The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is encouraging income-qualified residents to apply for the federal Lifeline Program, which provides monthly discounts on phone and broadband services.

"Access to the digital world is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity for our work, safety and health. The PUC wants to make sure that income-qualified consumers can enroll in the Lifeline Program for discounts on critical communication services which help them to find jobs, access health care services, connect with family and call for help in an emergency," said PUC Director Rebecca White.

Image

Eligible consumers — those who participate in certain public assistance programs or qualify based on income — can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month on broadband or bundled phone and broadband service, up to $5.25 per month for voice-only service, and up to $34.25 per month for residents of qualifying Tribal lands.

Approximately 91,191 Coloradans are currently enrolled in Lifeline. The PUC estimates more than 550,000 individuals qualify statewide.

"The PUC wants to help any Coloradan who could qualify to apply for and receive these broadband and phone assistance benefits," White said.

Residents can apply online, download an application, or request a physical application be mailed to them by visiting the Federal Communications Commission at https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers or the Lifeline support site at www.lifelinesupport.org. An instructional American Sign Language video describing the program and its benefits is available at https://youtu.be/wwkjVrd5xHc.

Residents needing assistance with the program may contact the PUC's Consumer Affairs Office at 303-894-2070 or 800-456-0858 (outside Denver).