We don’t like this at all. Not one little bit. Federal regulators are considering a revised regulation that could cut off cell phone service for the poor. And we hope you’ll help us stop them.
What’s at risk? The Lifeline and Link-Up programs. The Federal Communications Commission is considering changes to popular and successful Lifeline program.
Originally, Lifeline was intended to help consumers pay for conventional landline phones. But as mobile phones have become commonplace, the FCC has allowed low-income folks to use Lifeline funds for wireless service, too. Carriers who partner with Lifeline can offer eligible participants prepaid cell phones with 250 minutes of use per month.
The Press-Citizen explains the peril in which the program finds itself:
Earlier this year, the FCC expressed concerns over the growth of Lifeline. The agency floated the idea of capping the fund and earmarking any savings for pilot initiatives to expand broadband access. Such a move makes little sense. Capping the fund could cut off the phone service of scores of Americans when they need it most. After all, the recession has increased the population of folks who might turn to Lifeline for help. Between 2007 and 2009, almost five million more people dropped below the poverty line.
The agency has also explored the idea of charging customers for Lifeline service. Such a move would further burden low-income families laid low by the recession. Lifeline was designed to help low-income families stay connected. Erecting additional enrollment barriers defeats the purpose of the program.
In today’s era of tight budgets, the FCC and the carriers who participate in programs like Lifeline must weed out fraud and waste, both to spend taxpayer dollars wisely and preserve access for those who truly need it. To further these goals, the FCC has rightly proposed creating a database at either the federal or state level to help minimize the risks of fraud that understandably concern the FCC, telecommunications providers, and state regulators. But officials must also ensure that Lifeline can continue to expand access to phone service for the needy. Particularly in these uncertain economic times, they must tread carefully.
We’re 100% behind the FCC’s efforts to minimize fraud, but completely opposed to the other proposals.
Times are tough. Too many people are unemployed or underemployed. More people than ever need the Lifeline program.
Please contact your Congressional representatives and tell them that Lifeline should be expanded, not reduced. Tell them to stop the FCC’s shortsighted plan.
Source: Press-Citizen
Linda says
Try giving up your car for a month and taking alternate transportation, like a bus or friends, but at the same time give up your phone with no way possible of contacting anyone. Also go looking for jobs and have no contact (phone number) then see how much a phones necessity really is.
jpf says
So the government subsidizes landlines and now giving people free cell phones. I know people who have multiple cell phones from these government programs. Since when is a cell phone a necessity? Another waste of taxpayer money.
Wylma Harmon says
Hey. you see, the government doesn’t want to help people in need. In case of power outtages a cell phone is a blessing. However many people don’t realize that everyone can’t afford a smart phone, Iphone etc. Also most people ‘s budgets can’t handle most cell phone plans especially contract. Also prepaid is getting more and more like contracts. The problem is that alot of people are finding themselves asking for government aid and they don’t like it., It could be pride or something but remember you can’t feed your family,, pay bills with pride.
SIRENA MITCHEM says
TRACFONE HAS BEEN A LIFE SAVER FOR ME. MOST OF MY DOCTORS LIVE IN ANOTHER COUNTY AND I’M ABLE TO CALL THEM NOW WITH MY NEW PHONE. BEFORE I HAD TO CALL SOMEONE ELSE AND HAVE THEM TO CALL THEM AND TELL THEM TO GIVE ME A CALL. MY DOCTORS ASKED WHY I COULDN’T CALL. I HAD NO OTHER WAY TO CALL I DON’T HAVE LONG DISTANCE ON MY HOME PHONE TO SAVE A LITTLE ON BILLS, AND WHEN YOUR LIVING OFF A VERY SMALL INCOME EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS.