[mnehring]

Maybe this is because the government isn’t forcing them to keep service on for people who can’t afford it.

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..)

[autumnraine]

But that’s landline, not cell phone. Right?