Free wireless phones

Sally - posted on 01/08/2013

It's a reasonably cheap way to buy votes.

Lifeline - posted on 01/06/2013

The Government runs the Lifeline program under the auspices of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC).

Lifeline is paid for by the Universal Service Fee (USF) on your phone bill. Telecommunication companies enroll subscribers in Lifeline and then USAC confirms their eligibility.

Hope this helps - and you can find out more about the Lifeline Benefit Program at http://www.lifelinelanding.com .

Cecilia - posted on 01/05/2013

Stephne, I'm wondering the same. I do not have a cell. I know i can't not fit it into my budget. I looked into cell phone prices.. $250 a month seriously? The best i could do was $30 a month(prepaid). Even that most months isn't able to get done. So most of the year i go without one. I'm out of my house for most of the day and it is hard for people to get in contact with me before 3pm when i get home and check my landline voicemail. (i do keep the unpaid cell phone on me in case i need 911)

As far as" why work", some of us do and just don't make enough. I have a normal job and i sell crafts on the side for more money and such for Christmas money.

Evelyn - posted on 01/05/2013

Interesting, I know of people (seniors) who can not afford to have a cell phone from a provider or even pay for one of the prepaid ones. And seniors are people who actually need a phone anyhow.

As to this being just a freebe, its not just a freebe. You have to meet some guidelines such as income and getting services listed in the paperwork. I am sure that some will lie about it and get the phone. But there are those that do have a legit need for this phone.

Lifeline - posted on 01/05/2013

If you receive Government Benefits like Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, Section 8, TANF and others then you qualify for a FREE cell phone and up to 250 minutes of monthly service through the Government’s Lifeline Program.

Lifeline Landing is a new service that allows consumers to compare and evaluate different wireless carriers for their FREE Government Cell Phone Service and find the best deal for their individual situation. Visit http://www.lifelinelanding.com to learn more!

Katherine - posted on 09/09/2012

Stephanie,



If you are on Medicaid you can get this phone. I don't know the link, but you can google it.

Stephne - posted on 09/08/2012

Is there anybody on here that can tell me if I want to do this or not? No, I'm not broke but I really need a cell phone. Yes, I have a land line but when I'm out (like the rest of the world) I need to be able to talk. I have health issues and feel vert uncomfortable without a phone. Have you tries to use a pay-phone lately? Most of them don't work but they are more than happy to take your money...SCS

Jenn - posted on 02/14/2011

You're right. That was a shitty assumption for me to make. I'm sure there are some people on assistance/low income who have those things, but not all.

Sara - posted on 02/14/2011

ok...that's cool. You were just correcting me then, when we were basically saying the same thing?

Sherri - posted on 02/14/2011

I never had one I am for the program and have stated as much all through this thread.

Sara - posted on 02/14/2011

Well, then by gov't supported they don't mean the gov't is paying for it, only helping to administer it. So what's the big deal?

Sherri - posted on 02/14/2011

Sara yes it is not paid for by the gov't however, it is still only distributed by the gov't. The only way to get a safelink by the way is to contact your state division of health and human services the same people that hand out food stamps, section 8, medicaid and disability. So although they are not the ones paying the actual bill they are still the ones determining who is eligible for it.

Sara - posted on 02/14/2011

Well, if you click "learn more" section of that statement, it tells you that it, in fact, is not a government/tax payer supported program. So, like I said, due diligence...

Sherri - posted on 02/14/2011

Sara yes their is here is the link https://www.safelinkwireless.com/EnrollmentPublic/home.aspx

SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program
that provides a free cell phone and airtime each
month for income-eligible customers. Learn More

It is advertised on the TV all the time.

Sara - posted on 02/14/2011

It says right on the sight that there is no "Obama phone" or other newly created federal program to provide free cell phones, go here to find out more:

http://www.factcheck.org/2009/10/the-oba...

It also says that this was a program created under the Reagan administration that was enhanced to reach cell phones in 1996 so that low-income people can afford cell phones. It's not a free phone, it's a discount to create fairness in the market. It says right ont he site that SafeLink phones are not paid for by taxpayers or the federal government. Due diligence, folks...don't believe all the hype.

Sherri - posted on 02/14/2011

Jenn the idea is for those that can not afford it and have children to be able to have a way to be contacted in an emergency for their children or vice versa. Also you have NO way of knowing those that qualify have any of those things you mentioned you are assuming. Most people who qualify for these phones are on section 8(free or subsidized housing) and I am willing to bet don't have any of those luxuries you are mentioning.

