CPUC Updates Requirements for Universal Lifeline Telephone Service; More Consumers May Be Eligible for Reduced-Rate Local Phone Service.Business Editors/Consumer Writers SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 3, 2000 The California Public Utilities Commission The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC; also often commonly referred to as simply the PUC) [1] is a state Public Utilities Commission which regulates privately-owned utilities in the state of California, including electric power, (CPUC CPUC California Public Utilities Commission CPUC Current Procurement Unit Cost ) has updated the household income levels for Universal Lifeline life·line n. 1. a. An anchored line thrown as a support to someone falling or drowning. b. A line shot to a ship in distress. c. A line used to raise and lower deep-sea divers. 2. Telephone Service (ULTS ULTS Universal Lifeline Telephone Service ) eligibility, making it possible for more Californians to qualify. ULTS offers eligible households access to basic local telephone service at a reduced rate of $5.34 per month for unlimited local calls. Some carriers also offer a measured rate service, at a reduced cost, that allows up to 60 calls per month. The new income levels for ULTS require that the total gross household income is no more than $18,200 for 1-2 people, no more than $21,500 for three people, and no more than $25,800 for four people. An additional $4,300 is allowed for each household member above four. Children are considered household members. The new rates are effective from June June: see month. 1, 2000 to May 31, 2001. ULTS income requirements are adjusted annually for inflation. "The new income levels may allow even greater numbers of people to receive affordable telephone service," said CPUC Commissioner Josiah Neeper. "We strongly encourage consumers to contact their local phone carrier or the Connect California California (kăl'ĭfôr`nyə), most populous state in the United States, located in the Far West; bordered by Oregon (N), Nevada and, across the Colorado River, Arizona (E), Mexico (S), and the Pacific Ocean (W). Call Center to determine if they qualify for ULTS." In addition to the income qualifications above, the following requirements also must be met to receive ULTS:
-- Only one residential telephone line per household, in the
subscriber's main residence;
-- The subscriber is not claimed as a dependent on another
person's income tax return.
Consumers are allowed to self-certify that they meet the eligibility qualifications through their local telephone carrier. ULTS subscribers must re-certify their eligibility each year; there is no additional cost to re-certify. Consumers can determine if they are eligible for ULTS by contacting their local carriers during regular business hours BUSINESS HOURS. The time of the day during which business is transacted. In respect to the time of presentment and demand of bills and notes, business hours generally range through the whole day down to the hours of rest in the evening, except when the paper is payable it a bank or by a or by calling the Connect California Call Center at the following numbers: English 1-800-478-9494 Spanish 1-800-494-6404 Korean 1-800-406-9855 Laotian 1-800-397-4688 Cambodian 1-800-413-9866 Tagalog 1-800-356-0191 Vietnamese 1-800-407-3151 Hmong 1-800-494-5668 TTT/TDD 1-800-397-5744 Caller ID A telephone company service that sends the caller's telephone number between the first and second ring of the call. If the calling number is not blocked, the calling number is displayed on the handset or base station of the called party. , Call Waiting and Voice Mail are additional features offered by telephone companies, and are not included in the ULTS basic telephone service. These features are offered by telephone companies at an additional cost and ULTS subscribers are not required to purchase them. ULTS subscribers are charged a one time "connection fee" of $9.50 to switch from their regular telephone service rate to the ULTS rate, or to install a phone line for the first time. Subscribers must purchase a telephone separately. ULTS is basic service only and does not include long-distance telephone service. Connect California is a program of the Universal Lifeline Telephone Service Marketing Board, which operates under the direction of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC monitors utility company operations that most affect consumers. In this role, the CPUC has the dual responsibility of protecting the interests of both the consumers and utility shareholders. Programs like the ULTS allow the CPUC to go one step further to help consumers who may not otherwise have the benefits of basic telephone service. The ULTS program is funded by a telephone surcharge An overcharge or additional cost. A surcharge is an added liability imposed on something that is already due, such as a tax on tax. It also refers to the penalty a court can impose on a fiduciary for breaching a duty. assessed on the end user's telephone bill for most telecommunications services In telecommunication, the term telecommunications service has the following meanings: 1. Any service provided by a telecommunication provider. 2. . Note: Pursuant to G.O. 153, "household" as it relates to ULTS is defined as the members of a residence. "Residence" (G.O. 153 Section 1.3.21) is defined as: "The residence (dwelling dwelling an abnormality of gait in a horse in which there is a momentary hesitation before the foot is placed on the ground. unit) shall consist of that portion of an individual house or building or one flat or apartment occupied entirely by a single family or individual functioning as one domestic establishment. A room or portion of a residence occupied exclusively by an individual not sharing equally as a member of the domestic establishment may be considered a separate dwelling unit for the application of Universal Lifeline Telephone Service." |
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