Important Update:

UTAC was established decades ago to provide a waiver of connection fees for Lifeline-eligible landline telephone customers. Thanks to generous contributions from telephone customers in Illinois, UTAC connected around 50,000 households to telephones each year at our peak. We are deeply proud of the role UTAC has played in linking people to their loved ones, healthcare providers, employers, and schools. Today, though, the role of UTAC has diminished as Landline telephone usage has significantly declined.

This year, legislation was approved to direct the UTAC board to end its operations and connections fees assistance program beginning January 1, 2025, because no customers have used the program recently.

This change will NOT affect customers currently enrolled in the Federal Lifeline program, which provides monthly assistance for landline telephone, mobile phone, or internet service. It will also not affect customers who may wish to enroll in the Federal Lifeline program in the future.

Consumers may apply for Lifeline at lifelinesupport.org or through their telephone, cell phone, or internet provider of choice. There are also paper applications in English and Spanish available at lifelinesupport.org. Lifeline eligibility information is included here.

Additionally, anyone who is elgibile for Lifeline is also eligible for assistance through PCs for People. UTAC has partnered with PCs for People in the past to provide low-cost notebook computers, desktop computers, and internet service to low-income people and families and we are pleased they will continue to provide services to the people of Illinois. You can learn more about PCs for People at pcsforpeople.org.

Finally, telephone and internet providers offer low-cost options for people who need them.