For all the supporters of the Lifeline and Link-Up phone programs that help out the most needy among us by giving them a low-end cell phone and a modest amount of free minutes each month, there are those who bash the program as a scam. Today, at bat was a blogger at the New York Post.
Abby Schachter penned a post titled “Free cell phones are now a civil right.” Suffice it to say, she is none to happy about the free cell phones by the government program. She is particularly incensed that some are now calling a free cell phone a “civil right.”
But who ever said it’s a civil right? Unfortunately, it was Gary Carter, manager of national partnerships for Assurance Wireless, whom she quoted in her blog post:
“The program is about peace of mind,” Carter said. “It’s one less bill that someone has to pay, so they can pay their rent or for day care. … It is a right to have peace of mind.”
What the …? Mr. Carter, please don’t say things like that. Here we are, supporting the Lifeline program and companies like Assurance that provide the phone service, and you make a public statement that not only are cell phones are a right, but “peace of mind” is as well? We don’t support that concept. There is no right to peace of mind. And while it may come as heresy to readers of this web site, we also don’t go so far as to say that it’s a civil right for every American to have a cell phone.
Such overreaching, outrageous statements as Mr. Carter’s are ammunition for those who are primed to attack the program. Far from being a civil right, it is simply a public assistance program designed to help those who find themselves in financial trouble. And that’s all it is.
The Lifeline phone service program, mandated by the FCC, provides a free cell phone and up to 250 free minutes for Americans who, in general, find themselves at or under 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or already participate in federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, food stamps, Section 8 housing, and other programs.
lindasremondi.@gmail.com says
It will not let me in
Free Government Cell Phones says
What will not let you in?
rodney racicot says
y cant i get a cell phone in oregon
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not clairvoyant, Rodney. How are we supposed to know why you can’t get a cell phone in Oregon?
rodney racicot says
i had safe link the goverment took it after tromp took offes the told me that thay dropped oregon
Free Government Cell Phones says
Safelink is no longer offering the free government cell phone program in Oregon, but Assurance and enTouch can fill your needs, Rodney.
rodney racicot says
can you approve me
Free Government Cell Phones says
To tell you the truth, we’re very insecure and desperately crave the approval of others.
But on the off chance that you’re asking if we can approve you for a free government cell phone, the answer is no. We’re an independent informational website, not a service provider.
william kincaid says
Hey welfare people, get a job and pay like the rest of us.
Sandy says
Well I believe that everyone needs a helping hand at times in their lives. So if you are one of the lucky people and have never needed a helping hand, I,m glad for you!!! But my husband and I worked hard all our lives and now we can use some help as we are Disabled!!!!!!! So as you can see even People that did not get a lot of help in their lives can someday use it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Laurie Schrader says
Have you ever been charged twice in one month, for the same amount? I was on a different phone, I have proof from my bank, the company says on their computer that I was charged once, some of the customer representives are unprofessional, disrespectful and very inconsiderate and argumentive and rude, they treat me like I’m stupid, I don’t take that. I’m handicapped with severe health issues. What would you do? Please help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
What are we missing here, Laurie? Why were you charged when the free government cell phone program is free?
Dan says
This site makes me sick to my stomach. No cell phones are not a civil right.
Jim says
That is a contradiction. This site makes you sick to your stomach, yet you agree with the author of this article that cell phones are not a civil right. Hmm..
martin says
El telefono celular es bueno ,un problema lo tapan con otro,las rentas en california estan por las nubes,la comida tambien ,si la cosas fue pareja ,mejor bajen los precios de las rentas y de la comida ,para que la gente puedan vivir como antes.el gobierno invierte millones en guerra y a nadie le preocupa,sin embargo cuando invierte en nuestro pueblo se empiezan a quejar.
Pam says
I’m ALL for a hand up…not a hand out! I’m all for helping the truly helpless…not the truly entitled. Thirty years ago I was a young single mother fighting tooth and nail to get child support from a deadbeat dad. I received food stamps BRIEFLY, did NOT have additional children I couldn’t afford, and worked my ass off to get an education. Now I’m an RN and pay more than my “fair” share to support government programs for people who somehow feel entitled to have as many children as they want expecting the government to support them. We’re now 3 or 4 generations into a welfare state that clearly doesn’t work! How about mandatory sterilization for people being supported by the government? I’ll happily fund THAT! How about making prisoners do road work, etc. instead of sitting in jail whining when one of their “rights” are violated? I’m all for that…it’s a way to save money and make those people with no regard for the law warn their keep! How about mandatory drug testing if you’re willing to take my money? I’d happily fund that program too! I could go on, but clearly I’ve made my point.
