Public Interest and Civil Rights Groups Verizon/TracFone Filing

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]April 6, 2021

Acting Chair Jessica Rosenworcel

Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street NE
Washington, DC 20554

Re: File No. ITC-T/C-20200930-00173
GN Docket No. 21-112

Dear Acting Chair Rosenworcel:

On behalf of the undersigned groups we submit these comments in response to the Federal
Communications Commission’s (“FCC” or “Commission”) Public Notice regarding Verizon
Wireless Communications Inc.’s (“Verizon”) application to acquire TracFone Wireless, Inc.,
(“TracFone”) (collectively, “Applicants”).2 On March 30, 2021, the Acting Chief of the Wireless
Competition Bureau issued a Public Notice opening a permit-but-disclose docket for this
proceeding.3 The transaction presents potential public interest harms to Lifeline subscribers and
competition in the wireless market, impacting the ability of low-income communities to access
critical communications services. For these reasons, the undersigned groups strongly urge the
Commission, should this merger be approved, to impose strict enforceable conditions on the
transaction that will protect Lifeline customers and preserve the wireless reseller marketplace. At
a minimum, the Commission must issue a Request for Information to obtain information
sufficient to make the necessary public interest determinations and provide answers to the
questions that have been raised in the record.[/vc_column_text]

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National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is a 40+ year old 501(c)(3) non-profit, nonpartisan, civil and human rights organization that was founded to eliminate hate, discrimination, and racism toward Latino and marginalized communities.

We advance Latino visibility and influence from the halls of Washington, D.C., to the studios of Hollywood. Through our media advocacy and workforce development initiatives, NHMC creates spaces where diverse creators can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Our Series Scriptwriters Program, Latinx Stream Showcase, Creators Networking Program, Careers in Entertainment Youth Program, and Media Advocacy Fellowships serve as both incubators and pipelines, preparing the next generation of storytellers, advocates, and industry leaders. Through mentorship, education, networking opportunities, and direct access to entertainment executives, these programs help transform emerging talent into lasting industry voices while expanding authentic representation across media.

We lead the work to eliminate online hate and disinformation across media platforms. We advocate in the space of Artificial Intelligence when it intersects with civil & human rights, including making sure Latino-Interest and children’s protections are included in AI initiatives and implementations. We advocate for the Affordable Connectivity Program, Lifeline Program, Net Neutrality protections, and closing the digital divide for Latino and other marginalized communities. NHMC works in partnership with other social justice organizations to safeguard democracy in the United States of America.

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