Landlines remain important to home emergency planning
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The Federal Communications Commission, the National Association of
Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the National Association of State
Utility Consumer Advocates have designated September 13-19, 2010 as "National
Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week."
The designation is an effort to raise awareness of landline telephone
payment assistance available to qualifying low-income Michigan residents
as part of two federal support programs. These programs, “Lifeline
Assistance” and “Link-Up,” are available through Frontier Communications
(NYSE:FTR).
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“Lifeline” is a plan that assists qualified low-income customers by
providing a monthly credit on their telephone bill.
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“Link-Up” is an assistance plan that helps qualified low-income
customers pay for the installation of basic telephone service by
reducing connection charges by 50 percent, or $30, whichever is less.
Another feature of the Lifeline program enables qualified applicants to
avoid paying a service deposit if they voluntarily agree to have
long-distance calling blocked from their telephone.
“This landline telephone assistance plan is available to qualifying
Michigan residents,” said Bob Pero, Area General Manager. “Frontier
wants to let low-income customers know about these programs, and
encourage eligible customers to apply.”
Michigan residents whose income is at or below 150 percent of the
Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible for telephone assistance.
Additionally, Michigan residents who participate in one or more of the
following programs are eligible for telephone assistance:
- Medicaid
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Food Stamps
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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Federal Public Housing Assistance
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Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
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Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF)
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National School Lunch Program (NSL)
To apply for either or both of these low-income telephone assistance
plans, applicants should submit an application to Frontier
Communications. Application forms can be obtained from Frontier by
calling (877) 462-8188 or emailing Lifeline@FTR.com.
These two low-income telephone assistance plans are important for
Michigan residents and benefit the public by ensuring affordable access
to telephone service for everyone. Eligible area residents are
encouraged to submit their application and direct questions to Frontier
Communications.
According to Ron Belin, Area General Manager, “Lifeline and Link-Up are
great ways to ensure that all Michigan households can take advantage of
the benefits of a landline phone. For example, E911 is a vital service
offered via landline that cannot be fully duplicated using cell phones.
Corded landline phones that do not require alternating current (AC)
power for dial tone also work even when the power is out, a critical
component of any home emergency plan.” Belin notes, “Frontier offers a
wide array of digital phone and wireless services, but when it comes to
safety and security, many customers still rely on their landlines when
it comes to power outages, 911 emergency calls, alarm monitoring
services and call quality.” Basic landline service also allows many
consumers to choose a less expensive package of cell phone minutes,
which helps the family budget.
About Frontier Communications
Frontier Communications Corporation (NYSE: FTR) offers voice, High-Speed
Internet, satellite video, wireless Internet data access, data security
solutions, bundled offerings, specialized bundles for small businesses
and home offices, and advanced business communications Access Solutions
for medium and large businesses in 27 states and with approximately
14,800 employees. Frontier is included in the S&P 500 Index and is the
largest provider of communications services to rural America. More
information is available at www.frontier.com
and www.frontier.com/ir.
Source: Frontier Communications Corporation
Contact:
Frontier Communications Corporation
Matt Kelley, 260-461-2325
Media
Relations
Matt.Kelley@FTR.com
or
Michelle
Schlie, 952-435-1378
Govt. & Ext. Affairs
Michelle.schlie@FTR.com