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Digital Connectivity & Lifeline Awareness Week (September 8-13, 2024).
The Regulatory Commission of Alaska joins the National Association of Regulatory
Utility Commissioners, the National Association of State Utility Consumer
Advocates, the Federal Communications Commission and state public utility
commissions this week in observing National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline
Awareness Week from September 8 to 13. Since 2008, the week after Labor Day is
designated to highlight the benefits of the federal Lifeline Program.
Lifeline is an affordable, inclusive program for low-income consumers, offering a way
to connect with the nation's voice and broadband networks, secure employment
opportunities, access essential healthcare services, stay connected with family and
seek assistance during emergencies. The ability to stay connected holds the power
to bridge the gap between social inclusion and isolation.
“Millions of individuals across the nation rely on access to phone and digital
communications to remain connected to participate meaningfully in society,” said
Nebraska Commissioner and NARUC Telecommunications Chairman Tim Schram.
“Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week is an important reminder for both
participants and service providers about eligibility and recertification requirements.”
The NARUC Board of Directors has consistently supported Lifeline by passing
resolutions to
expand Lifeline week to include broadband services
and to fund the
former
Affordable Connectivity Program
. Although the Affordable Connectivity
Program (aimed at closing the digital divide) was discontinued this year for a lack of
funding, the FCC’s wind-down measures included encouraging former ACP
providers to develop their own low-income programs along with providing their
former subscribers with information on those low-cost plans and providing training
and resources on the Lifeline program for state public utility commissions and
outreach partners to enhance awareness of Lifeline.
The federal Lifeline Program provides substantial assistance to eligible low-income
consumers who are either participants in specified public assistance programs or
meet specific income criteria. These consumers can benefit from discounts of up to
$9.25 per month for broadband-qualifying services, up to $5.25 per month for voice- qualifying services and up to $34.25 per month for residents residing on Tribal lands.
An additional $25 discount is also available for low-income subscribers residing on
Tribal lands. The program's eligibility and regulations can be accessed at
http://www.lifelinesupport.org
. A dedicated American Sign Language video
describing the Lifeline program can be accessed at
https://youtu.be/wwkjVrd5xHc
.
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