CWA Raises Concerns about Verizon's Proposed Acquisition of TracFone

In December, CWA filed comments with the FCC raising serious concerns with the proposed acquisition of TracFone by Verizon.

TracFone is now one of the largest providers of Lifeline services, a federal program that makes phone and internet services more affordable for low-income customers, including many seniors. TracFone has approximately 1.7 million low-income subscribers in 43 states and the District of Columbia, or 22 percent of total Lifeline subscribers. By contrast, Verizon only offers its mobile wireless service to Lifeline customers in parts of four states.

Tracfone's critical role in providing Lifeline could be undermined if Verizon seeks to increase its profits by reducing promotion of Tracfone's Lifeline services or limiting Tracfone users to basic services rather than making 5G service widely available.

Read more here.