Posted on 08/03/2011 4:20:19 AM PDT by Libloather
Free cell phones for the needy drawing both cheers and jeers
By Rachel Weaver, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, August 1, 2011
Sharron Walters could not afford one more monthly bill.
But without a phone, it would be difficult for Walters, who relies on a wheelchair, to secure rides to and from her daily errands. She also could not keep in touch with her son, who lives out of town.
Three months ago, Walters, 48, of Swissvale started using Assurance Wireless, a program of Sprint subsidiary Virgin Mobile that provides free cell phones and 250 monthly minutes to people receiving government support such as Medicaid or food stamps.
"The service they provide is just truly a blessing," she said.
In Pennsylvania, two programs offer free cell service: Assurance Wireless and SafeLink from Tracfone Wireless, which specializes in "no-contract" cellular service. The federal Universal Service Fund, which all telecommunications providers support as required by federal law, pays for the programs.
Amy Storey, a spokeswoman for CTIA - The Wireless Association in Washington, said all U.S. wireless carriers charge consumers a fee to recover the cost of their contribution to the fund, which varies quarterly as determined by the Federal Communications Commission.
Assurance Wireless, which is in 26 states and Washington, D.C., started in Pennsylvania in February and is now being publicized in newspaper, TV and radio ads. The company reports more than 5.5 million people could qualify for the program in Pennsylvania. Gary Carter, manager of national partnerships for Assurance, was not able to provide the exact number of people who have signed up.
(Excerpt) Read more at pittsburghlive.com ...
Last time I checked, Best Buy wasn’t charging a fee from those of us buying stuff to finance free $h!t for Holder’s People, the Entitled. But probably only because Pelosi, Reid, Zero and their fellow travelers hadn’t thought of it yet.
Free, huh? Not for the taxpayers.
The downside is that some phones are a flash mob enablers.
Why not both, after all, it is FREE...
funny how taxes evolve. the universal service fund started as a way to pay to put landlines in every house for emergency calls only. now it gives people free cellphones to use as they please.
That’s probably the whole point of the program.
Wouldn’t it be cheaper to just give these people “Hooked on Phonics”? (channeling Cosby here)
The government needs to give the poor an incentive to move to another place and seek a better life.
Perhaps the Obama regime can convince China to accept the poor as payment for its debt.
The government needs to give the poor an incentive to move to another place and seek a better life.
Perhaps the Obama regime can convince China to accept the poor as payment for its debt.
LLS
America sure has come a long way from “A chicken in every pot”
Funny you should say that. My sister who is disabled has one that is always not working right. To get it fixed is a typical government experience.... You are kept on hold a half hour, then someone answers who sounds retarded. I kid you not it takes another half hour for them to take your name, then they must have your phone number and address. So mad when I get off the phone I could throw lamps just like Hillary!
Just wondering how many of these poor people buy LOTTO tickets, beer or wine, People Magazine, have cable TV or play BINGO???? Just betting it’s a HUGE percentage!! like 99%.
This and a related story yesterday chaps my ass. My wife’s phone died yesterday and we can’t afford to replace it considering my recent unemployment and now under employed status. The prices are unreal for a simple phone.
From the article:
“However, he said, the programs likely benefit the overall economy as having a phone can help people find jobs.”
This is typical lib spin, and is b.s. on so many levels.
Well, advocates of the program have discovered another right.
This isn’t particularly innovative. Two of the states I oversee have cell phone programs funded by their Title XIX programs. These phones are pre-programmed by the state, and users can only call 911, the transporation provider, case manager, and case coordinator. Expectant mothers can call their OB/GYN. The difference is this is still being funded by the state with tax dollars, and matching funds from the Federal government.
I don’t have a cell phone. I’m getting sick of the Plundering Class living better than I do.
Someone contact Peggy Joseph! She may get Hussein to not only pay for her gas and mortgage, but her phone, too!
http://m.digitaljournal.com/article/261939
Except it really isn’t Hussein...it is paid for by me.
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