Utility commissioners, advocates and more observe National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week
This week marks National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week – a tradition of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and state public utility commissions to highlight affordable connectivity programs.
Lifeline is an affordable and inclusive program aimed at low-income consumers as a way to connect them with voice and broadband networks nationwide, offer employment opportunities, improve emergency communication capabilities and open the door to essential healthcare services. This July, NARUC’s Board of Directors passed resolutions supporting permanent funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program and expanding Lifeline week to include broadband services.
On the other hand, for those who qualify, the Affordable Connectivity Program offers monthly discounts of up to $30 for broadband services per eligible household, or up to $75 for those on Tribal lands. An additional $100, one-time discount can be provided on purchases of a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
“Digital connectivity is vital to an advancing society. Expanding the program’s name reflects the more than 20 million households enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program to receive assistance for broadband services,” Tim Schram, Nebraska Commissioner and NARUC Telecommunications Chairman, said. “Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week reminds both participants and service providers about eligibility and recertification requirements in both the Lifeline and ACP programs.”
NARUC noted that millions of households do not yet have access to adequate broadband service, despite digital connectivity’s importance in the modern age.
Observance of National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week has been maintained every year since 2008.
