DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there an internet service in the Lewiston area that gives a senior discount? There are retired folks on a fixed income that cannot afford the internet and are losing out on being able to keep in touch with family such as FaceTime and other video chatting during these times. — Colette, no town

ANSWER: Contact the internet company that serves your area and just ask them if they have a senior and/or low-income discount. You will be asked to fill out a form and show documents regarding your status such as proof of age and income. Internet companies do have programs that can accommodate you. This is a good article with information that may apply to your situation if you care to read it: https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet/internet-essentials .

Internet companies have a tendency to not advertise these programs as much as they could, but it’s in your best interest to always ask for discounts no matter what service you need.

For example, Spectrum offers “Spectrum Internet Assist” (SIA). You are eligible if you are 65 years of age or older and have a lower fixed income. You can apply online at spectrum.com/sia or call this provider at 1-877-923-5154 and they will help you. Also, if your family is eligible for the National School Lunch Program, you are also eligible.

This program includes a free internet modem, high-speed internet, no data caps, and no contracts. If you are already a Spectrum customer and think you qualify for this special program, call and speak to a customer representative. They are very nice, will explain everything to you, and will help you obtain internet and phone services to meet your needs.

In this day and age, no one should be without internet service, regardless of your income.

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DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the letter about annoying telemarketing and scam calls, if I want to take a nap in the afternoon, I unplug my landline phone at the base. My answering machine picks up important calls only, thus cutting out robo calls. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: That’s what I do too, but I did find out recently that this is another service your landline phone company or internet and phone service, such as Spectrum can provide. I can’t stress this next sentence enough: “You have to ask!”

I urge all of you who are bothered by these robo calls and scammers to contact your phone service provider and let them know this is an issue. They have technology in place to make your communication services, and your lives, better. Some providers offer this for free while others charge a small fee of just a few dollars.

Talk to your phone company about call-blocking tools they may have and check into apps that you can download to your mobile device to block unwanted calls.

If you use robo call-blocking technology already, it often helps to let your phone company know the numbers of these unwanted calls so they can continue to help block them.

I know this sounds like a lot of work, but don’t give up!

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If you are a Consolidated Communications or a Spectrum customer, either of these companies can definitely help you eliminate the annoyance of these unwanted calls.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

 

 


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