Telephone Communications: Cost and Funding Information on Lifeline Telephone Service

摘要

The report discusses issues relating to the cost, design, and funding of a mandatory nationwide lifeline telephone program for low-income households. Specifically, the report discusses (1) the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) current efforts to assist low-income groups to obtain telephone service, (2) alternatives used by states to identify low-income households that qualify for assistance, (3) the types of discounted telephone services offered by states to lifeline program participants, (4) key program features that would affect program costs, and (5) two basic alternatives for funding such a program. In addition it also provides information on California's lifeline program.