Cricket Supports National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week Through Cricket Lifeline Credit Program

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In support of National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week, September 10 – 16, Cricket Communications, Inc., a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless services, is encouraging those eligible for Lifeline to learn more about how they can stay connected to family, friends and critical emergency safety resources. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates have designated September 10 – 16, 2012 as "National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week," in order to raise awareness of and participation in Lifeline at the federal and state level. Nationwide, Lifeline helps improve the quality of life for families in need by providing access to vital and basic phone connections.

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Cricket's Lifeline Credit provides monthly cell phone bill discounts to eligible customers in 23 states, as well as the District of Columbia, with service in six additional states launching by the end of the year, including Nebraska and Kansas in mid-September.

Eligibility requirements vary by state and recipients must receive low-income benefits under certain programs or have a total household income below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Qualifying Cricket Lifeline Credit customers will receive discounts ranging from $10.00 to $35.00[1] off their monthly wireless bill for one phone in their household.

"Cricket offers the Cricket Lifeline Credit as part of our standing commitment to the markets and communities we serve by helping people stay connected across the country with access to a reliable, working cell phone," said Robert Young, executive vice president of field operations for Cricket. "We want to make quality wireless service more accessible, especially to those individuals and families whose economic situation may make it difficult to afford the wireless service they've come to depend upon."

Cricket Wireless recently launched new rate plans, available to customers at Cricket company-owned stores, dealers, select national retail partners, and online at www.mycricket.com. Plans start at $35 for feature phones and offer unlimited nationwide talk and text. Cricket's new smartphone rate plans include unlimited nationwide talk, text, data and music[2] for as low as $50 per month.

If an interested customer does not have Cricket Wireless service, the first step is to activate a new account before consideration for enrollment in the Lifeline program. To apply for the Cricket Lifeline Credit or for a complete list of eligible public assistance programs and income requirements, please visit: http://www.mycricket.com/support/topic/cricket-lifeline-credit. You can also find out more information on Lifeline and state qualifications at any local Cricket store.

About Cricket
Cricket is the pioneer and leader in delivering innovative value-rich prepaid wireless services with no long-term contracts serving approximately 6 million customers. Cricket offers nationwide wireless voice and mobile data services over high-quality, all-digital wireless networks. Cricket's innovative products and services including the award-winning Muve Music® - the first music service designed for a wireless phone, are available nationwide at Cricket branded retail stores, dealers, national retailers and at www.mycricket.com.  For more information about Cricket, please visit www.mycricket.com.

[1] Discount varies by state
[2] Unlimited music available only on Android smartphones

SOURCE Cricket