StandUp Wireless Offers Unlimited Voice and Text for Kentucky Customers
NEWPORT, Ky. – Continued access to phone and internet service is more critical today than ever in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that has seen Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rise to 5.7 percent, up from the 4.3 percent for the state one year ago.[1] StandUp Wireless, which currently serves Kentucky residents with wireless services, will now offer unlimited talk and text and 3GB of data to qualifying Kentucky residents to ensure they are able to safely connect to the services, friends and family needed during this time. This benefit will be extended to both current and new StandUp Wireless customers.
StandUp Wireless partners with the federal government’s Lifeline program to offer discounted wireless service to people participating in programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, Veterans Pension and Federal Public Housing, or based on household income. Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Fund and allows eligible households to maintain a single mobile or home telephone line to ensure access to job, family and emergency services. Kentucky residents can find out if they qualify for the program at StandUpWireless.com/apply-now.
“Voice is still the most important app on our phones,” said Eric Schimpf, chief operating officer at StandUp Wireless. “We’re proud to provide quality, reliable unlimited voice and text services to residents of the Bluegrass State. We’re thankful that Kentucky’s Public Service Commission recognized the importance of funding this essential service so people can stay connected for telehealth visits, employment opportunities, social service agencies and loved ones because they might not have the ability to afford it otherwise.”
Kentucky officials recognized the need for additional support for low-income Kentuckians during the pandemic and recently authorized unlimited voice service to low-income residents who qualify for the Lifeline program, saying that “access to the telecommunications network to access medical advice and professionals is, and will continue to be, of upmost importance while the state of emergency continues.”[2]
Starting in August, eligible telecommunications carriers received an increase in reimbursements in order to provide unlimited voice service to Lifeline customers through July 31, 2021.
StandUp Wireless, which has operations offices in Newport, Ky., agreed to partner with the state and expand its plans to include unlimited voice and text and 3GB of data to all qualified Kentuckians. Additionally, the prepaid wireless cellphone provider is offering an easy-to-use online portal for enrollment and SIM kits that ship to customers in a matter of days so they can quickly get connected to the people and services they need.
Since 1999, StandUp Wireless has connected hundreds of thousands of customers to wireless services through the Lifeline program. The company’s mission is to keep communities connected by providing wireless access to those who need it most.
To learn more about StandUp Wireless and Kentucky’s unlimited voice plan, visit www.standupwireless.com.
# # #
About StandUp Wireless
For nearly 20 years, StandUp Wireless has connected hundreds of thousands of customers to what matters most, serving as a lifeline to family, employment opportunities, friends, healthcare providers and more. Licensed by the Universal Fund’s Lifeline program in 30 states and Puerto Rico, StandUp Wireless operates on the nation’s largest and fastest 4G network to bring free wireless cellphone and internet services to low-income Americans. For more information, visit https://standupwireless.com/.
[1] The Lane Report, August 21, 2020. https://www.lanereport.com/129850/2020/08/kentucky-unemployment-rate-rises-1-3-percent-in-july-state-jobless-number-now-at-5-7-percent/
[2] Commonwealth of Kentucky Public Service Commission, July 10, 2020. https://psc.ky.gov/agencies/psc/press/072020/0710_r01.pdf
