20100615Comment (AGE).pdf

~I-
'/1
AGE tOto JUH 15 AM 8= 09
ALLIANCE FOR GENERATIONAL EQUITY
June 10, 2010
Ms. Jean Jewell
Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
472 W. Washington
Boise, ID 83702
RE: Case No. TFW-T-09-01
Dear Ms. Jewell:
The Allance for Generational Equity (AGE), representing Idaho's seniors and low-income familes who wil
benefit from access to lifeline telecommunications services at rates that are fair, reasonable, and affordable to
those populations, strongly endorses the referenced application for TracFone Wireless Inc. for designation as
an eligible telecommunications carrier in Idaho. AGE believes that this program offers a fiscally responsible
model to support economically fragile seniors who can use wireless technology as a safety tool and for low-
income familes who need access to the lifeline program to enhance employabilty and the health of their
familes.
AGE advocates public policies that protect the economic security and quality of life of each generation.
Having access to reliable telephone service is an essential tool for enhancing the economic security and
quality of life of these impacted populations. We are writing to urge you to fully support the TracFone
Wireless petition to provide its Safe Link WirelessQY Lifeline servce in Idaho. This approval wil expand
competition in the telecommunications services marketplace, provide seniors with an invaluable safety tool,
and help low-income consumers gain economic opportunities with funding provided by the Federal Universal
Service Fund and under program guidelines established for states to access this program.
Seniors and low-income familes in Idaho will join milions of other Safe Link WirelessQ9 participants already
qualified in twenty-seven other jurisdictions where Safe Link WirelessQY is presently approved. By approving
the TracFone application, low-income Idaho seniors, boomer familes and young consumers wil gain access
to essential wireless phone servce. Safe Link WirelessQY provides a free phone and monthly airtime to
eligible consumers who are struggling to get by in today's tough economic climate. Phone service,
particularly mobile phone service, is a vital tool in helping these familes stay safe during emergencies, and is
essential in helping partcipants seek and maintain employment and to stay connected with family.
Dave Herman, AGE National Spokesperson
770-329-6262, timewheel8(faol.com
8831 West Sahara Avenue * Las Vegas, NV 89117 * [phone] * FAX [phone]
Mississippi D.C. Office: P.O. Box 159 * Catharin, VA 20143 * [phone]