The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) wants qualified Iowans to get and stay connected to crucial phone and broadband services to reach local emergency personnel, health care providers, and community and job resources, and to connect with family and friends. Having access to these services can be the difference between social connection and complete isolation.

The IUB joins the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of “Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week,” September 11-17, 2023. This week is designed to both raise awareness and increase participation in the federal Lifeline program and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

Promotion of these programs is targeted at helping ensure no one gets left out of vital communications services due to cost. Qualifying low-income residents who need assistance paying for monthly voice or broadband bills are encouraged to apply to the federal Lifeline program for potential financial assistance.

Under the Lifeline program, discounts are available of up to $5.25 monthly on a voice service bill or up to $9.25 per month for broadband or bundled voice and broadband service bills for qualified residents who participate in certain public assistance or veterans pension programs or meet income guidelines. Discounts of up to $25 per month are available for residents on tribal lands.

The complementary ACP was implemented by the FCC in 2021 and is also available to qualifying households. ACP can provide a monthly discount on broadband service of up to $30 per eligible household (or up to $75 per eligible household on tribal lands), with an additional one-time device subsidy to permit customers to purchase a laptop, desktop, or tablet at a discount from a participating provider if the household pays more than $10 and less than $50 toward the price of the device. The participating broadband service provider will receive the funds directly from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Current Lifeline participants are automatically eligible, but they still need to select a provider and eligible ACP plan to receive the benefit. The ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

To apply for Lifeline benefits, or to request an application be mailed to you or download a copy visit https://www.lifelinesupport.org, or contact your local participating telecommunications provider or the IUB. To apply online or download an application for the Affordable Connectivity Program, go to getinternet.gov.