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Lifeline Telecommunications Program
Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that helps make communications services more affordable for eligible low-income households. The program provides a monthly discount on qualifying telephone service, broadband internet service, or bundled voice and internet service from participating providers.
Lifeline helps ensure that eligible consumers can access essential communications services, including reliable internet service needed for work, education, healthcare, and daily life.
Apply for Lifeline
You can apply for Lifeline through the national application system or through participating service providers. Eligibility is based on household income or participation in qualifying assistance programs.
Apply for Lifeline
For more information about eligibility and application steps,
visit the Lifeline Program “Get Connected” page
Lifeline Internet Benefit
Lifeline includes a monthly discount on broadband internet service for eligible households. This benefit can be applied to standalone internet service or to bundled voice and internet services offered by participating providers.
The internet benefit helps make it easier for households to access online services such as job applications, education, telehealth, government services, and emergency information.
Not all internet plans qualify for the discount. Eligible broadband services must meet FCC minimum service standards for speed and data usage:
Cell phones:
Either includes at least 1000 minutes for mobile voice or speed of 3G or better and usage of at least 4.5 GB per month for mobile internet (data plan)
Home internet:
Speed of 25/3 Mbps and usage of at least 1280 GB per month
Bundled service offerings:
At least one of the services (voice or internet) must meet the minimum service standards to qualify for a Lifeline discount
About the Lifeline Benefit
Lifeline provides one benefit per eligible household. A household includes all individuals who live together and share income and expenses.
Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. The discount may be applied to phone service, internet service, or a qualifying bundled service, but not multiple services at the same time.
Monthly Discount Amounts
The Lifeline program provides a monthly discount of:
$5.25 for voice-only service or qualifying voice bundles
$9.25 for broadband internet service or qualifying broadband bundles
Participating Providers
Lifeline is available through participating providers across Vermont. Availability of services may vary by location.
Participating companies include:
AirTalk Wireless
(1-855-924-7825)
Assurance Wireless
(1-888-321-5880)
Burlington Telecom
(1-866-304-8434)
Consolidated Communications
(1-844-968-7224)
Franklin Telephone
(1-802-285-9911)
Infiniti Mobile
(1-888-801-0012)
Life Wireless (Telrite)
(1-888-543-3620)
Otelco (Shoreham)
(1-866-746-3873)
SafeLink (TracFone)
(1-800-723-3546)
TDS Telecom
(1-866-571-6662)
Topsham Telephone
(1-802-439-5325)
TruConnect Communications
(1-800-430-0443)
Vermont Telephone (VTel)
(1-800-279-4049)
Waitsfield/Champlain Valley Telecom
(1-800-496-3391)
Search for participating companies near you
Additional Information
Some households may also qualify for additional assistance through Vermont’s Universal Service Fund (VUSF), which provides a monthly discount on telephone service depending on the provider and plan.
Other carriers may offer additional low-income discounts, but participation and eligibility vary by company.
For more information,
visit the Vermont Universal Service Fund webpage