During Digital Inclusion Week, the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) reminded consumers of another awareness raising effort that occurred last month when the agency joined the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), other state commissions and consumer advocates to celebrate Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, a national effort to reach those in need of communications assistance and access.
As many advocates know, due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended and recipients’ last benefit discount was effective in May/June 2024. The ACP monthly benefit helped over 357, 000 Massachusetts households connect to broadband service With ACP no longer active, DTC is reminding partners that there are low-cost internet options available, including through the FCC’s Lifeline Program, and are encouraging others to raise awareness about the various programs available with residents across the state.
With many age- and dementia friendly communities and partners focused on digital equity, the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is helping to raise awareness of these programs.
Lifeline is a federal benefit program that helps income-eligible households connect to the nation’s voice and broadband networks, find jobs, access health care services, connect with family, and call for help in an emergency. Lifeline provides a monthly discount towards the cost of either a wireless or home phone service, broadband service (where available), or a bundled phone-broadband service from a certified Massachusetts Lifeline Provider.
To qualify for Lifeline, a household must show participation in one of the following programs: Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), federal housing assistance programs, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit or by having income of 135 percent or below of the federal poverty guidelines. The Lifeline benefit is limited to one per household.
In addition, the FCC recently implemented the Safe Connections Act (SCA) to support survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes, and individuals caring for those against whom such acts were committed. Under the SCA, survivors experiencing financial hardship can qualify and receive emergency Lifeline support for up to six months as of September 4, 2024. For additional information about the Survivor benefit, visit: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/survivor-benefit/ Attached please find one pagers in English and Spanish on Lifeline Program eligibility rules and how to apply.
Lastly, Massachusetts cable providers offer low-cost internet options for income-eligible households. Contact your local cable provider or the DTC to determine what options may be available, noting eligibility requirements vary by provider. For your convenience, below please find a list of these programs and links to the website that are currently being offered:
- Astound Broadband powered by RCN’s Internet First
https://www.internetfirst.com/
- Breezeline’s Internet Assist
https://www.breezeline.com/support/internet/internet-assist-program
- Charter’s Spectrum Internet Assist
https://www.spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials
https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials
- Cox’s Connect2Compete or ConnectAssist
https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete/faq-low-cost-internet.html
- Verizon Forward
https://www.verizon.com/discounts/verizon-forward/
As a state regulatory agency, the DTC oversees the implementation of Lifeline Program and monitors Massachusetts Lifeline providers, including handling consumer complaints related to issues surrounding enrollment or the service in general. If you have questions about the Lifeline Program or the availability of low-cost internet options in your area, please do not hesitate to contact the DTC’s Consumer Hotline, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, at 1-800-392-6066. Additional information about the Lifeline Program is also available on our website at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/lifeline-services.
Fliers in English and in Spanish are available on how to help people apply for Lifeline.