Lifeline and Link-Up

In this document, the Commission modifies its rules to improve the effectiveness of the low-income support mechanism, which ensures that quality telecommunications services are available to low-income consumers at just, reasonable, and affordable rates. The Commission expands the federal default eligibility criteria to include an income- based criterion and additional means-tested programs. The Commission adopts federal certification and verification procedures, and requires states, under certain circumstances, to establish certification and verification procedures to minimize potential abuse of these programs. To target low-income consumers more effectively, the Commission adopts outreach guidelines for the Lifeline/Link-Up program. The Commission issues a voluntary survey to gather data and information from states regarding the administration of Lifeline/Link-Up programs. The actions the Commission takes will result in a more inclusive and robust Lifeline/Link-Up program, consistent with the statutory goals of maintaining affordability and access of low-income consumers to supported services, while ensuring that support is used for its intended purpose.