R. Echo says
Wow bitch. Go to hell.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Really, Echo? We thought Pam presented her position in a very reasonable manner. You may disagree, but she comes off looking a lot better than you do.
destiny says
I need a new fone i lost my at&t and i am not abouit to spend my.money for nothing.
Hoss says
When I was growing up we didn’t have cell phones, what’s the matter with the poor using pay phones?
Free Government Cell Phones says
I can you haven’t noticed, technology has changed from when you grew up and pay phones are virtually nonexistent any longer.
Fred says
Tax me to death because lazy ass people feel they are “entitled” to free cell phones and 250 free monthly minutes. Oh my God you people suck the life out of the hard working. I have went without cell phones, computers, and cars until I could afford them. I wasn’t a big baby who cried that the government wasn’t fair to me. I am white and yes I have been without work for years, but I am different from you. I didn’t expect someone to take care of me. Grow up and get a job!!!
Laurie Schrader says
Some people can’t work, when they are handicapped with severe health issues. I’m Cherokee/ mix, some of the customer service people are very unprofessional, inconsiderate and argumentive and rude. I’m very polite until they get me ticked off. I’m proud of who I am.
Mary Smith says
I think we should give everyone everything they want for free. No one should ever work again.Then at midnight,the magic fairies will sprinkle fairy dust all over the world. Money will grow on trees. You will be able to take as much as you want. You won’t really need it though because everyting is free!! Now that our nation allows homosexual “marriges” and is still slaughtering unborn children to the staggering number of 4,000 per week, we are witnessing the decline of a once great Christian nation…..
Dear God,have mercy,we don’t deserve it but Im asking anyway….
Rick says
Folks,
This programs, and other similar programs, are really needed by some people. The far majority of Americans agree with this and are happy to pay taxes toward these programs. However, the part that most Americans who aren’t receiving these subsidies have a problem with is regarding how far reaching the programs are. There are a lot of people receiving subsidies that are simply abusing the system and should not be qualified. For example, this website mentions that 35% of Americans are qualified for this program. I find it very hard to believe that one in three people “need” to have a gov’t provided phone and that the other two thirds of the population have to pay for it. This is why this program is more than just helping people in need. it is a redistribution of wealth.
Caroline says
Free cell phones should only be able to call 911 for an emergency. I resent paying for my cell phone and then to pay for others who get 250 minutes plus texting for free. I have only 100 minutes and no texting at $25.00 a month. Then there is added Verizon surcharges of $3.66 and then taxes and government surcharges of $4.19. So my total bill comes to $32.85. I am a senior citizen living on ss and a small retirement pension from work. Do not feel that a cell phone is necessary for all who are getting it. A time will come when we can no longer support all the others.
Jim says
If you’re paying $32.85 for only 100 minutes and no texting, you are seriously getting ripped off from Verizon, never mind paying 50 cents for the USF.
William says
Amen! Everything in the Obama admin is wealth redistribution. Everybody should have a good middle class lifestyle whether they earn it or not!
daniel minchew says
The bottom line is find something more important to bitch about,like the shape the world is in now,how many of yall are doing something about??Thats whay i thought!!!!get off your high horses people!!!!!!! d something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lisa McCracken says
Yeah well i was laid off from my job; had no choice but to apply for free cell phone….they are not the greatest thing, you use 250 minutes up fast, then have to buy more time. so they are not truly free. I’ve paid my share of taxes over the years in order to help support the lazy asses (esp. healthy adult males) and women (who keep popping out babies to receive more $$$ from the Gov.). Hell, why should they work when they get EVERYTHING FREE!!!!
So for once in my life I needed help and had to apply for a free cell phone and food stamps. Do I feel guilty or bad??? Hell NO!!! I’m NOT a TOTAL MOOCHER!!! So shut the HELL UP you pompous a** holes if you have not been there are NOT ALLOWED to COMMENT!!!!!!!
Richardo says
The government cell phone (Obama Phone) cost people that have a job 2.4 million a year do you know how many McDonalds employees it probably takes to make 2.4 million, a shit load. it makes me sick that all these people think that everyone that does work owes the ones that dont something. all these people need to start helping there self and stop depending on everyone else to take care of them thats why i think all the free shit has to stop and people have to take responsibility for there own actions. The Government also needs to stop making it so easy for people to get all these (HANDOUTS) lets call it what it is.
Gordy says
It seems pretty convenient that this program is being rolled out so close to election time.
