Lifeline discount on local phone service for low-income customers

Federal program offers affordable phone service to keep people connected.

Do you know someone who can’t afford basic phone service or is thinking about cutting the cord to save money?  Help is available. Lifeline and Link-Up programs have been available for many years from participating local phone companies, like TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS®); however, the economic downturn could make many more families eligible. 

The Lifeline program provides discounts on monthly phone service for qualified telephone subscribers. The Link-Up program offers reduced charges for basic landline telephone installation and provides additional discounts off the monthly service. Consumers may be eligible for these reduced rate telephone services if they receive qualified benefits from their state.  TDS supports the program using funds from the Universal Service Fund program.

According to United States census numbers, more than 38 million people live at or below poverty level. While most American households have local telephone service, there are millions who simply cannot afford a telephone in their home.  Lifeline and Link-Up can help.

“If you are a care giver to an elderly person or assist a struggling local family, ask if they are aware of the Lifeline or Link-up programs and encourage them to seek more information from their local phone company,” says Kevin Hess, senior vice president of Government and Regulatory Affairs for TDS. “Lifeline and Link-Up are designed to ensure that everyone in the country has access to basic telephone service.”

The National Exchange Carriers Association (NECA) reports that the ratio of households using the Lifeline subsidy to the number of households at or below the poverty level is about 1 to 7. With efforts by lawmakers in Washington, D.C. and with the support of telecommunication companies like TDS, the gap will hopefully close.

Consumers can find more information about these programs by writing to the FCC at 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554. People can also call 1-888-CALL-FCC or log on to www.fcc.gov/cgb. There are different requirements in nearly every state to qualify for the Lifeline and Link-Up programs. To find out what the qualifications are, please call your local phone company.  TDS customers can call 1-888-CALL-TDS to check on eligibility.

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