Idaho Lifeline Program: Everything You Need to Know

idaho lifeline program

There is more to Idaho than just potatoes. Idaho is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful scenery in the United States.

From the snow-capped mountains of the Rocky Mountains to the stunning landscapes of the Snake River Plain, Idaho is a state that has something for everyone. 

Idaho Telephone Service Assistance Program

In Idaho, financial aid is offered to eligible low-income people to help them pay for phone service. The monthly telephone bill discount is $2.50, thanks to the Idaho Telephone Service Assistance Program (ITSAP).

The Federal Communication Commission’s Lifeline Program (Lifeline) is a different initiative that provides a monthly discount of $5.25 for voice support and $9.25 for either standalone or combined broadband service.

Idaho Lifeline Qualifying Programs

To be eligible for the program, customers must either participate in specific government assistance programs or have an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.

The discount is valid for one telephone line per household and can be used for either landline or wireless phone service.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission runs the program and is funded by the Universal Service Fund. Numerous government aid programs are accessible to low-income citizens, including the Idaho lifeline program. Food assistance, housing help, and medical support are further initiatives.

These programs help to ensure that low-income individuals and families have access to affordable voice and broadband services.

Lifeline Idaho Income Guidelines Sat, Aug 2022

Household Size Annual Household Income
1 $27,180
2 $36,620
3 $46,060
4 $55,500
5 $64,940
6 $74,380
7 $83,820
8 $93,260
For each additional
person add
$9,440

 

Idaho Lifeline Program Eligibility 2024

In Idaho, who is eligible for free government smartphones and free government phones?

Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETC) in Idaho

Lifeline service providers in Idaho.

  • Assurance Wireless
  • Access Wireless
  • CenturyLink Call: 1-888-833-9522 or 1-800-244-1111
  • Frontier  Call: 1-800-921-8101 
  • EnTouch Wireless
  • Q Link Wireless
  • Safelink Wireless

How to apply?

  • Request a telephone assistance application be mailed to your home address by contacting your existing telephone provider.
  • Online with USAC
  • Use the online application (available in English and Spanish).
  • Mail with USACPrint an application: English  Spanish (Application Instructions)
  • Download the form from your provider’s website.
    • Make a copy of the completed application.
    • Request Delivery Confirmation from the US Postal Service (to show proof of receipt at the Company)
  • ACP Support Center
  • PO Box 7081
  • London, KY 40742

Idaho ACP Benefits

Low-income Americans can stay in touch with the outside world thanks to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). A few issues with the program do exist, though.

  1. The program is only available in certain states.
  2. The program is only available to those who qualify based on income.
  3. The program only provides free minutes and texts and does not provide data.

Despite these drawbacks, the ACP is a step in the right direction and will help low-income Americans stay connected.

Idaho Lifeline Program Service:

  • Mobile Lifeline Service
  • Fixed Lifeline Service
  • ACP Mobile Internet
  • ACP Home Internet

Affordable Connectivity Program Providers

  • Fixed broadband services offer a great alternative to traditional internet service providers (ISPs). They are fast, reliable, and typically have lower prices than other types of internet service. These include cable, fibre optic, DSL, and fixed wireless services.
  • Similar to cell phone services, mobile broadband services are device-based and accessible within the service provider’s cellular coverage region.
Broadband Provider Name Service Type Offering Connected Devices (Laptop, Desktop, or Tablet)
Access Wireless Mobile
AIR-PIPE/POVN Fixed
AirVoice Wireless Mobile
ATC Communications Fixed
Assurance Wireless Mobile
AT&T Mobile
Blackfoot Communications Fixed
Boost Mobile Mobile
Boss Wireless Mobile
Cambridge Telephone Company Fixed/Mobile
CenturyLink Fixed
Cintex Wireless Mobile
Clear Wireless Fixed/Mobile
Comcast (Xfinity) Fixed/Mobile
Cox Fixed
Culture Wireless Fixed/Mobile
CusterTel Fixed/Mobile
Dailytel Fixed/Mobile
Direct Communications Rockland Fixed
Earthlink Fixed/Mobile
Easy Wireless Mobile
E.L Internet Northwest Fixed
enTouch Wireless Mobile
ETS Telecommunications Fixed
Excess Telecom Mobile
Farmers Mutual Telephone Company Fixed
Fidelity Communications Fixed
First Step Internet Fixed
FyberCom Fixed
Gen Mobile Mobile
good2go mobile Mobile
Hello Mobile Telecom Mobile
Hughes Network Systems Fixed
human-I-T Mobile
Infiniti Mobile Mobile
Inland Cellular Fixed/Mobile
Inland Networks Fixed
Insight Mobile, Inc. Mobile
Integrated Path Communications, LLC Mobile
Intermax Networks Fixed
K20 Wireless Mobile
Life Wireless Mobile
Lingo Fixed
Metro by T-Mobile Mobile
MTE Communications Fixed
Mud Lake Telephone Cooperative Fixed
NewPhone Wireless Mobile
Nez Perce Network Systems Fixed
PCs for People Mobile
Q Link Wireless Mobile
Ready Wireless Mobile
Red Spectrum Communications Fixed
Rise Broadband Fixed
RTI Fixed
Sano Health Mobile
Selectel Wireless Mobile
Silver Star Communications Fixed/Mobile
Sparklight Fixed
Spectrum (Charter) Fixed
StandUp Wireless Mobile
Suddenlink Fixed
SUMOFIBER Fixed
SWA Connect Fixed/Mobile
TDS Telecommunications Corporation Fixed
Ting Internet Fixed
Tone Communication Services Fixed/Mobile
Torch Wireless Mobile
TracFone Wireless Mobile
TruConnect Mobile
TruLeap Technologies Fixed
Twigby Mobile
U2 CONNECT NOW Fixed
U.S. Cellular Fixed/Mobile
US Connect Fixed/Mobile
UVNV Mobile
Verizon Fixed/Mobile
Viasat Fixed
Vyve Broadband Fixed
White Cloud Networks Fixed
Wi-Fiber Fixed
Wilderness Wireless Fixed/Mobile
Ziply Fiber Fixed
Zito West Holding Fixed

FAQs

What is Lifeline?

Although Lifeline has existed for some time, not many people know it. It’s a government initiative that gives eligible customers a break on their recurring local phone or internet payment. For eligibility, each state has its requirements. There are primarily two methods to be eligible for Lifeline.

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

A federal program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives eligible households access to low-cost internet service. The initiative aims to assist households that cannot afford to use private internet service providers (ISPs).

Which internet service providers are participating?

The ACP is being used by several broadband providers, including those providing wireless and landline broadband. There may be a variety of providers available depending on where you live. Contact the broadband providers in your area to find out about their plans for program participation and qualified service offers.

How do I get a Free computer or tablet?

If a household purchases a connected device for more than $10 but less than $50 from a participating broadband service provider, the provider may receive a reimbursement of up to $100.

To put it another way, you have to use your partnering broadband provider to take advantage of this benefit, and you’ll have to pay a share of the price. Only laptops, desktop computers, and tablets qualify for the device bonus. Cell phones aren’t a part of it. They only allow one gadget per household.

What if I live on tribal lands?

Customers who reside on tribal grounds may be eligible for additional federal financial aid for local telephone service under programs established by the Federal Communications Commission.

In addition, financial help is available to offset the cost of the new telephone service. For more information, contact your local tribe or Community Action Partnership office.

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