With the help of different technologies, the distance between people is being lowered and it now takes only a few seconds to connect with someone. Technology has advanced significantly as a result of the many advancements that globalisation has brought forward so far. The telephone is one such development in terms of features of communication. The development of better telephones that are perfectly suited to the modern period builds on the long history of the telephone.
The history of the telephone goes back to the 1800s, and during that time, spinning cell phones developed into cordless phones and then into what we today refer to as smartphones. Despite the fact that cell phones date back to the 2000s, many individuals were comfortable with having a landline connection at their homes and places of business before that. The landline is a type of phone connection that often uses optical fibres or metal wires as opposed to radio waves.
Hard-wired and cordless landlines are separated into different categories. Landlines that are hardwired into a wall are powered by electricity, whereas cordless ones are typically battery-operated. In earlier times, landlines were a reliable friend. Even though it was fixed to a specific place, the bandwidth it offered was quite effective. Even today, some individuals and a small number of organisations still utilise landlines for communication.
Landline phone sales are predicted to reach 16.58 billion USD worldwide in 2020. In the United States, the predicted market for landlines is roughly $1.05 billion, and it is projected to grow by 1.5% over the next few years. As can be seen, smartphones have mostly replaced landlines as the preferred method of communication due to their versatility and portability. The transition to smartphones and the internet can be challenging for people who are used to using landlines and other older types of telephones. Senior citizens and occasionally those with disabilities make up this group.
Free Landline Phone Services by the Government
United States government also provides landline phone services to those from low-income families, particularly the elderly and the disabled. These persons receive assistance with the landline services through the government-run Lifeline Assistance program.
Lifeline Assistance program :
In order to assist people with phone services, the government runs the Lifeline Assistance program, which is financed by the federal government. To guarantee that low-income individuals may access reasonably priced phone services, this initiative was established in 1985. The Universal Service Administrative Company oversees this initiative (USAC). This program originally just included phone services, but in 2016 there was a change that made broadband services a part of it as well.
Qualified candidates can receive discounts on their landline usage through this program, which can help them save a sizable sum of money. For those who qualify, that equates to about a 9.25 dollar reduction on various telephone services. A monthly phone service allowance of about $34.5 is provided to people who live in tribal territory.
Eligibility for the Lifeline assistance program :
In order to determine if an application is eligible for the Lifeline Assistance program, they are divided into two categories. That is, the applicant may be accepted based on the income requirements or through other federally supported programs.
Income criteria
The applicant household must have an annual income that is less than or equivalent to 135% of the federal poverty level. Depending on how many people live in a household, a different upper income restriction applies.
- The income threshold for a household of one is around $1347.
- The income limit for a household of two people is around $24719.
- For a 3 member household the income limit is around 31091 dollars.
- The amount is increased by $6372
Documents Required to Apply for the Lifeline Assistance Program:
During the application procedure, the applicants must provide specific documents as proof. They consist of:
- Proof of participation in the program: Those who qualify under other aid programs must present proof of enrolment.
- Income evidence: The applicant must show documentation of the household’s income, which may include tax returns, pay stubs, etc.
- Identity Documentation
- Evidence of birthdate
- Residence Evidence
- Tribal ID or Social Security Number
Application procedure for the Lifeline Assistance program
Once it has been established that the application is eligible, you can apply for Lifeline Assistance. The application process can continue for the applicant. There are three methods to apply for this program.
- Online: To apply for the Lifeline Assistance program, go to their official website and register there.
- Using the mail The application form should be printed. Manually complete it and mail it to the appropriate office address.
- Get in touch with your service provider: They can assist you with the application procedure if the concerned service is connected to the Lifeline Assistance program.
Government Landline Service Providers
1. Verizon Landline Phone Service
One of the major telecommunications providers in the United States is regarded as being Verizon. They offer a range of services and excellent customer assistance. In order to assist low income households with their telephone needs, Verizon has also joined with the Lifeline Assistance program. A 9.25 dollar discount on each month’s Verizon payment will be given to the applicant if they are approved for the Lifetime Assistance program. If the applicant is eligible as a tribal member, they will activate one device for free and give them a monthly bill reduction of $34.50.
