The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking certifiable applicants to distribute electronic equipment and devices in California to low-income individuals who are hearing- or sight-impaired.
Under the U.S. National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), the FCC’s Consumer and Public Affairs Bureau distributes up to $10 million annually to support programs that give selected individuals access to telecommunications, Internet, and advanced communications services. However, California’s current certified distributor, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, has notified the Bureau that it will cease participation in the NDBEDP and surrender its current certification in June.
To fill the void, the Commission is inviting parties interested in being certified to distribute equipment in California under the NDBEDP to apply for certification for the remaining portion of Lighthouse’s 5-year certification term, which ends on June 30, 2027. Concurrently, the Commission is also accepting applications for the next 5-year certification period, from July 2027 through the end of June 2032.
Additional information about the NDBEDP certification program is available at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-332A1.pdf. Applications can be submitted electronically to NDBEDP@fcc.gov. The application due date is May 5, 2026 for those interested in certification through June 30, 2027, while applications for the succeeding 5-year certification period are due by June 30, 2026.