ITSAP.pdf

IDAHO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
(ITSAP)

The Idaho Telecommunications Service Assistance Program, in conjunction with
the Federal Lifeline and Linkup programs, were developed to provide discounted rates
for telephone service to low-income customers, thus promoting universal service. The
program is administered by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in accordance
with Idaho Code § 56-901. (For more information, contact the local Health and Welfare
office or Community Action Agency.)

The program provides reductions in monthly rates for single line service and/or
reductions in one-time costs for installation of telephone service for qualifying low-
income customers. The reductions are paid for through a combination of state and federal
funds. The Idaho portion of the credit is $2.50 per line per month, and the federal
government matches this with an additional $3.50; additionally, the current federal
subscriber line charge is waived. (More federal support is available to customers living
on tribal lands.) This amount is recovered through a per-line surcharge assessed on all
residential, business, and wireless access service. All local service providers, including
municipal, cooperative or mutual nonprofit companies and telecommunication
corporations providing wireless, cellular, personal communications services and mobile
radio services for compensation, must assess the surcharge on all of its end users who do
not receive support from the program.

This surcharge amount is determined by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission
and revised when necessary to ensure sufficient funds to reimburse the local service
providers for the credits issued and to recover administrative expenses. Idaho Code § 56-
904 states, "The surcharge shall be explicitly stated on end user billings but shall not be
imposed on eligible subscribers."

The current monthly assessment of $0.01 per line per month was established by
Idaho Public Utilities Commission Order. Funds are to be collected, reported and
remitted monthly to the Fund Administrator. Companies may apply to the Administrator
for exemption from monthly reporting, enabling them to report and pay less frequently.

The Commission has appointed Ms. Alyson Anderson to administer this fund.
She can be reached at [phone]. You may send your reports and payments to her
at P.O. Box 206, Minden NV 89423-0206, Voice 775-782-0501, Fax [phone],
email: [e-mail].

LINKS:

Idaho Code § 56-901 through 56-904
Order No. 33284
ITSAP Form
Instructions