Lifeline phone enrollment up 9.7 percent in Fla.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Enrollment is up in the state's Lifeline Assistance and Link-up Florida program that offers discounted telephone service to low-income residents.

The Public Service Commission issued an annual report on Monday showing the program grew by 9.7 percent during the budget year that ended June 30.

That brought participation to slightly more than 1 million Floridians.

Officials said the reasons for the growth vary but include the state's sluggish economy.

The program offers a discount of at least $12.75 per month for customers who participate in various public assistance programs, but that's set to shrink to $9.25 for AT&T customers on Jan. 1.

AT&T so far is the only one of the 29 participating telephone companies that has announced plans to reduce its discount next year.