Many of us take for granted that we can pick up our phone, dial our friends and family, and stay connected with the rest of the world. Phone service is routine for many of us.

But imagine if you were disabled, living on a fixed income, or suddenly laid off from your job and couldn’t afford to pay your phone bill. Imagine if you worked but barely made enough to cover rent, food and other basic needs.

Unfortunately, too many people in the U.S. and in Minnesota face this problem every day and do not have basic telephone service and are disconnected from friends, family, and emergency services, including 911 access.

There is good news, though. Low income consumers may qualify for the assistance program called Lifeline, which discounts a portion of their telephone service. Lifeline provides qualified consumers a savings on basic monthly telephone service. Discounts on wireless service are available in some parts of Minnesota.

As Chair of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, I am participating in a national event to raise awareness of, and participation in, this important program. As part of National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week, the Commission is providing applications and information to the people and agencies that assist those in need.

The common goal is to connect as many people as possible. We hope that by raising awareness of Lifeline, more consumers can stay connected to their friends, their families, and life-saving services. In today’s highly interconnected world, no one should be left out.

For more information, contact the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission at 651-296-0406, 800-657-3782, consumer.puc@state.mn.us, or visit our website at www.mn.gov/puc.

Beverly Jones Heydinger

Chair, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission