One of the questions we’re asked most frequently here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net is, “When will California offer the free government cell phone program?”
It’s a reasonable question because while California has 15% of the population of the United States, it has nearly 30% of needy Americans.
Well, now there’s good news for low-income residents of the Golden State. SFGate.com reported that the Public Utility Commission is just weeks away from authorizing Sprint’s Assurance Wireless subsidiary to offer the Lifeline Assistance program. Of course, this is California we’re talking about, so it’s program is different than the Lifeline Assistance program offered in other states (more on that subject later in this article).
To be strictly accurate, California has flirted with the free government cell phone program prior to this. ReachOut Wireless offers a statewide variation of the program that gives customers a free phone, but charges them a minimal amount for minutes, and Telscape offers a similar program in the Bakersfield area.
It seems as if a remarkably worthwhile program like Lifeline Assistance for cell phones should have won quick approval. But despite the fact that the Lifeline cell phone program has been up and running successfully in 39 states, Puerto Rico and Washington DC, California PUC officials have taken three long years to review and approve Assurance Wireless’ application.
A skeptic might say this is a case of bureaucracy in action, but Bill Johnston, a CPUC telecommunications expert says, “This is a new, particularly complicated product. It’s not something you can do overnight.”
Assurance Wireless’ version of the free government cell phone program was approved last week. Now it’s just a matter of dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s in the bureaucratic language. The state wants to make sure Assurance promotes the program according to the state’s guidelines.
The need for the free government cell phone program has become glaringly obvious during this era of high unemployment and chronic underemployment. Landline usage by California’s phone customers dropped 43% in the last decade while cell phone subscriptions skyrocketed by 123%. Despite this clear evidence of the growing importance of cell phones, Assurance’s proposal has been languishing at the Public Utility Commission since 2009.
Like we said at the top of this article, California’s Lifeline Assistance program isn’t quite the same program that’s offered in most other states, but it’s close. Like the other states, California’s oddball regulations offer the “free” government cell phones only to people who qualify for the Lifeline Assistance. Then the state adds one more requirement on top of that – all customers must have existing phone service. (Note to California’s Public Utility Commission: If people could afford existing phone service, they wouldn’t need the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program.)
Instead of being free, Assurance Wireless customers will start off paying $20 for a Virgin Mobile cell phone and then pay 10 cents per minute. As SFGate.com reports, “Immediately, however, the customer will be rolled into Assurance Wireless’ Lifeline plan, which will provide 250 free minutes of talk time and 250 free text messages per month. The customer will then get the initial $20 back as a credit to be used whenever he or she exceeds the talk and text limits.” At the end of this convoluted process the Assurance customer ends up with a free phone and 250 free minutes per month, which is exactly what customers in most other states pay.
There will be a number of ways for low income Californians to qualify for the program. They have yet to reveal the details, but we assume they will be similar to the requirements in other states.
There’s an old saying that says, “An elephant is a horse designed by a committee.” Similarly, this is a free government cell phone program designed by a commission. In other words, it may not look exactly like what you wanted, but it’s still very useful.
Welcome to the free government cell phone business, California. Now please go back and get it right.
Source: SFGate
steven campagna says
Do I qualify for free phone
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Go here to find out:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
dennis luft says
i want a phone but how i apply and or get one
Jasmine Freeman says
I got approved for a phone.but i need to change my shipping address or pick it up my self what number do i call i am in california
Greg Harris says
as per the norm .. once again everyone talks about the ” free cell phone ” but not one company has place for all to see and use an “Fn” app, to get one of these legandary cells…
Free Government Cell Phones says
1. What is an Fn app?
2. Companies don’t need brick and mortar stores.
benjamin luong says
thank for time
Linda E. says
I’m checking this out for our neighbor who has lost his job because of poor health. He is now totally disabled and will receive around $1,000.00 a month!! That’s NOTHING. If I could, I would move from CA. but can’t afford too. Our “neighbors” need a phone & good old California makes it as “difficult” as possible for people like our neighbors to receive one!!
Driver says
Yes calif sucks!! my husband is totally disabled and receives a small amount per month from SSDI also would like to see our congress people live on that same amount they expect us to. Guaranteed they couldn’t. well, welcome to the real world!! They really Make me sick!!
harrison says
yes it sucks my life work for 32 years she was forced by the government to pay and disability taxes now that she needs her disability since 2011 she has been disabled and she has been turned down 3 times for the disability programs that sucks maybe she should become a prostitute
Rusty says
My brother has been on disability for 25-years and can’t get a phone or food stamps because he is on general assistance and SSI. So I guess he should denounce his US citizenship, go to Mexico, change his last name to Hernandez , cross the “OPEN” border, and apply to US benefits and I bet you my brother will get his phone and food stamps!!!!
harrison says
its called f**king Americans the people who work hard and paying Social Security taxes can’t get nothing from: our government so maybe we do need to migrate to Mexico
Tracie says
As of 12-12-12 California has been added via Assurance Wireless to get almost free cell phones and low rate plans and/or minutes. You just need to check to make sure your area of California is included in it. As far I have found so far the entire state is available but I think some of that is misguided information as well. It is available but only through certain programs so you have to check each program, what they offer, the income guidelines, county services you are getting that can qualify you for these services, and make sure you do more than your share of homework before jumping to get a cell phone, home phone, television, and/or home phone service.
Tahereh says
Hi i leave in los angeles i need phone where should i go to get a phone
Reader says
Does anyone fact check anymore? This article is brimming with inaccurate facts.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Please enlighten us.
john schick says
What can we do to get these phones in Colorado? We have increasing numbers of elderly people in need.