Basic phone service for Verizon customers in New Jersey is going up, the Associated Press reports. For the first time since 1985, a state utilities board has approved increasing the rate.

The board says caps on the rates will enable poor people and elderly customers to keep phone service.

The total monthly cost for basic residential service could rise from $18 to $27 over the next three years. Basic services for businesses with just one phone line could rise from about $26 to about $38 a month. Both totals include taxes and fees.

The Board of Public Utilities is also allowing slight increases in charges for service installation and for directory assistance.

(Associated Press)