Press Release

PUC Urges Consumers to “Stay Connected” to Vital Emergency Services During Lifeline Awareness Week Event

Published on 9/14/2015

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – In conjunction with a national initiative to promote the Lifeline telephone program for low-income consumers, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will join City of Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse, city officials and other state agency and industry representatives to encourage residents to “stay connected” to vital emergency services on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m., in Harrisburg.

WHO:             PUC, City of Harrisburg, the PA Office of Consumer Advocate, CenturyLink

WHAT:           Media event to promote Lifeline program awareness

WHEN:          Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m.,

WHERE:        Harrisburg Fire Station No. 2, 140 N. 16^th St., Harrisburg

The Lifeline 135 program is available for customers of all qualified telephone service providers. Under the program, customers who participate in certain public assistance programs, or who have income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (currently $32,737 for a family of four) can receive a discount on their monthly local phone service for one telephone line. The discounts are paid out of the federal Universal Service Fund, which is subsidized by contributions from all telephone customers.

In an effort to increase awareness about the program, the PUC developed an informational brochure, “Follow the PATH to PA Telephone Help” to provide information about Lifeline and other available programs for limited-income consumers. Copies of the brochure can be obtained by calling the PUC at 1-800-692-7380 or on the PUC website. Consumers also are encouraged to reach out to their local telephone company to see if they qualify for Lifeline and other available programs for limited-income telephone customers.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov