Press Release

PUC Orders Verizon PA Inc. and Verizon North Inc. to Offer Bundled Service Packages to Low-Income Customers; Reminds Consumers about Lifeline Program

Published on 12/18/2008

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today ordered Verizon PA Inc. and Verizon North Inc. to offer its customers enrolled in Lifeline 135 an opportunity to subscribe to bundled services.

The Commission voted 5-0 to adopt the initial decision of a PUC administrative law judge that orders Verizon PA and Verizon North to revise their tariffs to permit their Lifeline 135 customers to subscribe to three types of bundled services:  local service with three vertical services; local service with three vertical services and regional toll; and local service with three vertical services, regional toll and long distance.

On July 10, 2007, the Office of Consumer Advocate, the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project and AARP Pennsylvania filed formal complaints against Verizon PA and Verizon North alleging that the companies violated the law because their tariffs prevented Lifeline 135 customers from subscribing to any packaged or bundled offerings that include local, toll and optional services. 

The Lifeline 135 program is available for customers of all qualified telephone service providers. Under the program, customers who participate in certain public assistance programs, or who have income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (currently $28,620 for a family of four) can receive a discount on their monthly local phone service for one telephone line. The discounts are paid out of the federal Universal Service Fund, which is subsidized by contributions from all telephone customers.  

In an effort to increase awareness about the program, the PUC developed an informational brochure, “Follow the PATH to PA Telephone Help.”  The brochure provides information about Lifeline and other available programs for limited-income telephone customers.  Copies of the brochure can be obtained by calling the PUC at 1-800-692-7380 or on the PUC Web site.  Consumers also are encouraged to reach out to their local telephone company to see if they qualify for Lifeline and other available programs for limited-income telephone customers.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. C-20077916; C-20077917

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov