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"Lifeline Across America"

Click to play video Closed captioned version Training Video on Lifeline and Link-Up: Learn about the programs, how to determine eligibility, and how to apply

FEDERAL/STATE WORKING GROUP FORMED

A federal/state Working Group was formed in 2005 to address the problem of how to reach consumers who may be eligible for Lifeline and Link-Up and ensure they have access to information about the programs and how to apply. The members of the Working Group were chosen from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), and the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA).

July 2005 Press Release announcing the formation of the federal/state Working Group:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-260129A1.doc

September 2005 Public Notice announcing the members of the federal/state Working Group: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-2539A1.doc

In 2006, the Working Group collected input from the public on the following questions:

The questions, which are also contained in a January 10, 2006 public notice available at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-41A1.doc, are the following:

1. Successful outreach: What are successful examples of Lifeline/Link-Up outreach within the last two years? Why was this outreach successful? What form or type of media did this outreach activity take (e.g., advertisements, brochures)? How was the outreach developed? How were the costs covered?
   
   

2. Less effective outreach: Are you aware of outreach on Lifeline/Link-Up that was not particularly successful? Why was it not successful?
   
   

3. Measuring the success of outreach: How should the success of outreach efforts on Lifeline/Link-Up be measured?
   
   

4. Currently available information: If someone contacts your organization asking for information regarding the type of assistance available through Lifeline or Link-Up, what do they receive? What resources do you currently have available to promote the availability of Lifeline and Link-Up to your constituency? What resources would you like to have available? Is there anything on your website about assistance for low-income consumers? Is it specific to Lifeline and Link-Up? Do you produce a hard copy publication to promote Lifeline and Link-Up?
   
   

5. Joint outreach: Are you aware of any joint partnerships or outreach activities (e.g. between businesses and government or consumer advocacy groups) that have taken place or are planned in your region? If so, what has been your experience?
   
   

6. Effects of 2005 Hurricanes: Have you seen or do you anticipate an increase in the number of consumers that apply for Lifeline and/or Link-Up as a result of the hurricanes? Has your region made changes recently in Lifeline/Link-Up eligibility as a result of the hurricanes? What additional outreach measures would you propose for Lifeline/Link-Up as a result of the hurricanes? Other emergency situations?
   
   

7. Challenges and Obstacles: What are some of the challenges/obstacles to implementing a successful outreach program on Lifeline and Link-Up?
   
   

8. Overall recommendations: What recommendations would you make in terms of outreach on Lifeline and Link-Up? Does an increase in the number of consumers eligible for or applying to the programs affect how outreach should be done?
   
   

Though we have moved forward based on the information we received in 2006, our lifeline@fcc.gov e-mail address remains active if you would like to send your comments.