This Web site provides information and resources
regarding federal and state Lifeline and Link-Up programs. Lifeline and
Link-Up are programs that help ensure everyone has access to
telephone service. These programs provide discounts to income-eligible
individuals for both the initial installation costs of telephone service
and for monthly telephone bills.
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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:
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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?
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Less effective outreach: Are you aware of outreach
on Lifeline/Link-Up that was not particularly successful? Why was it not
successful?
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Measuring the success of outreach: How should the
success of outreach efforts on Lifeline/Link-Up be measured?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Challenges and Obstacles: What are some of the
challenges/obstacles to implementing a successful outreach program on
Lifeline and Link-Up?
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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.
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