Phone service discounts available for those in need

TDS Telecommunications Corp. ensures income-eligible customers have access to affordable phone service through the government’s Federal Lifeline and Tribal Link-Up assistance programs; helps phone service remain affordable.

The goal is to ensure all Americans have access to phone service to connect with family, employers, and emergency services. To accomplish this, TDS Telecommunications Corp. (TDS®), along with other phone companies across the country, offer Lifeline and Tribal Link-Up, federal programs designed to keep phone service affordable.

For 30 years, Lifeline has been connecting low-income Americans to affordable, basic phone service. The program provides a discount to eligible consumers for a traditional landline or wireless service plan. Similar to Lifeline, Tribal Link-Up provides phone discounts for qualified residents living on tribal land. Both programs ensure access to the opportunities and security that phone service provides.

Qualifications for Lifeline and Tribal Link-Up vary by state. However, they are typically available to people who receive federal or state assistance. According to the U.S. Census Bureau an estimated 45.3 million Americans were living in poverty in 2013.

“Access to phone service is something everyone should have,” says Kevin Hess, executive vice president at TDS. “Americans should not have to choose between phone service and food, clothing, electricity, or heat. By making Lifeline and Tribal Link-Up available to our customers in need, phone service can be a resource for them, rather than a burden.”

For more information, to check on eligibility, or to request an application visit tdstelecom.com/about/lifeline or call 888-CALL-TDS.

Lifeline and Link-Up are government assistance programs funded through the Universal Service Fund program. They are non-transferable. Only eligible consumers may enroll in either program; limit of one discount per household.

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