I also have issue with the paragraph referring to “Obamaphone” that suggests that this program was the brainchild of a conservative president when the bill was likely introduced by a democrat and easily railroaded by a liberal legislature. The bill would have been vetoed by a conservative president had it not included as a part of some dealmaking scheme.
I can sympathize with those in need, but I am in need as well but fully realize that I will never get governmemt funded hearing aids or eyeglasses. Who is more deserving?
I think there is a conflict of interest issue in the sense that you need to be on some kind of government assistance to qualify which means that one political party directly benefits from this program and the other does not.
We as a country are 13 trillion dollars in debt and it is now easy to see why.
Countless programs could be paid for if we did not have to pay so much interest to those who are carring our massive debt.
This nonsense has to be put to a stop.
Christine says
Universal Lifeline funding is given to people who qualify financially, and if you use the option of having it on a cellphone then you can no longer have a landline with this funding. I think it is more necessary than it used to be to have a cellphone. It is closer to the level of being a need than a want as well.
I am chronically ill with no hope of recovery and came to be on disability. For many years I did not have a cellphone. During these times I cam to learn that the local phone company will not install any more pay phones in the city where I live. They have basically taken the position of letting them die out by neglect. Since the payphones have been abused by vandalism as well as criminals (drug dealers) they are not wanted, even by home owners associations. And who can blame someone for not wanting crime in their neighborhood.
I was once attacked in the street and no one would help me. It was long enough ago that there was one pay phone though it wasn’t too close, so by the time I reached it it was too late to catch the guy. People stood by watching and did nothing.
Maybe if we had well maintained and available pay phones that were not crime ridden then cellphones would again become a luxury. But I don’t expect that too happen. Like the horse drawn carriage before, public pay phones have taken a step into the technological past.
It is also true that, as predicted, the smartphone has replaced the PC as the #1 source of Internet and this is largely also because of the poor in the world. Poor as well as unable to have a DSL line as they are in tents in the desert perhaps. But without the Internet, people cannot even access at times things such as their own government offices.
Rather than be mean spirited, why not try to inspire and help people have the best life possible with what they have been given? Wether through health, or birthplace, birth status, or job status. It makes sense to have a society where all people can connect to the resources within it.
And as far as cellphones are concerned, it has been my direct experience that they are for safety as well as anything else.
Hardy says
In the future, if there is no Big War to debilitate the US, Internet and cell phones probably will become ‘so necessary as to constitute a right’. Maybe 75 to 100 years from now when technology makes better was of faster Internet and cheaper ways to make utilizes cell phones. With more and more Jobs revolving around the meta world of the Internet. The big companies might have to be assimilated by the Gov (to some extent) so free ‘communication services’ will be available to everyone. The problem with that is cell phones can be a good way to quantify who does what where and lives where; it would be so easy (in the future lol) to put GPS in all phones as a way to ‘help direct your life’ and what not. Big Brother is scary wah.
Jen101 says
I know a lot of you are up in arms about any gov. funded programs for people in need. I hope you never find your self ritious @s on them other end of them spectrum. These programs are a hand up not a hand out. I have just earned a bsba and guess what? I find myself out of work with children to raise. This program will help me get calls from potential employers or my kids while I am out getting a job. Try to see things from a different perspective once in a while.
daniel minchew says
Thank you..
margaret says
Some of u ppl. Are so dumb. Like the comment about” I would be less mad if it paid for land line instead of cell phones”….. well that’s just it some of US do have jobs like myself with 3 kids to raise on my own and I just don’t make enough . I would be just like the ppl on welfare if theese programs didn’t help. So I can have a normal life. Since my income is below a certain number I qualify for life line I can use it for a discount on my home # or to get a cell phone. Not BOTH! And what u don’t understand is theese cell phones arnt touch screens fancy ass smart phones there basic like taken of 7~11 shelf cell phone and only comes with 200 something like that mins. But the government is also making money that way because they offer to up ur plan if u pay $10. $15. $20. Dollors more a month. Sometimes u can’t live without a phone when moms at work and can’t get home write away so she needs to call and make sure the kids are home and ok. Not to go to the club with my free government phone and call every one I no.. some ppl. Should read the fine print before they open there mouths about stuff they don’t no..I’M JUST SAYING! IGNORANCE IS A CHOICE!
John says
Margaret,
Is / are your children’s father / fathers paying you child support? Wouldn’t it make more sense to hold him / them responsible for at least a portion of his / their children’s well-being? You may be able to provide a better living for yourself and your children if the father / fathers would be held accountable. As you say, “IGNORANCE IS A CHOICE!” but having children is a choice too, and the taxpayers didn’t decide for you to have three children.
