Idaho is a northwestern US state bordered by Montana, Wyoming, and Utah. It is known for its potato production, as well as its scenic beauty. Idaho is a great place to live for those who enjoy the outdoors. The state has many hiking and camping opportunities, river rafting and skiing. In addition to its natural beauty, Idaho is also home to several interesting historical sites.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through Idaho on their way to the Pacific Ocean, and today, visitors can see many of the original pioneer homes and forts that were built during that time. Idaho is a state with something for everyone.
Idaho Lifeline Program
The Idaho Lifeline program is a state-run program that provides financial assistance to low-income households to help them afford basic communication services. The program is funded through a surcharge on customers’ phone bills. While the Idaho Lifeline program is a much-needed assistance program, it has flaws.
One of the biggest problems with the program is that it is not well-publicized, which means that many low-income households are unaware of it. Another problem is that the application process is cumbersome and time-consuming, which can deter many people.
What is Lifeline?
The Universal Service Administrative Company oversees the Lifeline program (USAC). For the low-income program, USAC is responsible for data collecting, upkeep, support computation, and distribution. The low-income program’s administrative components and eligibility conditions are explained on the USAC website.
Eligibility
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
- State assistance programs
- Head Start
Lifeline service providers in Idaho.
- Assurance Wireless
- CenturyLink Call: 1-888-833-9522 or 1-800-244-1111
- EnTouch Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Frontier Call: 1-800-921-8101
Apply
- Online with USAC
- Use the online application (available in English and Spanish).
- Mail with USACPrint an application: English Spanish (Application Instructions)
- ACP Support Center
- PO Box 7081
- London, KY 40742
Idaho ACP Benefits
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new federal free government phone program committed to bringing connectivity to low-income Americans. The ACP is a partnership between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide low-cost or no-cost phone service to eligible households. Eligible households must have an income at or below 130% of the federal poverty line.
Idaho Lifeline Program Service Overview
The Idaho Lifeline Program provides telephone, broadband, and home telephone service to low-income households and seniors in Idaho. The program also offers mobile phone service, ACP Mobile Internet, and ACP Home Internet. Eligibility is based on household income and assets.
Idaho Lifeline Program Service Features
The Idaho Lifeline Program offers a variety of service features, including:
- Mobile Lifeline Service provides phoneline service to eligible residents at no cost. It includes unlimited calling, texting, and data usage.
- Fixed Lifeline Service. This service provides phone, broadband, and home telephone service to low-income households in designated areas. It includes unlimited calling, texting, and data usage.
- ACP Mobile Internet. This service provides high-speed mobile internet access to eligible residents. ACP Mobile Internet includes unlimited calling and texting.
- ACP Home Internet. This service provides high-speed home internet access to eligible residents. ACP Home Internet includes unlimited calling, texting, and data usage.
Affordable Connectivity Program Providers
FAQs
What is Lifeline?
Lifeline has been around for a while, but not many people know. It’s a government program that waives recurrent local phone or internet charges for qualified clients. Each state has different standards for qualifying. Lifeline eligibility can be obtained mainly in two ways.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative, provides low-cost internet connectivity to qualified homes. The project seeks to help those that cannot afford to use private internet service providers (ISPs).
Which internet service providers are participating?
Several broadband providers use the ACP, including those offering wireless and landline broadband. Depending on your location, a selection of providers can be accessible. Contact the broadband providers in your area to learn more about their program participation plans and qualified service offers.
How do I get a Free computer or tablet?
A household can obtain a reimbursement of up to $100 from a qualifying broadband service provider if they spend more than $10 but less than $50 on a connected device.
To put it another way, you must use your partner broadband provider and pay a portion of the cost to receive this benefit. Only desktop PCs, laptops, and tablets are eligible for the device bonus. Cell phones are not included. Every family is only permitted one device.
