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 Ohio 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 Ohio
residents,” said Dave Davidson, Senior Vice President & General Manager.
“Frontier wants to let low-income customers know about these programs,
and encourage eligible customers to apply.”
Ohio residents whose income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal
Poverty Guidelines are eligible for telephone assistance. Additionally,
Ohio 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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Supplemental Security Income – Blind and Disabled
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Federal Public Housing Assistance
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Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
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Ohio Work First (aka TANF)
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National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
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General Assistance – Including Disability Assistance (DA)
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 Ohio
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 Davidson, “Lifeline and Link-Up are great ways to ensure
that all Ohio 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.” Davidson 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
Dave Davidson, 216-956-3112
SVP
& GM
Dave.Davidson@FTR.com
or
Michelle
Schlie, 952-435-1378
Govt. & Ext. Affairs
Michelle.schlie@FTR.com