Section 757.400  Lifeline Service Requirements

a)         Each eligible telecommunications carrier shall participate in the Lifeline Program adopted by the FCC in 47 CFR 54.400 et seq. as of July 22, 2004.  This incorporation does not include any later amendments or editions.

b)         As part of its participation in the program identified in subsection (a) of this Section, each eligible telecommunications carrier shall implement a low-income assistance program characterized by a reduction of $1.75 in access line charges for qualifying low-income subscribers. Unless the Commission enters an order under Section 757.200 determining that UTSAP funds shall be used as State Lifeline service support, eligible low-income subscribers of eligible telecommunications carriers will receive monthly support of $1.75 plus the amount of the carrier's end user common line charge, as determined by the FCC.

c)         Eligible telecommunications carriers shall offer toll limitation without charge to all qualifying low-income consumers at the time such consumers subscribe to Lifeline service. If the consumer elects to receive toll limitation, where available, that service shall become part of the consumer's Lifeline service.

d)         Each eligible telecommunications carrier shall file information with the Administrator demonstrating that its Lifeline plan meets the criteria set forth in 47 CFR 54.400 et seq. as of July 22, 2004, and stating the number of qualifying low-income individuals and the amount of State assistance. This incorporation does not include any later amendments or editions.

e)         Eligible telecommunications carriers may not collect a service deposit in order to initiate the Lifeline service, if the qualifying low-income consumer voluntarily elects toll limitation service from the carrier, where available. If toll limitation services are unavailable, the carrier may charge a service deposit.

f)          Eligible telecommunications carriers may not disconnect Lifeline service for non-payment of toll charges.

g)         Eligible telecommunications carriers may not charge Lifeline customers a monthly number-portability charge.

(Source:  Amended at 30 Ill. Reg. 18196, effective November 1, 2006)