NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
September 14, 2009 Rosemary Kimball (202) 418-0511
Email:  rosemary.kimball@fcc.gov
FCC SUPPORTS “NATIONAL LIFELINE AND LINK UP TELEPHONE DISCOUNT 
AWARENESS WEEK” - SEPTEMBER 14 – 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) joined 
the effort to call attention to the “National Lifeline and Link Up Telephone Discount Awareness 
Week,” which takes place September 14 – 20, 2009.  Various state and local agencies throughout 
the country will be participating with outreach activities and events.  The “Lifeline” and “Link 
Up” programs provide financial assistance to low-income consumers in connecting a residential 
phone line and paying their monthly bill.  The programs have been active for years and are 
administered by the FCC and state public utility commissions, but at least half of eligible 
consumers nationwide do not take advantage of this assistance.
“Lifeline” involves discounts on monthly charges for a primary residential telephone line, 
including wireless service.  “Link Up” involves a discount on the cost of initiating the primary 
telephone service for a residence, including the activation of a wireless phone that serves as the 
primary residential telephone.  The discounts are available throughout the country, including an 
enhanced discount on Tribal lands.  In general, consumers at or below 135% of the federal 
poverty guidelines, or who participate in one or more of a number of other assistance programs, 
are eligible for Lifeline and Link Up.
To help call attention to the availability of these programs, the FCC joins the National 
Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and the National Association of 
State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA), and urges government agencies and non-profit 
organizations to help disseminate information on Lifeline and Link Up to their constituents.  
More information about the programs and how to apply is available at www.lifeline.gov or 
http://www.usac.org/li/low-income/apply-for-support.aspx.
-- FCC --