Fred says
I agree. Try keeping your legs together and you wont have 3 dependents that you cant afford to take care of, or be apart of their lives.
You put yourself in this situation. Its time to stop blaming other people for your problems and work your way out of it.
Hoss says
You know why I don’t have 3 kids, cause I can’t afford it. Just cause you choose to live beond your means, don’t make others pick-up the tab.
robert parsons says
Has the lifeline free cell phone service come to Hawaii ?
StephenWayne says
I would be a lot less angry if this program paid for people’s land lines as opposed to cell phones. If they need a free phone, (Seriously, check a thrift store…) then we could give them the old rotary dialed phones. You can call a potential employer just as easily with one of these, plus they use less energy. Aren’t the moochers (i’m sorry, disadvantaged) concerned about our earth?
hwertz says
Actually, landline phone service (at least in my area) is VERY expensive. I can walk into IWireless and buy a cell phone plan for LESS than it’d cost for me to buy a basic landline with no long distance on it! For real.
At that point, I’d have to just cross my fingers that none of my employers have a long distance number (the expensive landline service is WITHOUT any long distance calling!) I’d have to choose between sitting at home all day, every day, waiting for calls back (in which case I’m not out looking for work); or, going out looking for work, at which point I’m not at home to take calls from potential employers. Because of course you don’t mention an answering machine.
I should also point landlines run at 48 volts, and dump out 90 volts to operate the ringer; in all seriousness I’m quite unsure a landline does save power compared to a cell phone. Once you throw in the answering machine (because, after all, employers won’t employ you if they just keep calling the number you gave and it just rings and rings and rings….) that makes it even less likely this saves power.
Anyway… I just don’t see the problem. The goal here isn’t to like give some deadbeats free phones… it is simply that without some kind of phone it’s almost impossible to get a job.
TPaine says
“…or already participate in federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, food stamps, Section 8 housing, and other programs.” May I ask where the money comes from to finance this program? I am guessing that it comes from the same source as the “Medicaid, food stamps, Section 8 housing, and other programs,” my pocket. Hence the “Free GOVERNMENT Cell Phones” title.
And it is mandated by the FCC? How generous of them. What will we decide to give the needy next? How about free W-Fi or a free i-Pad? After all, all people, despite their income, have a right to surf the Web.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Q. Who pays for the program?
A. https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/who-pays-for-free-cell-phones
Ken says
Socialist doing anything and everything to take this country down. The Chung thing is, the very people they use to do it will be a victim of mass genocide. No?
Research it people.
Every country that went communist killed half of.their people shortly after doing so.
Facts suck and so does our evil illegal federal reserve empire.
John F Kennedy made the federal reserve illegal.
Democrat.
KKK was created by the democrats.
KKK voted for Obama.
Hitler loved the Arab Muslims.
See a pattern here?
I’m not against someone getting help. Has anyone stepped back and viewed the flow of fake money to pay for the help?
Fort Knox is no mas.
There is no gold backing the dollar.
You’re all going to be carted up to the slaughterhouse.
Buy guns and ammo, store can goods.
It a keep ya alive for a day or so lol
daniel minchew says
By the way the KKK did not vote for obama,thats a fact…..
daniel minchew says
I paid it for 36 years,now i need help,quit winning!!!!!!!!
tom says
you people make me sick get a job
mary mcclaine says
no you make me sicker than shit,uppity some pe.ople cannot work. because of getting hurt on the job site.more than 100 percent of people that happends,.
daniel minchew says
Amen i worked all my life ytill i had to have back surgery,and im glad for my FREE phone!! Mary one day you may fall on hard times and if they offer you a FREE phone decline it!!!!!! Get alife!!!!!! Danny
Mike Lucas says
Just ass_uming some of these fine citizens have been hurt on the job. Well ok then, they would qualify for disability benefits, and some of the people (and unfortunately some of my family) make a lot more money than when they were working, So, they can afford to pay for the phone. Don’t get me wrong I don’t have a problem using this money for what it was intended for, a phone at home for emergencies. Not for a phone that gives 1k minutes, 1k texts, and data and all that for $1! Hell, I pay $50 month for my service and I damn sure dont get data included for that too.NO FREE CELL PHONES!! If they are sick and disabled, they don’t need a cell phone. They need bedrest!! I know here in OKC I can go down one of the major streets in a predominately black area and there are mobs of people at abandoned gas stations where there is someone that has a cardboard sign out front saying get ur free obama phones here! What’s that tell you?