Press Release

PUC Promotes Lifeline Awareness Week, Helps Consumers ‘Stay Connected’

Published on 9/16/2010

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – In conjunction with a national initiative to promote Lifeline and Link-Up discount program awareness, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) wants to help Pennsylvanians “stay connected”.

“No one should be without telephone service,” said PUC Chairman James H. Cawley at today’s Commission Public Meeting.  “It is a vital part of our everyday lives.  Having access to telephone service provides a connection to emergency and community services.  If you need help paying your telephone bill, the Lifeline and Link-Up programs give Pennsylvanians the assistance they may need.  We want those who may need help with their phone bills to know it is available to them.”  

The Commission is marking the National Association of Regulatory Commissions’ (NARUC) initiative of designating September 13-19 as Lifeline Awareness Week.  Gov. Ed Rendell also signed a proclamation designating this week, Sept. 13-19, as Pennsylvania Lifeline Awareness Week. 

The “Lifeline” and “Link Up” programs help ensure that all Americans can get basic telephone service by providing discounts to consumers who might not otherwise be able to afford service. Recent statistics demonstrate that of the 25.7 million eligible, 8.2 million households participate, or roughly a 32 percent national participation rate for 2009.  In Pennsylvania, 222,728 used Lifeline programs in 2009, while 244, 933 customers used the programs in 2008.

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 $30,000 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.  Link-Up provides a 50 percent reduction off the telephone installation charge, up to a maximum of $30, for qualifying households that do not currently have telephone service.

In an effort to increase awareness about the program, the PUC developed an informational brochure, “Follow the PATH to PA Telephone Help” to provide information about Lifeline and other available programs for limited-income consumers.  Copies of the brochure can be obtained by calling the PUC at 1-800-692-7380 or on the PUC website.  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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722