Landlines remain important to home emergency planning
STAMFORD, Conn., Sep 14, 2010 (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 Pennsylvania residents as part of two federal support programs. These programs, “Lifeline Assistance” and “Link-Up,” are available through Frontier Communications (NYSE:FTR, news, filings).
- “Lifeline” is a plan that assists qualified low-income customers by providing a monthly credit on their telephone bill.
- “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.
“This landline telephone assistance plan is available to qualifying Pennsylvania residents,” said Frank Joanlanne, Vice President & General Manager. “Frontier wants to let low-income customers know about these programs, and encourage eligible customers to apply.”
Pennsylvanians in most Frontier service areas whose income is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may be eligible for telephone assistance. Additionally, Pennsylvania residents who participate in one or more of the following programs may be eligible for telephone assistance:
- Medicaid
- Food Stamps
- General Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF)
- 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. Individuals interested in learning more about these programs and complete eligibility requirements may contact Frontier by calling 1 (800) 921-8101 or emailing Lifeline@FTR.com.
These two low-income telephone assistance plans are important for Pennsylvania 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 Joanlanne, “Lifeline and Link-Up are great ways to ensure that all Pennsylvania 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.” Joanlanne 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
Frontier Communications Corporation
Frank Joanlanne, 570-631-6415
VP & GM
Frank.Joanlanne@ftr.com
or
Michael Sharry, 570-631-5366
Govt. & Ext. Affairs
Michael.Sharry@ftr.com
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