Family on the Phone

This crossed my desk today so I thought I’d pass it along to our blog family:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2009

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Rosemary Kimball (202) 418-0511

Email:  rosemary.kimball@fcc.gov

FCC SUPPORTS “NATIONAL LIFELINE AND LINK UP TELEPHONE DISCOUNT AWARENESS WEEK” -   SEPTEMBER 14 – 20, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) joined the effort to call attention to the “National Lifeline and Link Up Telephone Discount Awareness Week,” which takes place September 14 – 20, 2009. Various state and local agencies throughout the country will be participating with outreach activities and events.  The “Lifeline” and “Link Up” programs provide financial assistance to low-income consumers in connecting a residential phone line and paying their monthly bill.  The programs have been active for years and are administered by the FCC and state public utility commissions, but at least half of eligible consumers nationwide do not take advantage of this assistance.

“Lifeline” involves discounts on monthly charges for a primary residential telephone line, including wireless service. “Link Up” involves a discount on the cost of initiating the primary telephone service for a residence, including the activation of a wireless phone that serves as the primary residential telephone.  The discounts are available throughout the country, including an enhanced discount on Tribal lands.  In general, consumers at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or who participate in one or more of a number of other assistance programs, are eligible for Lifeline and Link Up.

To help call attention to the availability of these programs, the FCC joins the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA), and urges government agencies and non-profit organizations to help disseminate information on Lifeline and Link Up to their constituents.  More information about the programs and how to apply is available at www.lifeline.gov or http://www.usac.org/li/low-income/apply-for-support.aspx.

Have any of you ever used these services? Do you know someone who has?  Please share your experiences with me.

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