The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC) have joined hands to launch "Lifeline Across America," a nationwide program to draw more low-income consumers into federal and state Lifeline and Link-up programs.
These programs provide for discounts to low income households for both the initial installation of phone service (Link-Up) and monthly phone bills (Lifeline.) The "Lifeline Across America" initiative includes:
1) A Best Practices Working Group that will develop guidelines to help carriers target consumers who are eligible for participation in the Lifeline and Link-up programs. The working group is comprised of representatives from the FCC and NARUC, and will include input from state and local government entities, industry, tribes and consumer groups;
2) Joint Outreach Materials in English and Spanish that will be distributed and available to targeted audiences, including: consumer-friendly fact sheets, an eligibility checklist, as well as other publications and marketing materials;
3) FCC and NARUC Web Site Enhancements that will highlight the Lifeline and Link-up programs and provide information in a consumer-friendly and informative manner; and
4) Train-the-Trainer Program to educate state and local government stakeholders about Lifeline and Link-up eligibility requirements and procedures.
Such program may be web-based to maximize cost efficiencies. The FCC and NARUC will partner with relevant state and local government entities, industry, tribes and consumer groups to facilitate the training effort.
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]Benton Foundation
