Lifeline Service and Link-Up Program & Universal Services
The Federal Communications Commission and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission have established two programs to make basic telephone service more affordable to eligible customers. Lifeline Service is a program designed to make basic telephone service available at reduced rates to eligible residential customers. Customers' eligibility to receive the discount must be renewed annually. Link-Up is a program designed to offer eligible residential customers a reduction in installation charges for telephone service.
Who qualifies?
To be eligible you must live on former tribal land and participate in at least one of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF);
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
- Medical Assistance (Medicaid/SoonerCare);
- Vocational Rehabilitation (including aid to the hearing impaired);
- Oklahoma Sales Tax Relief;
- Federal Public Housing Assistance;
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program;
- Bureau of Indian Affairs general assistance;
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) tribally-administered block grant programs;
- Head Start Programs (only applicants or customers who satisfy the income qualifying eligibility provision); or
- National School Lunch Program (only applicants or customers who satisfy the income standard of the program for free meals).
Unlimited local calling is as little as $1.00 a month, excluding applicable taxes, surcharges, and fees. Lifeline customers can also subscribe to optional services at the same rate offered to other customers.
What Universal Services Are Available to All Customers?
Universal Services available to all customers of Oklahoma Telephone & Telegraph, Inc., include:
- Voice grade access to the public switched network;
- Local usage;
- Dual tone multi-frequency signaling or its functional equivalent;
- Single-party service or its functional equivalent;
- Access to emergency services;
- Access to operator services;
- Access to interexchange services;
- Access to directory assistance; and
- Toll limitation for qualifying low-income consumers.
How Do Telephone Customers and Applicants for Telephone Service Apply for Lifeline and Link-Up Program?
Customers may request self-enrollment forms from the business office.
Click here for an online version of the enrollment form (Adobe Reader required).
How To Apply for Telephone Service?
If you do not have telephone service and wish to obtain telephone service, and you are in the Oklahoma Telephone and Telegraph, Inc., serving areas; or if you have telephone service and you move, and you qualify for the Link-Up Program and are in the Oklahoma Telephone and Telegraph, Inc., serving areas; please call our business office number, 918-656-3233, and we will be glad to assist you.