1. [News Release]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Terry Strickland, Ideawörks
Director of Content Strategy
850.434.9095 • terrys@ideaworks.co
Nearly half-million low-income Alabama residents could gain free
cellular service through new program
Mobile, Ala. (July 6, 2016) — Nearly half a million low-income Alabama residents could gain access to cellular
phone service through a new program launching this month.
T-Wire, based in Pensacola, Fla., is offering free phones and cellular service to eligible Alabama consumers
through the federal Lifeline program. A resident may qualify by meeting income thresholds or through
enrollment in one of several social service programs, including SNAP, Medicaid and Section 8 housing
assistance.
Some 683,000 Alabamians are eligible to receive assistance through the Lifeline program, but less than a third
actually take advantage of the program.
“Many, if not most, Alabama residents who qualify for the Lifeline program don’t even know it exists,” T-Wire
founder and Alabama native Caron Sjöberg said. “Through Lifeline, low-income citizens are able to be
connected to employment opportunities, medical appointments, loved ones, transportation and emergency
services. That’s why the program was created.”
Lifeline was established in 1985 as a universal service program that fulfills Congress’s mandate to ensure the
availability of communications to all Americans. T-Wire, a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC), is
approved by the Alabama Public Service Commission and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to
offer Lifeline phone service in Alabama to qualified low-income individuals.

2. T-WIRE • PAGE TWO
Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a not-for-profit corporation
designated by the FCC. Millions of Americans have been helped through Lifeline since it was created. Still,
Sjöberg said, far too many were slipping through the cracks.
“This program is for the low-income veterans, senior citizens, families, single parents and individuals who need
a phone but just cannot afford another monthly bill,” Sjöberg said.
There are restrictions to the service. For example, only one Lifeline account is allowed per household, and
individuals must show proof of benefits or income to enroll. T-Wire’s Lifeline package includes a free cell
phone and a bundle of 250 talk minutes and texts each month. Those who are interested in learning more
about the Lifeline program for themselves or someone else can contact T-Wire by calling 844-894-7326 or
visiting mytwire.com.
About T-Wire:
T-Wire is a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier authorized by the state and federal governments to offer
subsidized phone service through the federal Lifeline program. The company — based in Pensacola, Fla. —
exists to ensure that all Alabamians have access to lifesaving cellular service. Visit www.mytwire.com to learn
more.
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. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory,
commonwealth, and on Tribal lands. Consumers with proper proof of eligibility may be qualified to enroll. For
more information, visit the FCC’s Lifeline page.
About USAC:
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation designated
by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the administrator of universal service.
USAC works to protect the integrity of universal service through informing and educating program audiences,
collecting and distributing contributions, and promoting program compliance. Its Lifeline Program provides
support to telecommunications companies that in turn offer discounts to eligible consumers. For more
information, visit the USAC website.