Enhancing Awareness of Lifeline/Link-Up

On July 25, 2005, a nationwide initiative "Lifeline Across America" was launched to enhance consumer awareness of federal and state Lifeline and Link-Up programs. The initiative includes the formation of a joint Working Group to develop best practices and outreach materials to support Lifeline and Link-Up services. On Wednesday the FCC named the members of the Working Group and advised the public of the opportunity to provide input to the Working Group. Over the next several months, the Working Group will gather input to support the development of best practices to ensure the eligible consumers are aware of Lifeline and Link-Up and develop outreach and training materials. Parties interested in providing input to the Working Group may contact a member of the Working Group, or alternatively, may provide input or arrange to provide input by sending an email to lifeline@fcc.gov. Lifeline and Link-Up are low-income support mechanisms, which ensure that quality telecommunications services are available to low-income consumers at just, reasonable, and affordable rates. Since its inception, Lifeline/Link-Up has provided support for telephone service to millions of low-income consumers. These programs provide for discounts to low-income households for both the initial installation of phone service (Link-Up) and monthly phone bills (Lifeline). National statistics, however, reveal that citizens who qualify for Lifeline and Link-Up may not be aware of the benefits of the programs.
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]