Affordable Communications When You Need Them

In order to increase the availability of telecommunication and broadband services to all consumers in its ILEC serving area, NineStar Connect and NineStar Communications offers a low-income assistance program: Lifeline Assistance. Any subscriber who meets the low-income eligibility criteria and lives within the NineStar Connect and NineStar Communications service area are eligible for participation in this program. This program provides a flat rate discount of $5.25 monthly discount for voice-only service or $9.25 monthly discount for broadband service.

To participate in the program, consumers must have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or participate in a qualifying state, or Tribal assistance program:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
• Supplementary Security Income (SSI)
• Federal public housing assistance or Section 8 (a Federal Housing Assistance program administered by the Department of Urban Development)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs

2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines – 135%

All lifeline customers must re-certify their eligibility each year. Lifeline and Link-Up are federal subsidies that help low-income consumers afford internet or local telephone service. For further information and to apply go to www.checklifeline.org.