Sec.  54.401   Lifeline defined.

   (a) As used in this subpart, Lifeline means a retail local service offering:

   (1) That is available only to qualifying low-income consumers;

   (2) For which qualifying low-income consumers pay reduced charges as a
   result of application of the Lifeline support amount described in  Sec. 54.403;
   and

   (3) That includes the services or functionalities enumerated in  Sec. 54.101
   (a)(1) through (a)(9). The carriers shall offer toll limitation to all
   qualifying low-income consumers at the time such consumers subscribe to
   Lifeline service. If the consumer elects to receive toll limitation, that
   service shall become part of that consumer's Lifeline service.

   (b) [Reserved

   (c) Eligible telecommunications carriers may not collect a service deposit
   in order to initiate 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.

   (d)   The   state  commission  shall  file  or  require  the  eligible
   telecommunications  carrier to file information with the Administrator
   demonstrating that the carrier's Lifeline plan meets the criteria set forth
   in this subpart and stating the number of qualifying low-income consumers
   and the amount of state assistance. Eligible telecommunications carriers not
   subject to state commission jurisdiction also shall make such a filing with
   the Administrator. Lifeline assistance shall be made available to qualifying
   low-income  consumers  as soon as the Administrator certifies that the
   carrier's Lifeline plan satisfies the criteria set out in this subpart.

   (e) Consistent with  Sec. 52.33(a)(1)(i)(C), eligible telecommunications carriers
   may not charge Lifeline customers a monthly number-portability charge.

   [ 62 FR 32948 , June 17, 1997, as amended at  63 FR 2128 , Jan. 13, 1998;  64 FR 60358 , Nov. 5, 1999;  65 FR 47905 , Aug. 4, 2000;  69 FR 34600 , June 22, 2004]