Press Release

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

Published on 9/15/2015

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – In conjunction with a national initiative to promote Lifeline telephone discount program awareness, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today joined City of Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse, other city officials, state agency and industry representatives to help residents “stay connected” to vital emergency services in Harrisburg.

“We live in an information-rich society.  Most of us take for granted the ability to instantly access information about work, school, health care, social programs and other vital services,” said PUC Chairman Gladys Brown.  “Those who cannot afford to be connected are not only missing important information, but they also are deprived of opportunities to make their lives better. During 2014 there were 922,087 Pennsylvanians using the Lifeline programs.  We hope that by raising awareness of Lifeline, we can ensure that more consumers are connected.”

“The Lifeline program provides vital assistance to low-income residents in our City,” said Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse.  “It’s a true lifeline for our elderly and for families that otherwise would not be able to afford a telephone in their homes.  We commend the PUC for providing outreach and education about this service.”

Gov. Tom Wolf proclaimed Sept. 14-20, 2015, Pennsylvania Lifeline Awareness Week, and Harrisburg Mayor Papenfuse also designated this week as Lifeline Awareness Week to encourage city residents to learn more about the program.

The state’s Office of Consumer Advocate and a representative from the rural local exchange carrier industry joined the PUC at today’s event to promote the Lifeline Program, which offers discounts to help residents gain access to basic local telephone service.

“The Lifeline program helps all Pennsylvanians by making telephone service more affordable for eligible consumers.  Whether through a traditional wireline carrier or wireless carrier, reduced cost voice service helps families that qualify to maintain contact with schools, employers, healthcare and emergency services,” said Barrett Sheridan, Assistant Consumer Advocate for the Office of Consumer Advocate.  “The Office of Consumer Advocate welcomes the opportunity to inform consumers about this service and eligibility requirements.”

 “From the inception of the Lifeline program, rural local telephone providers have promoted and provided Lifeline service to their customers.  These programs provide a valuable service to those who need some support to stay connected to the telephone network,” said Tom Bailey, a Pennsylvania Telephone Association (PTA) Board member.  “The rural local telephone providers’ role has always been one of keeping customers connected to the network and the benefits that it provides.  We are happy to participate in these Lifeline awareness events which are essential to getting the word out.”

Recently, the FCC changed its rules governing program eligibility and non-duplication of support to improve program efficiency and ensure those that need support can receive it. Federal rules prohibit eligible low-income consumers from receiving more than one Lifeline discount per household.

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.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Contact:

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