Lifeline, a federal program offering discounted cell phone service to low-income consumers, is gaining traction as an effective way to bridge the digital divide. While participation in the program has declined from 18 million in 2012 to under 12 million in 2016, the number of eligible households is still rising. This is good news for those who need affordable phone service but may also raise concerns about high fees charged by cell phone providers.
Participants Choose To Apply The Subsidy To Mobile Telephone Service.
The Lifeline program in Washington State makes wireless and wireline communications services accessible to low-income consumers. The program was launched in 2004 and has grown from a modest 41 to a whopping 700 providers. While the numbers are still being crunched, one-quarter of all eligible homes have opted for the benefits of a federal subsidy. One study showed that participants overwhelmingly chose mobile telephone service. However, it is also important to note that the Lifeline program offers a more comprehensive discount on broadband Internet access. In particular, the program’s high-speed Internet package has been a hit with its lowest-income tier participants. Having an internet connection at home is a boon for many low-income households. The Lifeline cell phone providers also provide other advantages, such as bill credit on certain phone services. The Lifeline is also a boon to American Indians, who can benefit from discounted phone service.
Providers Are Charging High Monthly Fees For Data Plans.
Lifeline, a federal program, provides discounted mobile phone service to qualified low-income consumers. Applicants are required to fill out an Enrollment Form. They can then apply for a wireless phone plan with data or home internet services. Through the Lifeline Support Center, consumers can also apply for the Lifeline assistance program. In addition, WCB announced updated minimum Lifeline service standards. It also approved a compliance plan from American Broadband & Telecommunications and Birch Communications, LLC. WCB released maps related to the USF/ICC Transformation Proceeding. The Wireline Competition Bureau also grants partial waivers of the Lifeline Reform Order. WCB conditionally designates Boomerang Wireless, Inc. and Spot On Networks as Lifeline Broadband Providers. WCB announces the launch of the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier in six states. The verification will be available in North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Missouri, and Tennessee as of December 4.
Federal Rules Prohibit Consumers From Receiving More Than One Lifeline Discount Per Household.
The Lifeline program provides discounted telecommunications services to qualified low-income consumers. In addition to discounts on landline and cell phone service, Lifeline also supports broadband Internet access.
To be eligible for Lifeline support, consumers must meet federal income requirements. Their gross household income must be less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. To determine eligibility, the Lifeline system uses the National Lifeline Accountability Database. For prospective subscribers who share an address, they must complete a form certifying that they comply with the one-per-household rule. If more than one Lifeline subscriber in a household receives Lifeline service, the Administrator may notify the eligible telecommunications carrier of the duplicate Lifeline service. Consumers who receive duplicate support may be de-enrolled from the Lifeline Program.
Broadband Adoption Act
The Lifeline Assistance program helps low-income American consumers to access affordable broadband service. This critical program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
The program is a public-private partnership that provides discounted broadband and voice services to qualifying low-income consumers. A national program of this scale can only be successful if it is modernized to meet the demands of an increasingly technological society. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering a new approach to improve the Lifeline program. It is time to update the program to ensure its long-term viability and help low-income Americans remain connected. One of the most important ways to do this is to develop a comprehensive universal service reform. The FCC should create a framework for a long-term intercarrier compensation model that maximizes competition and minimizes consumer burdens.
Documentation Requirements For Lifeline Users
Lifeline is a federal government program designed to help low-income Americans gain access to essential communications services. Lifeline provides a discount on a monthly voice telephony bundle and broadband Internet access service for eligible consumers. Various state governments have enacted their own Lifeline rules. All providers of such services must comply with these rules. To participate in the Lifeline program, a prospective subscriber must fill out a certification form. The document should describe the service in simple terms and include a disclosure of the name and address of the eligible telecommunications carrier. A similar form is required of potential subscribers who share an address. Other requirements for a qualified Lifeline provider include compliance with state Lifeline regulations and direct oversight by the Universal Service Administrative Company. Eligible telecommunications carriers must provide a link to a public website and summary information about voice telephony service plans.