2. At & T Landline Phone Service
American Telephone and Telegram is referred to as AT&T. It was founded in 2005 and is a multinational corporation in the telecommunications sector. Additionally, this business and the United States government have worked together to offer low-income people access to affordable connectivity services. Benefits for the AT&T provider are available to those who meet the requirements for the Lifeline Assistance program. Alternatively, those who already use AT&T and are qualified for the Lifeline Assistance program may also receive benefits. Reduced costs for the services that clients utilise on a regular basis are the advantages. And the telephone services are also covered by this.
3. Xfinity Landline phone service
The Comcast Corporation, which operates under the moniker Xfinity in the telecommunications sector, includes Comcast Cable Communications as one of its divisions. This business offers a number of services relating to wireless connectivity, cable television, the internet, and telephone. All of these services were previously offered under the name Comcast before Xfinity was introduced in 2010. The prices they charge for the services are really reasonable. In addition, this business collaborates with the Lifeline Assistance Program and offers Lifeline Assistance Program eligible customers discounts.
4. Spectrum Voice Landline phone service:
Another telecommunications provider to the people of the United States is Spectrum Voice, which offers a variety of services in addition to landline services. They provide a variety of plans, including voice+internet, voice+TV, and voice+internet+TV. In the event of long-term connectivity, they provide reasonable packages and the monthly cost is significantly reduced. The Lifetime Assistance Program participants can purchase Spectrum Voice services at a reduced cost, which is one of the nicest things.
5. Frontier Landline phone service
The American telecoms business Frontier Communications Parent, Inc. is another. Prior to its expansion, this corporation only provided services to tiny areas; now, it offers the same services to vast markets. Their products and services are dependable and trustworthy.
6. Century link Landline phone service
Aside from internet service, Century Link also offers telephone services, with a focus on landline phones. People can obtain landline services through Century Link for reasonable prices, unlimited calling, high-quality calls, and no delays. Numerous features are promised to be included with the services. Caller ID, Call Waiting, Three-Way Calling, Distinctive Ring, Call Forwarding, Clear Connection, Last Call Return, and Voicemail are a few of their features. People who are enrolled in the Lifeline Assistance program can benefit as Century link is a reputable service provider for the program.
7. TDS Telecom Landline phone service
One of the major businesses in the United States is Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., of which TDS telecom is a subsidiary. Both phone and broadband services are available. For those with low economic backgrounds, these also have a program called basic lifeline discount to assist them with their monthly bills.
Alternatives for the free landline services
1. Safelink Wireless
A well-known provider of free cell phones for the government is Safelink wireless. To qualify for a free phone, a person must either be currently enrolled in federal or tribal assistance programs or have an annual income below the federal poverty level. Safelink wireless makes it possible for senior individuals from low-income families to purchase landlines.
2.Skype
A popular internet calling service called Skype enables calls to be made from one computer or phone to another or vice versa. Additionally, Skype offers features that allow voice over internet calls to be placed to other people’s home telephones using a landline connection. They offer varied prices for various services, and their official website may be used to find out all of this information.
3. Budget wireless
Budget wireless is an additional provider of reasonably priced telecommunications services. They provide free programs in addition to fantastic discounts. One can receive 250 minutes of talk time and 250 text messages per month through their free plan. This business, which was established in 2010, has agreements in place with well-known organisations including AT&T.
4. Set up landline with Google Voice
All users who have a Google account are eligible for the phone service known as Google Voice. Every user in the United States with a Google account is given a phone number via Google Voice. You can make free audio calls using this number from any device inside your home.
Conclusion :
Everyone’s life requires communication, which is a constant requirement. Today’s technology demonstrates how simple it is to communicate with people around the world while staying at home. Life has become much easier thanks to smartphones, yet it can be challenging for elderly people to adjust to newer technologies. The challenge of getting used to cellphones is particularly acute for elderly people who live alone. Operating a smartphone is regarded as a little challenging by those who are more accustomed to landlines.
The United States government and several telecommunications firms have launched programs that can assist the public in accessing services at reasonable pricing. These initiatives are intended to assist senior folks as well as those who are comfortable using landline phones. This article’s main focus is on all the initiatives that can offer substantial savings to those from low-income backgrounds, particularly senior folks. Take advantage of these services to reduce your monthly phone costs.
As the co-founder of our blog, I’m Harper. Alongside my partner Sophia, we’ve created this platform to make it simpler and more efficient to search for and secure grants and other forms of financial aid. Our commitment is to provide our users with the best information and resources to ensure their success.