September 17, 2025 Government Program Lifeline Program

Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week: States Push to Expand Broadband Access for Low-Income Consumers

A Pew Research Center study found that rural adults are also less connected overall: only 30% own all four major digital tools (computer, smartphone, broadband, and tablet), compared with 44% of urban and 43% of suburban adults. They also go online less frequently – 80% of rural adults use the internet daily, versus 88% of urban residents.

Recent Pew findings also show that people with lower incomes or less education are less likely to have a home broadband subscription.

The digital divide has negative effects, particularly in terms of restrictions on education, employment, health and wellness, and civic engagement. During Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, states emphasize that reliable internet access is a necessity.

1. Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week: National Push for Affordable Connectivity

Broadband for all California — *In the Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, residents across the US are encouraged to join this program and receive benefits that they deserve.*

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across all U.S. states and territories.

The Lifeline program is overseen by the FCC and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The federal program helps make phone and internet service more affordable for eligible consumers.

Lifeline helps ensure that people are not excluded from essential telecommunications services just due to the cost. The program provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone, internet, or bundled services. For households living on Tribal lands, the benefit is up to $34.25 per month.

Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week is an annual outreach event held during the first full week after Labor Day. In 2025, the week lasted from 7-13 September.

The purpose of this week is to raise awareness about the Lifeline program and to encourage eligible individuals to participate.

2. States Encourage to Expand Broadband Access for Low-Income Consumers

Many low-income households across the country still can’t afford broadband service. During Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, states such as California, Massachusetts, Nevada, Illinois, Iowa, and more are stepping up efforts to expand digital connectivity by promoting the Lifeline program to close the affordability gap.

*States encourage eligible individuals and families to enroll in the Lifeline program.*

Illinois

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is encouraging residents to enroll in the Lifeline program. As part of Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, ICC highlighted the program’s importance in helping people stay connected.

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative (MHAC) is partnering with the Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) to promote the Lifeline program.

With many age- and dementia-friendly communities working toward digital equity for older adults, MHAC encourages partners to share DTC’s resources to help residents connect to the Lifeline program.

Iowa

The Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) is joining the FCC and NARUC to promote the Lifeline program, which helps low-income Iowans stay connected to essential phone and internet services.

3. How to Apply for the Lifeline Program

Lifeline eligibility is based on your income or your participation in certain government assistance programs. In California, Oregon, or Texas, you must apply through your phone or internet provider or your state website.

>>> Check out: The Guide to CA Lifeline Program

You can apply for Lifeline online at lifelinesupport.org, through your phone or internet company, or by mail.

After qualifying, select a phone or internet company in your area that offers the Lifeline benefit and enroll in a service plan. If your current provider participates in Lifeline, you can ask them to apply the discount to your existing service.

Your monthly Lifeline discount will begin once your provider processes your enrollment.

*Qualifying for Lifeline through a provider will also help you get a free or discounted device, along with the plan.*

Normally, if you apply for Lifeline directly through popular companies such as AirTalk Wireless, TAG Mobile, or StandUp Wireless, you can receive additional benefits, including a free device.

They frequently offer a free or low-cost phone, tablet, device bundle, or smartwatch (available through AirTalk Wireless) as part of their plans for eligible Lifeline consumers.

Important notes:

The Lifeline benefit is limited to one discount per household, not per person.
Recertify: Each year, USAC reviews your information to confirm you still qualify for Lifeline.
Change Companies: You may transfer your Lifeline benefit to another provider at any time.

>>> Also check: How to Get a Free iPhone 11 AirTalk Wireless iPhone in 2025