In 'Lifeline Awareness Week,' Cub Urges Callers To Get Telecom Assistance, Sign Up For Low-Cost Plans

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Sep 14, 2011, 11:11 ET

CHICAGO, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has joined Gov. Pat Quinn and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) in a campaign to educate consumers on how they can get affordable telephone service.

Gov. Quinn has issued a proclamation declaring September 12-18 Lifeline Awareness Week in Illinois. Lifeline and Link-Up are two programs that provide phone installation and billing discounts for eligible low-income consumers. In addition to those discounts, CUB has found that all callers—no matter their income level—can save an additional $200 a year, on average, by choosing the right calling plan.

The CUB-designed AT&T Consumer's Choice plans, which cost between about $3 and $20 per month, were designed by the consumer group to fit the needs of the average Illinois caller. As a result of the Illinois Telecommunications Act, the plans' prices are frozen through at least June of 2013 and are available to all AT&T landline customers in Illinois, regardless of income. Consumers can find more information on the Consumer's Choice plans and other money-saving tips at CUB's Phone Savings Center, at www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org.

"Too many consumers are paying bloated phone bills filled with features and services they never use," CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. "But the Lifeline and Link-Up discounts, combined with the low-cost Consumer's Choice calling plans, make it easier for all Illinois consumers to stay connected. That's vital in today's fast-paced society."

Consumers may be eligible for telecommunications assistance if they currently participate in assistance programs including Medicaid, Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), federal public housing assistance, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or the National School Lunch Program's Free Lunch program.

CUB urges income-eligible residents to stay connected to community resources and emergency services through the federal Lifeline program, which provides a basic telephone service discount of up to $10 per month. Link-Up helps income-eligible consumers begin telephone service. The program pays one-half (up to a maximum of $30) of the initial installation fee for a traditional, landline telephone or activation fee for a wireless telephone for a primary residence.

Illinois households may apply for the telecommunications assistance program by contacting their local phone provider. A list of telecommunications companies offering the service is on the ICC website at: http://www.icc.illinois.gov/Consumer/LifelineAndLinkUp.aspx

CUB is Illinois' leading nonprofit utility watchdog organization. Created by the Illinois Legislature, CUB opened its doors in 1984 to represent the interests of residential and small-business utility customers. Since then, CUB has saved consumers more than $10 billion by helping to block rate hikes and secure refunds over the years. For more information, call CUB's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-669-5556 or visit CUB's award-winning website, www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org.

SOURCE Citizens Utility Board