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For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2024
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Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Contact: Cori Rude-Young, 651-201-2241
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Federal Lifeline Program helps connect Minnesotans to local resources and emergency services
St. Paul, Minn. – Access to local emergency services and community resources is vital to low-income residents. “Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week,” is September 8-14, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) wants residents to get and stay connected through the federal Lifeline Program.
Lifeline helps low-income consumers connect to the nation’s communications networks, find jobs, access health care services, connect with family and call for help in an emergency. Under the federal Lifeline program, low-income consumers who participate in certain public assistance programs, or qualify based on income can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month off their monthly bill for broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service, up to $5.25 for voice-only service, and up to a total of $34.25 per month for residents of qualifying Tribal lands.
In Minnesota, 81,000 Minnesotans are enrolled in Lifeline, but more than 570,000 qualify.
“Our goal is to connect as many people as possible,” said PUC Commissioner Hwikwon Ham. “We hope that by raising awareness of this crucial program, we can ensure that more Minnesotans can call their friends, their families, and life-saving services. In today’s highly interconnected world, no one should be left out.”
To apply for Lifeline benefits, apply online at nv.fcc.gov or mail your application by requesting an application be mailed to you or downloading a copy at www.lifelinesupport.org, or contact your local participating telecommunications provider or the PUC.
The PUC is the state agency in charge of regulating the rates and services of telecommunications companies operating in Minnesota. If you need assistance with either of these programs, contact the PUC's Consumer Affairs Office at 800-657-3782 or email at consumer.puc@state.mn.us. The PUC has Spanish and Hmong language speakers on staff.
About
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate, and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional, and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc.
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