Phone Assistance Programs
Lifeline
Every person in America should have access to quality, affordable telecommunications services. This principle of “Universal Service” has been the goal of the telecommunications industry for decades. In 1934, the federal government codified the goal and reaffirmed it in 1996 by establishing policies for the “preservation and advancement of Universal Service.”
To achieve the Universal Service goal, carriers have access to a fund that is generated by contributions from the telecommunications providers in the United States. Telecommunications companies draw from the fund to provide programs that support telecommunications services nationwide.
Minnesota TAP
Minnesota’s Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP) offers a monthly credit on your landline telephone service for customers in Minnesota. This program is administered and supervised by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission of the Department of Commerce.”