Jenn - posted on 02/14/2011

OK - I actually read the link. First of all, you have to have an address, so it wouldn't do jack shit for the homeless. You also have to already be receiving some sort of gov't assistance or have an income at or below the poverty level. Chances are, many of these people have at least one of the following: cable/satellite tv, internet access, smoking addiction, eat fast food, etc. If you can afford those things, you can afford to pay for your own basic home phone service.

Sherri - posted on 02/13/2011

Also these phones are mostly given to families with children. Children that are in school and it is imperative for the school to have a contact number for parents.

Desiree - posted on 02/13/2011

Sorry my mistake, I missinterepted the question and didn't read all the replies.

Iridescent - posted on 02/13/2011

Desiree, if you had read the replies, you'd see that it's not from the government and not related to politics in any way.

Desiree - posted on 02/13/2011

Sound like the Free Houses the people who vote for ANC are promised all the time in South Africa. Rubbish.... Nothing in life comes without a price and taking "Freebies" from the Government or any politian is tantamount to taking a bribe in my books. I personally think the price that is going to exacted is far worse that having not taken it in the first place.



Always remember we deserve the government we choose.

Africa has Mugabe and Zuma and you have Obama.

Has it been worth it? I know the answer to Africa but do you know the answer to your home?



P.S Houses called RDP housing is being built in SA but not in the way the people were promised and very much lining the pockets of the politician and the contractors. the waiting list for these houses are for years not months.

Katherine - posted on 02/12/2011

I totally agree Amy and that's exactly what I stated above. We are talking about possible homeless people here, or the elderly.
These phones IMO are a necessity, not a luxury. You have to have certain qualifications anyways, it's not like just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can obtain one.

Iridescent - posted on 02/12/2011

This isn't an Obama program and is not paid for by taxes.
https://www.safelinkwireless.com/EnrollmentPublic/benefits.aspx
"There is no "Obama phone" or other newly created federal program to provide free cell phones. As you may know, this is a myth that is now circulating on the Web via email and blog sites. It has been thoroughly debunked by independent groups. (See for example: FactCheck.org at http://www.factcheck.org/2009/10/the-oba..., which notes: "Low-income households have been eligible for discounted telephone service for more than a decade. But the program is funded by telecom companies, not by taxes, and the president has nothing to do with it.""

While for some a phone isn't a need, for others of us it is. So far this winter 4 people in our area froze to death; all elderly, all because they didn't have a cell phone. Gee, maybe they should have had a landline in their car? While I see that I'd qualify if it were offered in my state, I am also just fine with paying my bill.

Barb - posted on 02/11/2011

I got the information for this "free" phone in the mail. Being raised 'nothings for free' i read the super fine print and found, in order to get it i had to sign over access to, of all things, my medical information. I was far from comfortable doing this and decided it wasn't worth the "free" phone.

Maybe it's not the same program, but i'm skeptical.

Jenn - posted on 02/11/2011

I do NOT see phones as a need and think this is ridiculous. If you're THAT hard up for money that you can't afford a home phone and you're concerned about being contacted for a job interview or something, use a friend's phone to have them leave a message, or your local welfare office can pass on a message regarding a job interview.

Shannen - posted on 02/10/2011

I want a free phone.

Stifler's - posted on 02/10/2011

Meh. I've come to terms with the fact that the "i barely pay any tax" people get all the benefits and people who have studied for years and/or work 12 hour days and pay $20 000 a year+ tax get nothing except what they've earned.

Amanda - posted on 02/10/2011

This isnt a Obama program, its been around for years, coughs when Bush was in power. :0)

How is someone suppose to find out they have a job interview if they dont have a home phone or cell phone?? Its a great idea. I would of killed for this program in Canada, when I was low income, I much would of rather spent that was for my home phone on something much more useful like FOOD for my kids.

Katherine - posted on 02/10/2011

This has been going on for a while now. I don't think it's that far out. My brother lives in an AFC home and often takes walks. He really benefits from having his cell phone.
Also some people are homeless and don't have a magic jack, so that really does them no good.
I don't think it's a bad idea at all. I work with homeless people, and people who need phones so they don't freeze to death.
This is ideal for them.

Lacye - posted on 02/10/2011

yeah but Magic Jack sucks. My sister has that and she says it drops too much. but you can get a discount on a land locked phone by having food stamps. That is what we do.

Shauna - posted on 02/10/2011

I agree, USA ... is what 14 trillon $ in debt. And this is how we spend our money... i just think its going to far. And is NOT a nessesity. Hell you can get a home phone with that magic jack for 20 bucks a yr!!!

Lacye - posted on 02/10/2011

That is insane. Cell phones are a "I want" kind of thing, not an "I need". Just giving the phones is going way to far.