The federal government can assist low-income Iowans with the cost of phone and internet service through the Lifeline program.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a companion program during the pandemic era, ended on June 1, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced. The FCC encourages ACP providers to develop their own low-income programs and provide their ACP subscribers information on available programs or low-cost plans, and to raise awareness of the Commissionβs Lifeline program.
Lifeline
The Lifeline program helps lower the monthly cost for phone service, internet service, or bundled services for low-income households to help Iowans stay connected to jobs, family, community resources, and government and emergency services.
Eligible households can get up to $9.25 off the monthly cost of phone, internet or bundled services. If you live on tribal lands, you can receive up to $34.25 per month for this service, and up to a $100 reduction for first-time connection charges.
Review eligibility and instructions to apply online through a phone or internet company.
- Instructions to apply by mail.
- Iowa companies providing Lifeline Services.
- LifelineSupport.org offers general educational materials and information on where to receive help and how to manage your benefits.
Lifeline voice-only phase-out paused again for a year; minimum service standards continue
On July 3, 2024, the FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) paused the phase-out of Lifeline support for voice-only services for an additional year. Basic Lifeline support of $5.25 remains available to eligible consumers who subscribe to voice-only service until at least December 1, 2025.
On July 30, 2024, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) released a Public Notice announcing the updated minimum service standards for Lifeline-supported broadband service. The fixed broadband usage allowance will be 1,230 GB per month starting on December 1, 2024.
The minimum service standard for mobile broadband speed will remain 3G and the standard for fixed broadband speed will remain at 25 MB download and 3 MB upload. The Lifeline minimum service standard for mobile voice service will also remain unchanged, at 1,000 minutes per month.