Nevada recognizes digital connectivity week; reaches out to those who can't afford broadband
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada is promoting “Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week,” Sept. 11-15. The PUCN wants residents to “stay connected” and is reaching out to those who need voice and broadband services but can’t afford it.
During the annual “Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week,” the PUCN is highlighting the Lifeline Program, which offers discounts to help residents access voice or broadband services, and the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers discounts to help residents access broadband services.
Lifeline helps low-income consumers connect to the nation’s communications networks, find jobs, access health care services, connect with family and call for help in an emergency.
Under the federal Lifeline Program, low-income consumers who participate in certain public assistance programs, or qualify based on income, can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month off their monthly bill for broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service (and up to an additional $3.50 from the Nevada Lifeline fund), up to $5.25 for voice-only service (and up to an additional $3.50 from the Nevada Lifeline fund), and up to a total of $34.25 per month for qualifying tribal consumers.
In 2021, the Federal Communications Commission implemented the complementary ACP, which provides eligible households up to a $30 per month discount for broadband services and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Current Lifeline participants are automatically eligible, but they still need to select a provider and eligible ACP plan to receive the benefit.
Consumers can apply for Lifeline benefits online or request a mail-in application at: http://www.lifelinesupport.org.
For additional Lifeline or ACP application support, consumers also may contact their provider of telephone or internet service, including wireless providers. If your wireless provider is a designated Eligible Telecommunications Carrier, it should offer the Lifeline or ACP discounts.
Check the PUCN's website to see if your provider is a designated Eligible Telecommunications Carrier. Lifeline and ACP funds are administered by the Universal Service Administrative Co.