TPUC Recognizes Lifeline Awareness Week

LIFELINE AWARENESS WEEK: STAY CONNECTED TO CRITICAL
COMMUNITY SERVICE SAY TPUC OFFICIALS

Nashville, Tennessee – Staying connected to local resources and emergency services can improve and possibly save lives is the primary purpose of the federal Lifeline program, say officials from the Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC). 

September 10-14, 2018 is “Lifeline Awareness Week” nationwide. The telephone assistance program offers
discounts to help residents have access to basic local telephone service and enables income qualified consumers to connect to the nation’s communications networks.

“Access to local emergency services and community resources is vital to our low-income and elderly residents,” says Tevin Thompson, TPUC Consumer Services Division’s Lifeline Program Manager. “In our highly connected society, Lifeline helps individuals accomplish that. It’s an important service for a certain portion of our society.”

Under the federal Lifeline program, telephone  customers who participate in or are eligible for certain public assistance
programs are entitled to receive a basic telephone service discount of at least $9.25 per month - or up to $34.25 to those living on Tribal/Native lands. Subscribers may receive the benefit on either their home phone, cell phone, mobile and home internet, or internet-phone bundle.  To apply for benefits contact your local telephone company.

The mission of the Tennessee Public Utility Commission is to promote the public interest by balancing the interests of utility consumers and providers.

Contact: Greg Mitchell, Media
(615) 741-6883