Lifeline Service Extended by FCC, Providing Critical Connections During COVID-19 Crisis

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa., May 11, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The National Lifeline Association (NALA) applauds a recent announcement by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that it will continue to suspend involuntary disconnections from the Lifeline program and that it will accept unemployment insurance as proof of income eligibility through June 30, 2020. The FCC's decision was made to ensure that millions of Americans continue to have access to essential Lifeline-supported mobile voice and broadband service during the unprecedented government-directed stay at home orders established to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus across the country.

"The FCC did the right thing in extending this waiver and ensuring that Americans who are now practicing social distancing have access to essential voice and mobile broadband services that connect them to the outside world," said David B. Dorwart, Chairman of the NaLA Board. "For Americans who cannot afford these services, the Lifeline program is now an actual lifeline. With stay-at-home orders still in place in many states, and staggered re-openings in others, millions of Americans need Lifeline-supported service to communicate with healthcare providers, employers, and their children's teachers. Without Lifeline-supported service, this period of isolation would be even more debilitating. We will continue to work with lawmakers and regulators to ensure those who need Lifeline-supported service will have access to it during this pandemic and economic crisis."

Since the outset of the COVID-19 crisis, Lifeline service providers have seen an increase of up to 20% in voice minutes used and up to a 40% increase in data usage, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Lifeline Association.

Mr. Dorwart continued, "Now more than ever, it is clear that mobile voice and broadband services are essential services for low-income Americans. What was once a luxury is now a requirement to function and stay engaged. As this pandemic and economic crisis continues, regulators must continue to evaluate this program to ensure that those who need it have access to it and the crucial connections it provides."

Any low-income consumers who are experiencing difficulty getting or staying connected during the COVID-19 pandemic can find more information about Lifeline eligibility and how to apply in their state here: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/

About the National Lifeline Association (NaLA):

The National Lifeline Association is the only industry trade group specifically focused on the Lifeline segment of telecommunications. We support the four essential components of Lifeline: ETCs & Providers, Distributors, Lifeline Participants & Supporters, and Government & Regulatory Bodies. We are passionate about the continuity and advancement of the Lifeline program and we drive this vision through our mission to "support providers, distributors, participants, and supporters of Lifeline through education, cooperation, and advocacy."
For more information on NaLA, visit https://www.nalalifeline.org.

SOURCE National Lifeline Association