WOWT-TV reports that things got a little heated recently when Life Wireless tried to give ObamaPhones to low income residents of Omaha. (We know there’s some play on words we could do with Obama Phones and Omaha Phones, but we’d much rather get to the meat of this story.)
Life Wireless set up a booth at the corner of 58th and Ames in Omaha and began signing up low income residents for the free government cell phone program. The temperatures grew hot and the temperaments grew even hotter when the sign-ups didn’t progress as smoothly as those waiting in line thought they should have. In fact, things got so heated that the police eventually swept in to cool things down.
Nebraska is new to the LifeLine Access free government cell phone program and residents were eager to sign up when given the opportunity. The Nebraska program is much like LifeLine programs in other states: Low income residents can sign up to receive a free government cell phone plus 250 free minutes per month.
Apparently, however, LifeLine underestimated the demand for the phones and definitely underestimated the day’s high temperatures.
Alisha Gilmore was one of those standing in the long line under a broiling sun. “They should have some sort of security out here to help,” she said. “That’s the whole thing in a nutshell. I appreciate what they’re trying to do but get some organization.”
Jim Carpenter, Senior Vice President of Life Wireless, issued a statement to address the chaos at the event:
“Today’s sales event, our first in Omaha, attracted large crowds, and some customers waited a long time to sign up for phone service,” Carpenter said. “We regret any problems this may have caused. Life Wireless trains field representatives to select sales locations that take into account the safety of our customers.”
As the nation’s leading advocates of the free government cell phone program, we urge Omaha residents to cut Life Wireless a little slack. We can expect them to control their business, but no one can expect them to control the weather.
Source: WOWT
h. jeanne says
i m trying to find where i can get a free phone … also my phone got stolen at quicktrip on hamiton and saddle creek a fews ago … raising my grand kids have been them since been since birth …just looking for some direction
thank
jeanne
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where you can find all the Lifeline free government cell phone companies and plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
MQ says
I’m a head of family of 5 currently not employed and can’t afford to pay the cost of phone services plan for my wife and she really need a phone how can we get that .
Free Government Cell Phones says
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net provides all the info you need, MQ. Start by checking out our “Do I Qualify?” page at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Then click around to find out everything else you need to know. Good luck.
michael mulligan says
I am a 79 year old senior who is very careful about signing on the dotted line. I just received my phone in the mail despite the fact that I have not yet received that pink envelope from the Cal administrator. Thus I won’t program my phone until I know I am covered. My landline is currently bundled with a local service provider at the Cal lifeline cost of 6.74 a month. Must I remove myself from that co. and will Assurance bill me that amount in the future or must I simply give up the landline altogether because it is on a lifeline program?
R says
Why did’nt they just send out applications in the mail?
Standing4Truth says
That’s a very good question. That’s how I got mine and I told two friends as well. Our phones came in the mail and setup was easy on line. It can be done at the library if you don’t have internet.
gerard gaudin says
To give you an idea of how this type of Promotion tends to backfire and mislead: I recently received correspondence from my Federal Senator David Vitter (R.-LA), whom is a total asshole about blowing things out of proportion without any supporting facts. In the communication, he showed a video of that same type of tent, in an Ethnic area, inclusive of an interview with several “participants” whom openly admitted that they were getting the phones solely for the purpose of trading them to drug dealers in exchange for Heroin and Crack. Very similar to the Acorn Org. — Pimp Scandal!!! Vitter’s overtone extolled this as “another minority Government giveaway” that has gone bad. I’ve written to him several times asking that he correct these lies; but it has fallen on deft ears. This is Not a Tax Funded Freebie!!!
Bob Ramblin says
NOT A TAX FUNDED FREEBIE???? Are you some kinda nut????
Standing4Truth says
No Bob, it is NOT a tax funded freebie. The phone companies formed a fund and this supplies the phone and first 250 minutes and 250 texts, if you need more you can double those monthly figures for $5. It is not your tax money so calm down and cool off. It’s too hot to get so upset, 8 question marks in two sentences? Personally as a 73 year old low income (SS only) senior, I really appreciate this simple little phone that saves me $30 a month and goes with me for emergencies, such as falling, car trouble, or being locked out of my apartment. I think they could have named this program better but the rules for it are dictated by the federal government so that it is fair and impartial for all. And no, I don’t sell my phone to drug dealers. That’s just a bald-faced lie from the right wing. In any program you can find one jerk who will do such a thing but don’t paint every senior with the same tar brush.