Maybe this is because the government isn’t forcing them to keep service on for people who can’t afford it. “Affordable cell phone service”. Where’s Barney Frank? He’ll fix this in no time. Verizon will be begging for a bailout.
Telecoms do have a mandate to provide low cost alternatives to low income households. For example.
http://www.lifelinesupport.org/li/low-income/lifelinesupport/browser/
There are government tax reimbursements though (albeit, you and I pay). Look at all your phone bills and you will see regulatory fees, these pay for this type of service. (no, we, nor the telecoms have a choice about paying these..)