736
34737
34739
34740
34741
34742
34743
34744
34745
34746
34747
34748
34749
34753
34755
34756
34758
34759
34760
34761

QATe9

34786
34787
34788
34789
34797
34945
34946
34947
34948
34949
34950
34951
34952
34953
34954
34956
34957
34958
34972
34973
34974
34979
34931
34982
34983
34984
34985
34986
349387
34938
34990
34991
34992
34994
34995
34996
34997

24170

TRUCONNECT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
FLORIDA
SERVICE AREA ZIP CODES

ATTACHMENT A