Staying Connected: Phone and Internet Assistance Options for Oregonians
Posted on August 9, 2022 by Jennifer Hill-Hart
Tags, Telecommunications, General Interest
Lately, CUB has been spending a lot of time advocating for low-income electricity and natural gas customers as regulators consider energy utilities’ low-income bill assistance programs. Now is a good time to have a reminder of the current phone and internet assistance available for Oregon low-income customers.
Oregon Lifeline
Oregon Lifeline is a federal and state government program that provides a monthly discount on phone or broadband service. Qualifying low-income Oregon households can:
- Receive a discount on your phone bill of up to $15.25 per month
- Receive a discount on your broadband bill of up to $19.25 per month, or
- Receive free cell phone and data service
The Public Utility Commission (PUC) has a list of participating Lifeline telephone and internet service providers on its website. Some low-income customers may qualify for a free cell phone and data service. Currently, Access Wireless is the only provider offering a free cell phone and service at no cost to a qualifying customer who lives within its service territory. If Access Wireless service is not available in your area, there are discounted Lifeline service options available.
Programs for Oregon Tribal Communities
Through the Oregon Lifeline program, there are additional programs for many Tribal residents.
- Tribal Lifeline: Oregon residents on federally-recognized Tribal lands may qualify for a $25 monthly discount, in addition to Oregon Lifeline.
- Tribal Link Up: Qualifying Tribal residents can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 on the initial installation or activation of wireline or wireless phone service and can pay the remaining amount they owe on a payment plan, interest-free.
Federal Programs
The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal program, in addition to the programs above, that helps qualifying low-income households pay for internet service and devices through participating providers. The Affordable Connectivity Program provides:
- Up to $30/ month toward internet service
- Up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
CUB Advocates for Affordable and Accessible Phone and Internet Services
Oregon is continuing to prioritize expanding access to broadband service. Last Spring, the Oregon Legislature passed HB 4092, the Oregon Broadband Omnibus bill, which sets up a strategic framework for broadband investment. It will support new infrastructure projects, fund libraries providing free internet access, and work to expand bill assistance programs for customers. Sign up for the CUB email list for more updates on these programs as they are released.
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08/09/22 | 0 Comments | Staying Connected: Phone and Internet Assistance Options for Oregonians