http://purc.ufl.edu/

Update on Lifeline Research in Florida

Mark A. JamisonDirector

PURC, University of Florida

2http://purc.ufl.edu/

Purpose

• Correct data from previous presentation

• Summarize research conclusions

• Update on ongoing research

3http://purc.ufl.edu/

Corrected: Characteristics of eligible households in Florida

Gender

Male44%Female

56%

EducationOther30%

HS Dplm30%

No HS Dplm40%

Age Head of Household

55-7446%

Over 7427% 25-54

10%

Under 2517%

Race/EthnicityAfr-Am

23%

Hspnc20%

Wht53%

Other4%

Based on households at or below 135 percent FPG.

4http://purc.ufl.edu/

Marketing Determinants

Trusted sourcesTrusted sources» Social worker/agencySocial worker/agency» TelcosTelcos» FamilyFamily

• PURC received customer inquiries after PURC received customer inquiries after news release on studynews release on study

5http://purc.ufl.edu/

Structural Issues

• Lifeline doesn’t migrate easily as technology Lifeline doesn’t migrate easily as technology changeschanges» Lifeline is specific to voice service and to specific Lifeline is specific to voice service and to specific

payment systemspayment systems» Motivates participating households to use voice Motivates participating households to use voice

technology rather than migrate to newer technologiestechnology rather than migrate to newer technologies» Low-income households use pre-paid mobile phones Low-income households use pre-paid mobile phones

more than do higher-income householdsmore than do higher-income households

• Lifeline transfers money between states even Lifeline transfers money between states even though this feature isn’t needed for the programthough this feature isn’t needed for the program

6http://purc.ufl.edu/

Current Research

• Analysis of effects of interstate financial Analysis of effects of interstate financial transferstransfers

• State-based voucher systemState-based voucher system» State-designed voucher usable for any electronic State-designed voucher usable for any electronic

communications servicecommunications service» State elects: Create voucher or keep LifelineState elects: Create voucher or keep Lifeline» Voucher states leave current USAC funding Voucher states leave current USAC funding

(contribution and payment) for Lifeline(contribution and payment) for Lifeline» Provided through existing social agenciesProvided through existing social agencies» Funded by stateFunded by state» Cross-state learning through Joint Board Cross-state learning through Joint Board