OAR 860-033-0035: Federal and Oregon Lifeline Benefits

(1) A residential customer qualifying for the Federal and Oregon Lifeline benefit pays a reduced monthly rate, as established by the Commission, for broadband internet access service or basic service, or both, whether sold separately or in combination with other services, provided by an Eligible Telecommunications Provider. The monthly benefit includes: (a) The Federal Lifeline program support in accordance with 47 C.F.R. §54.403, if available; and (b) For a customer paying a monthly rate, the State of Oregon support of up to $15.00. The customer may not receive a monthly Federal and Oregon Lifeline benefit in excess of the customer's monthly rate; or (c) For a customer that receives the Oregon Lifeline supported service at no charge, the State of Oregon support of $10.00. If an Eligible Telecommunications Provider that offers Oregon Lifeline supported service at no charge to the low-income customer demonstrates to the Commission that it provides unlimited voice minutes for basic service and unlimited data for any broadband internet access service provided to the customer, the Commission may authorize a State of Oregon support amount up to $10.00. (d) The Commission may reduce the State of Oregon support by order of the Commission when sufficient funding is not available to sustain the current level of support. (2) Federal and Oregon Lifeline benefits become effective on the date the Commission notifies the Eligible Telecommunications Provider of approval unless otherwise specified in the notice of approval. (3) An Eligible Telecommunications Provider that offers Federal or Oregon Lifeline supported service at no charge to the low-income customer must require the customer to contact the Eligible Telecommunications Provider to activate the Federal or Oregon Lifeline supported service. The Eligible Telecommunications Provider must require the low-income customer to provide the last four digits of his or her social security number or Tribal identification number before activating the Federal or Oregon Lifeline supported service.