Broadband Rural High Speed Internet

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Lifeline

Overview

Lifeline is the FCC’s program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service purchased from participating providers. The discounts, which can be applied to stand-alone Internet, bundled voice-Internet packages or stand-alone voice service, help ensure that low-income consumers can afford state-of-the-art Internet and the access it provides to jobs, education and opportunities.

The Lifeline discount may be used for voice or qualified Internet service, but not both.

  • Lifeline discounts on voice services are available to participants of both state and federally recognized aid programs.
  • Lifeline discounts on Internet services are available to participants of federally-recognized aid programs and is limited to certain Internet services. Internet speeds must be 20 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or faster to qualify.
  • If you purchase voice and qualifying Internet services, the federal Lifeline discount will apply to your qualifying Internet service.
  • If you purchase voice service and a non-qualifying Internet service, you may receive both state and federal Lifeline discounts on your voice service. 

Standard Lifeline—provides federal monthly support of up to $9.25. In some states, additional monthly support is also available

Tribal Lifeline—offers a deeper monthly discount as well as installation assistance through the Link-Up program to qualifying customers who live on federally-recognized Tribal lands.

How do I qualify for a Lifeline discount?

Lifeline is available to qualified customers in every U.S. state. Qualification requirements vary by state. Please be aware that only one Lifeline discount is available per household, even if the household has more than one telephone or Internet account, including landline or wireless service. Under the Lifeline program, a household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. The Lifeline discount is not transferable and only eligible customers may enroll in the program. Documentation of eligibility is required to enroll. Customers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline service can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from the program.

The following link to the USAC’s website provides information on eligibility:

https://www.usac.org/lifeline/rules-and-requirements/forms/

https://www.usac.org/lifeline/eligibility/customer-eligibility/program-eligibility/

Minnesota Lifeline and Telephone Assistance Services (TAP)

Having trouble paying for your phone or internet service?  If you are a low-income household or are enrolled in government programs, like SNAP or Medical Assistance, you qualify.  Contact us about the Telephone Assistance Plan discount.

Telephone Discounts Can Help You Stay In Touch

Minnesota’s Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP) and the federal LIFELINE Program help make telephone service affordable to low-income consumers. TAP offers a $10.00 per month discount on home landline telephone service. The Lifeline Program offers up to $9.25 per month discount on home landline or internet service.

How do I find out if I am eligible?

Contact us at 952-215-3800 to ask if you qualify.  Consumers enrolled in the following programs may already be eligible:

  •  Federal Public Housing Assistance
  •  Medical Assistance
  •  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
  •  Supplemental Security Income
  •  Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension Benefit
  •  Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  •  Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  •  Head Start
  • Food Distribution Program

How do I apply?

Call us at 952-215-3800 for assistance with the application.

You can obtain the FCC application from from the USAC’s website at the following link:

https://www.usac.org/lifeline/rules-and-requirements/forms/

For the MN TAP program more information is available on the MN Public Utility Commission website:

https://mn.gov/puc/consumers/telephone/assistance-plans/

Services Provided

  • Broadband Corp’s Lifeline service provides access to voice and emergency services for qualifying low-income consumers.
  • Unlimited local and Long-distance for $35 + applicable subscriber line charges and tax per month. (Normal / fair use limitations apply) see Broadband Corp’s Acceptable Use Policy and Subscriber agreement. (Links at the bottom of this page)
  • Customers can also apply the discounts to their qualifying broadband that meets the Lifeline requirements.
  • Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household.
  • If you are approved for Lifeline, you will automatically be enrolled in the Telephone Assistance Program. You do not need to apply for this discount separately.