If you’re unhappy with your Lifeline service, there are a few ways to voice your concerns.
The first step is to determine if the issue is with your service or the way your service is delivered.
If the issue is with your service, the best way to get it fixed is to contact your service provider directly. However, if the issue is with how your service is delivered, you can resolve the issue through your state’s Lifeline coordinator.
If you can’t resolve the issue through your service provider or state coordinator, consider complaining to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC regulates Lifeline services and can help ensure that the program is delivered fairly and consistently.
How to complain
To file a complaint, you will need to provide the following:
- Your name, address, and telephone number
- The name, address, and telephone number of the utility
- A description of your problem
- The dates and times when the problem occurred
- The steps you took to try to resolve the problem with the provider.
You should speak with your lifeline provider and allow them to look into your problem before submitting an informal complaint to the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Next, you should submit a complaint with the PUC’s Customer Protection Division if you and your provider cannot make an amicable arrangement.
Different states have different processes for resolution, but the main idea is to always try to resolve the problem with your service provider before taking any official action. Having as much documentation and information as possible is important to show that you’ve tried to work with the company to resolve the issue.
Where to address your complaint.
Universal Service Administration Company
- Attn: Complaints
- 700 12th Street, NW, Suite 900
- Washington, DC 20005
- Website: LifelineSupport.org
- Phone: 888-641-8722
- Email: complaints@usac.org (Write “complaint” in the subject line)
Federal Communications Commission
- Consumer Complaint Center
- 445 12th Street SW
- Washington, DC 20554
- Phone: 888-225-5322 or 888-835-5322
- Website: consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us
- Email: consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=39744
Public utility commissions
Public utility commissions provide an important check on the actions of utilities, monitor their performance and provide consumers with valuable information about their utility bills. What is a Public Utility Commission?
A public utility commission is a regulatory body that regulates electric, gas, telecommunications, water and wastewater utilities. In most states, a single agency will regulate these sectors, but in some states, these functions may be split between more than one agency.
Public utility commissions provide an important check on the actions of utilities, monitor their performance and provide consumers with valuable information about their utility bills. For example, a public utility commission may require utilities to distribute information about their rates, services and reliability. This information can help consumers make informed decisions about their utility providers.
What are the benefits of having a public utility commission?
Public utility commissions provide important safeguards for consumers and ensure that utilities are held accountable for their actions. For example, public utility commissions may require utilities to reduce their rates if they are found to be charging excessively high prices.
What is the role of a public utility commission in the United States?
Public utility commissions play an important role in the United States by regulating the actions of utility companies. This ensures that these companies are held accountable for their actions and provides consumers with valuable information about their utility bills.
