Residents learn about Lifeline and Link-up

Residents learn about Lifeline and Link-up:

"Governor Mark Sanford has proclaimed September 12-18 as Lifeline Awareness Week in South Carolina."

COLUMBIA (WACH) -- The Public Service Commission and the Office of Regulatory Staff met with residents Thursday to explain how they can get connected.

Lifeline and Link-up are two programs available to low-income individuals and families.

Lifeline provides a $13.50 discount to eligible consumers on their monthy phone bills.

“It’s exciting to have a program like this to provide access to community services,” says Dawn Hipp of the Office of Regulatory Staff.  “In this economy, many folks are job seeking and so, if they don’t have a telephone, this provides them the opportunity to have one.”

Residents who do not currently have telephone service, Link-up offers a 50 percent discount on installation.

For more information, consumers should call the local telephone company or the Office of Regulatory Staff