No one believes in Lifeline Assistance, the free government cell phone program, more than we do. As the French say, it’s our raison d’être, our reason for being.
The program has plenty of detractors who would like to see it ended. They argue that it costs too many taxpayer dollars. Of course, they are wrong because Lifeline isn’t funded with taxpayer dollars.
Unfortunately, even well-meaning supporters of the program often get the details wrong. For example, consider this statement in a recent Sacramento Bee newspaper editorial supporting the program:
“To be clear, low-income Americans do not get a “free government cellphone,” or as Rush Limbaugh phrases it, an “Obamaphone,” through the Lifeline program. They get small discounts, say 250 free minutes every month or a discounted monthly plan.”
Nice try, SacBee. But the fact of the matter is that everyone who qualifies for and is accepted into the Lifeline Assistance program gets a free cell phone. In fact, that’s one of the basic, most elementary facets of the program.
Let’s be clear that these are not the latest, state-of-the-art cell phones. They won’t be given Apple iPhones nor Google Androids, but they will be given perfectly good refurbished phones that they can use to talk to potential employers, communicate with physicians and other medical professionals, keep track their kids, and make emergency 911 calls.
Then, depending on the specific free government cell phone provider you choose, you will, as the Bee said, you will get 250 free minutes every month or a discounted monthly plan.
We appreciate your support, SacBee. But let’s get the facts straight so opponents of the program can’t play “Gotcha!”
Source: Sacramento Bee
HerseyK says
Fact: its a tax on ALL phones users (paying)
You state that it can be “a discounted monthly plan.” Which is wholehearted supported by the majority of folks !
BTW – I helped someone get a phone from SafeLink – it was the same tracphone sold for $10 / $15 in a discount store ! Not old and not refurbished. Basic but appeared new – LG 100C
Thus – it looks like tracphone knows that folks will use it and then will pay for $.25 to $.50 per minute charges and then make money off the poor folks.
This is a rip off by shady cell phone companies. What democrats always call businesses that don’t rip off the government ! LOL
gerard gaudin says
Larry, the money for the program comes from Everyone whom has ever paid a phone bill in the last sum-odd years. Look on your (or someone else’s) phone bill; and, note the “Universal Service Charge”. It was enacted to assure that Low-income or un-serviced areas would always have access to “essential Telephone services” at a reasonable cost. All this money goes into a fund specifically for that purpose; and, although Fox News runs Expose’s on Dead People getting phones, it is more likely that Big Teleco’s can tap the fund much easier than a “Dead Person” could ever qualify as a recipient through any State/Federal Assistance Agency… I hope this puts it in perspective for you.
Larry says
Just curious. If the money doesn’t come from taxpayers, where does it come from?
Administrator says
You can find the answer to that in this FAQ.