OK I know this is not broadband (although it seems like it could be in the future depending on how the Universal Service Fund discussions go) but I thought there were enough readers who might be in a position to spread the word so I’m posting it. I got the word through an email announcement from Representative Andrew Falk.

National Lifeline and Link-Up Telephone Discount Awareness Week

September 13-17, 2010

Lifeline and Link-Up are programs that provide discounts on basic residential telephone service to low-income consumers. It is important in these difficult financial times to get the word out about assistance that is available to help people stay afloat. At least half of eligible consumers nationwide do not take advantage of these telephone discounts.

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners has adopted the second full week in September as National Lifeline and Link-Up Telephone Discount Awareness Week for state utility commissions, consumer advocates, and others to call attention to the availability of these programs.

Lifeline involves discounts on the monthly charges, and Link-Up involves a discount on the cost of initiating telephone service. The discount is available for a primary residential telephone, even some wireless phones. The basic federal Lifeline discount is as much as $10 per month, and Minnesota provides an additional discount over and above that.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission asks your help to make this information on these programs available to your constituents. One way would be to add a link on your website to http://www.lifeline.gov which has program information. Another way would be to use the text below which is ready to drop into a newsletter:

Find out about the Minnesota Telephone Service Discount Programs!

There are three programs with one simple application for all three:

LINK-UP: A federally-funded discount on telephone installation charges

LIFELINE: A federally-funded discount on your monthly bill

TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE PLAN (TAP): A Minnesota-funded discount on your monthly bill

To qualify for these programs:

1. Telephone service must be in your name

2. You must participate in at least one of the qualifying public assistance programs

OR

Your income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines

For an application or more information:

Ø contact your phone company

Ø go online at www.puc.state.mn.us or www.lifeline.gov  

Ø call the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission at 651-296-0406 or 1-800-657-3782

Ø e-mail consumer.puc@state.mn.us