Press Release

As State Chairman of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, PA PUC Commissioner James H. Cawley Praises the FCC’s Proposed Lifeline/Link Up Regulations

Published on 3/3/2011

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Public Utility Commissioner James H. Cawley, Chairman of the State Members of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Joint Board), praised the issuance of the new Lifeline and Link-Up Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 

Commissioner Cawley stated: "This new FCC NPRM advanced the goals of universal telecommunications and communications services for eligible low-income Americans.  My state colleagues on the Joint Board and I are pleased that the FCC is soliciting public comment on the recommendations that were adopted in the related Recommended Decision of the Joint Board that was issued in November 2010.

"The recommendations included limiting support to one subscriber per household; inclusion of broadband service with pilot programs paid from savings achieved by elimination of duplicate support; subscribers sharing in the cost; changes in sampling methods of subscriber eligibility; stricter audit-triggering thresholds for companies providing service (and performance goals)."

The regulations contain a proposal to establish a Broadband and Lifeline/Link Up Pilot Program to examine how the Lifeline and Link Up universal support mechanism can be used to enhance access to broadband Internet services for low-income Americans.  Commissioner Cawley has expressed his support in past resolutions for expanded access and availability of affordable broadband Internet technologies.

The “Lifeline” and “Link Up” programs help ensure that all Americans can obtain basic telephone service by providing discounts to consumers who might not otherwise be able to afford service.  The Lifeline 135 program is available for customers of all qualified telephone service providers. In an effort to increase awareness about the programs, 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.

Commissioner Cawley was nominated by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) to serve as a member of the Joint Board to address federal Universal Service Fund (USF) issues. The goals of Universal Service, as mandated by the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, are to promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable, and affordable rates; to increase access to advanced telecommunications services throughout the nation; and, to advance the availability of such services to all consumers, including those in low income, rural, insular, and high cost areas at rates that are reasonably comparable to those charged in urban areas. The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service was established in March 1996, to make recommendations to implement the universal service provisions of the Act.

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:

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