Federal Lifeline Discount Telephone Service Now Available to Cox Communications Customers in Virginia

CHESAPEAKE, Va., Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Some Cox Digital Telephone subscribers in Virginia could soon have more ways to save on their monthly phone bills. The company has announced that Lifeline, the federal discount that offers eligible consumers a basic telephone service discount of at least $9.25 per month, is now available.

Lifeline is funded in part by the Universal Service Fund of the Federal Communications Commission. To participate in the program, consumers must either have an income that is at or below 135 percent of the federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in a government assistance program, such as:

• Medicaid;
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP);
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
• Federal Public House Assistance (Section 8);
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP);
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF);
• or the National School Lunch Program's Free Lunch Program.

Cox Lifeline Service provides unlimited local calling allowing customers to connect to family, search for and connect to jobs, and be more secure in their homes.

"Cox is continuing to expand its commitment to Lifeline and is now helping customers be safer in their homes by providing them with an affordable means to contact emergency assistance and providing emergency responders with a more precise way to locate customers," said Cox Virginia Senior Vice President and General Manager Gary McCollum.

Lifeline's launch in Virginia follows the Cox Virginia launch of Connect2Compete in June of this year.  Connect2Compete is a national not-for-profit initiative that aims to extend broadband Internet access to families with children (K-12) participating in the National Free Lunch program, by offering discounted high-speed Internet service.  Both Lifeline and Connect2Compete enable low-income families within the Cox Virginia footprint to stay connected in an increasingly digital world.

Lifeline is available to Cox Digital Telephone subscribers in Cox's service areas in Virginia, as well as Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma and Rhode Island.

More information is available at www.cox.com/lifeline. 

Media Contact:  Emma Inman, APR, (757) 222.8432 or [email protected]

About Lifeline

Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. In 2005, Lifeline discounts were made available to qualifying low-income consumers on pre-paid wireless service plans in addition to traditional landline service. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity eight times, including the last seven years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

SOURCE Cox Communications