Press Release

PUC Joins United Way Program Partner YWCA to Promote Lifeline Awareness Week, Helps Consumers “Stay Connected”

Published on 9/15/2011

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) today joined United Way of Capital Region Program Partner, YWCA, other state agencies and industry representatives to help residents “stay connected” at an event at the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg.

“The recent natural disasters we’ve experienced here in Central Pennsylvania are a great example of why we all should have access to local telephone. Imagine being stranded in your house as the flood waters crept up to your front door, but had no way to contact emergency responders to get help,” said PUC Commissioner Pamela Witmer.  “Lifeline and Link-Up provide crucial financial assistance for qualified consumers so no one gets left out.”

The state’s Office of Consumer Advocate, Verizon and the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg joined the PUC at today’s event to promote the Lifeline and Link-Up Assistance Programs, which offer discounts to help residents gain access to basic local telephone service. 

“The Lifeline program provides discounts that can amount to nearly $100 per year or more for basic telephone service to consumers with limited incomes across Pennsylvania,” said Barrett Sheridan, the state’s Assistant Consumer Advocate. “I believe that there are literally hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania households who qualify for the Lifeline discount but are not receiving it.  Through these Lifeline Awareness events, I hope that many more Pennsylvania consumers will learn about, and benefit from, this valuable program.”

 Mary Segrave-Primus, a senior Government Relations staff consultant with Verizon said, “Verizon is committed to offering Lifeline, which provides our eligible, low-income Pennsylvania customers a monthly discount to help them afford their basic local telephone service.  Through the efforts of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission during Lifeline Awareness Week, more low-income residents will hear about this worthwhile program.”

"We take a lot of things for granted.  If you've ever tried to have a day without your phone, you realize how much we rely on this basic tool.  It's difficult to imagine what you would do in an emergency if you didn't have your phone to call for help.  This program provides a vital lifeline to the most vulnerable families," added Tina Nixon, C.E.O. for YWCA of Greater Harrisburg.

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.

# # #

Contact:

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