Press Release

PUC Supports Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week

Published on 9/8/2025

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – This week, Sept. 7 through Sept. 13, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is supporting a national effort recognizing Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, a campaign to help income-eligible Pennsylvanians stay connected through the Lifeline Program.

“Everyone deserves reliable access to phone and broadband services,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “In today’s connected world, the Lifeline Program helps ensure that income-eligible families are not left behind—providing an affordable link to emergency help, job opportunities, government services, community resources, and, most importantly, friends and family.”

Lifeline Program Benefits

Lifeline is a federal program that provides a $5.25 per household, per month discount on your qualifying landline or wireless standalone voice service or a $9.25 per household, per month discount on your qualifying wireless or landline internet service or qualifying bundled telephone/internet service product from a landline or wireless provider. The discount appears in the form of a reduction to the bill you pay your service provider.

The benefit can be used for voice (telephone), Broadband Internet Access Service (or BIAS, usually called internet service), or a combined telephone/internet service product from a landline or wireless provider.

A consumer qualifies for Lifeline if they are at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or participate in specific federal programs, including: Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans’ Pension and Survivor Benefit, Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Other Low-Income Broadband Programs Available

In addition to the Lifeline Program, several broadband providers offer their own low-cost or low-income programs to help PA consumers.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

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