SAFE CONNECTIONS NOTICE

What is Safe Connections?

Congress passed the Safe Connections Act of 2022 (“SCA”) with the goal of improving survivors of domestic abuse and related crimes access to communications services.

The SCA and resulting FCC rules simplify survivors’ ability to safely separate their wireless phone service from a plan shared with an alleged abuser. The SCA also allows access to the FCC’s Lifeline program.

TDS is proud to support the SCA. See below for details on how to submit a line separation request through TDS.

The Rules

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established rules based on the SCA, which govern how Covered Providers—including TDS Broadband Service LLC, TDS Metrocom, LLC, and TDS Long Distance Corporation (collectively “TDS”)—and survivors separate a phone line from a shared plan or separate an alleged abuser from the shared plan.

TDS values its ability to work with survivors and complies with the FCC rules, so Survivors can:

• Independently initiate separation of their wireless services from shared accounts, and
• Receive information about the Lifeline program, for which a Survivor may be eligible for six months with a valid line separation. Lifeline is not available on TDS Mobile Service. Lifeline is available on other qualifying services like home phone or broadband service. If the Survivor qualifies for Lifeline and would like it applied to mobile service, TDS will work with the Survivor to port their number to a different provider. Visit the Lifeline Support and Safe Connections Act pages for more information and to enroll.

Key Definitions

Following are key terms to better understand the Safe Connections Act, the information on this site, and assist in separating a shared plan:

1. Abuser: an individual who has committed or allegedly committed a covered act as defined in 47 U.S.C 345 and the FCC’s rule against:

• An individual who seeks relief under 47 U.S.C. 345 and the FCC’s rules; or
• An individual in the care of an individual who seeks relief under 47 U.S.C. 345.

2. Covered Act: Crimes such as domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, sex trafficking, child abuse, elder abuse, and similar crimes. A conviction is not necessary to qualify as a Covered Act.

3. Designated Representative: A person authorized to submit a Line Separation Request on behalf of a Survivor.

4. Line Separation Request (Request): The process by which Survivors can request to separate their lines from accounts shared with their abuser.

5. Survivor: An individual aged 18 or older who has experienced a Covered Act or is responsible for someone who has. This includes:

• Individuals in the same household (even if they reside in different residences).
• Parents or guardians of minors.
• Caretakers recognized by a valid court order or power of attorney.
• Those financially dependent on a parent, guardian, or caretaker.

How to Separate a Shared Plan

A survivor of domestic abuse who wishes to separate from a shared plan may submit a Line Separation Request through the following steps. A designated representative may also submit this request (see Important Details, below).

1. Fill Out Safe Connections Request Form: Download and fill out the form (available here as an editable PDF, 132 KB). The form collects all necessary information to initiate your request, including:

• Personal and contact information
• Preferred method of contact (email or phone)
• The wireless number you would like to separate and any additional numbers of those in your care (if applicable)
• If you would like to separate from the shared plan or if you would like the alleged abuser to be removed from the shared plan (depending upon feasibility)

Note: When filling out the form, the names of the Survivor and alleged abuser should match the names in the documentation provided in step #2 (see below).

2. Documentation Affirming Survivor Status: Along with the request form, you will need to provide documentation that affirms the Survivor’s status. The documentation does not need to be recent; this is to grant flexibility to Survivors who may have experienced abuse in the past. Acceptable documents include:

• Signed affidavits from licensed professionals (such as social workers or court employees)
• Police reports
• Protective orders
• Other official records

3. Submit the Request and Documentation: Once you’ve completed the form and assembled the necessary documentation, you may send it to TDS via fax or mail.

Fax:

1-608-830-5634

Mail: 

TDS Safe Connections
PO Box 5488
Madison WI 53705

NY customers: Customers living in New York can complete a self-attestation form to complete a line request (refer to the Safe Connections form, pages 8-9).

Expectations after Submitting a Line Separation Request

1. Upon receiving your request form and documentation, TDS will process the request within two business days.

Note: The following issues may cause delays in processing the Line Separation Request:

• Missing or incomplete information
• Missing required documents
• Additional information was not provided in a timely fashion
• The account is subject to a fraud review
• You initiated a request to move your number to a different provider and the move request cannot be stopped

2. A TDS associate will then contact you via your preferred method (email or phone).

3. The TDS associate will ask you to authenticate your request, verifying your identity and that you are the user of the wireless line.

4. Once verification is complete, the TDS associate will confirm your desired service plan and begin the line separation process.

Once TDS completes the review, you will receive confirmation using your preferred contact method. If TDS learns there is missing or inaccurate information or technical issues, we will contact you advising of next steps.

Important Details

The following information provides useful additional information relating to domestic abuse and the line separation process.

1. Support Resources 

• If you are experiencing abuse and need assistance, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline:

Call: 1-800-799-7233

Text: BEGIN to 88788

Visit: thehotline.org

• Locate a domestic violence shelter near you for information on shelter options as well as assistance like support groups, crisis counseling, and safety planning.

2. Service Options: Establishing a new TDS Mobile Service account requires setting up a credit card online for prepaid services. You will receive an email notification with instructions on how to complete this process.

3. Mobile Plan Pricing: Line separation includes the discounted price options listed below. Each assumes you have TDS High Speed Internet service installed at your primary residence. If not, the non-discounted price is applied.