SC Lifeline and Linkup Assistance Program

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Answering Distress Calls for Those in Need of
Savings
SC Lifeline and Link-up Assistance Program
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Topics of Discussion

• Background of Lifeline and Link up
• Lifeline Consumer Eligibility
• Outreach Endeavors

SC Lifeline and Link-up Assistance Program
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Background of Lifeline Link-up

• Lifeline and Link-up assistance is funded by the
  Universal Savings Fund (USF).
• The USF supports services in rural and high cost
  areas. It also provide affordable service to low
  income consumers.
• The USF and the Lifeline Link-up assistance are
  results of the Telecommunication Act of 1996.

SC Lifeline and Link-up Assistance Program
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Background of Lifeline Link-up
Eligible Telecommunication Carriers

• ATT
• Bluffton
• Chesnee
• Comporium
• Embarq
• Farmers (FTC)
• Hargray
• Home
• Horry (HTC)

• Palmetto Rural
• PBT Telcom
• Piedmont Rural
• Sandhill Telephone
• TDS
• Truvista
• Verizon
• West Carolina Rural
• Windstream

SC Lifeline and Link-up Assistance Program
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Lifeline Consumer Eligibility

• Lifeline eligible consumers receive a credit of
  thirteen dollars and fifty cents (13.50) off of
  their telephone bills.
• Link-up eligible consumers can receive up to
  fifty percent (50) off of the initial cost (up
  to 30.00).
• Eligible consumers may save up to 192.50 in the
  first year and 162.50 each subsequent year.

SC Lifeline and Link-up Assistance Program
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Lifeline Consumer Eligibility

• In order to be eligible for Lifeline consumers
  must receive
• Food Stamps (EBT)
• Medicaid
• Family Independence (TANF)

SC Lifeline and Link-up Assistance Program
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Impact on State of S.C.

• 2005-2006 total impact on state 237,360.
• 2006 -2007 total on state 676,760.
• 2007-2008 total impact on state 800,040.

SC Lifeline and Link-up Assistance Program
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Outreach Endeavors

• During Fiscal year 2005-2006 a total of 66
  Outreach Seminars were attended by approximately
  21,000 individuals.
• During Fiscal year 2006-2007 a total of 51
  Outreach Seminars were attended by 17,221
  individuals.

SC Lifeline and Link-up Assistance Program
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Answering Distress Calls for Those in Need of
Savings
Thank you.
SC Lifeline and Link-up Assistance Program