20100518Comment (Rep Jaquet).pdf

WENDY JAQUET
DISTRICT 25
CAMAS, LINCOLN, BLAINE
.& GOODING COUNTIES
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HOME ADDRESS
P.O. BOX 783
KETCHUM, IDAHO 83340
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EMAIL: wjaquetfíhouse.idaho.gov
House of Representatives
State of Idaho
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May 14, 2010
Jean D. Jewell, Secretary
Idaho Public Utili ties Commission
POBox 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
CP-(1
RE: TracFone Lifeline Application
Case No. TFW-T-09-01
Dear Jean,
I read in the paper that the Idaho Public Utilities Commission is considering
an application to expand Lifeline, a public assistance program enacted and
funded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that will provide low-
income seniors and low-income families who meet specific eligibility
standards access to free telephone service. TracFone, a leading national
wireless provider, has applied for Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC)
status to offer Lifeline services to low-income households in Idaho.
I have learned that in 2009 less than 20 percent of the estimated 150,000
low-income households in Idaho had Lifeline service. It is my understanding
that the low penetration rate is due in part to the fact that existing
Telecommunications Carriers do not incorporate adequate marketing for the
Lifeline program so the majority of Idaho's low-income population does not
even know that this program exists.
The severe economic recession has created enormous financial burdens on Idaho
families with disproportionate impacts on low-income seniors and families.
These folks are often forced to give up telephone service that had served as
both a safety lifeline and a critical link to seeking and maintaining
employment status. The Lifeline program, which is entirely funded by the
FCC-administered Universal Service Fund, provides access to cell phones.
Studies clearly demonstrate that cell phones can significantly boost the
earning potential of low-income families and are a critical comonent of
personal safety and access to emergency services.
I have three low income elderly friends who rely on their cell phones for
phone service. This is especially helpful for their families who are able to
reach them on an almost real time basis. I am especially grateful for the
fact that they use them and not a land line. One of my friends is living in
an assisted care facility and this helps her feel that she has some
independence from the rules of the home. The other two are still in their
own homes. They both have the wrist emergency systems should they fall, but
keep their cell phones with them at all times for calls.
TracFone has invested substantially in its "SafeLink" Lifeline program, which
is now available in the District of Columia and twenty-three states.
Idaho's low-income households should also have access to the SafeLink program
free cell phone to empower these low-income families and seniors to increase
their earning potential, protect their personal safety and have access to
emergency services.
SafeLink will help Idaho's low-income residents contribute to a robust state
economy without any drain on already scarce state revenues. Please give
prompt approval to the TracFone SafeLink application and allow these at-risk
families in Idaho to have access to this valuable service.
Warmest regards.
Sincerely,