Florida Public Service Commission Orders Carriers to Offer Lifeline Service with Bundled Packages

Some companies had not allowed Lifeline customers the option of choosing a bundled package, which combines basic service with call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail, internet access, or other services.  Lifeline customers can now choose bundled service packages and also receive a discount.

“The goal of Lifeline is to make telecommunications services available for all Floridians.  The Commission has now ensured that Lifeline customers can select a plan of their choice and apply the discount to that plan,” said PSC Chairman Matthew M. Carter II.

Under the federal Lifeline program, telephone consumers who participate in certain public assistance programs are entitled to receive a basic telephone service discount of at least $13.50 per month – or more than $160 per year.  Since April 2007, when the PSC and the Department of Children and Families jointly implemented a Lifeline automatic enrollment process, more than 188,000 applications have been received. 

The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.