Imagine getting a free cell phone from government with which you can make and receive free calls. It seems like a lottery. But the famous Obama phones present this lottery to any low income family in America. Of course our President does not have any direct link with this service, but the free government cell phone program became famous and widely known under his name only.
In 1984 a program called Lifeline was introduced by the Federal Communications commission (FCC) under the Reagan rule. People living under the poverty standards benefited from this scheme which aimed in providing affordable and quality communication services to them. It was the time when landline telephones ruled. Hence the program offered discount on the monthly telephone bills of the customers whose income was below the government set standards. This program was extended to mobile phones also in the name SafeLink Wireless under the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
SafeLink Wireless program provides free cell phones along with free talk time to eligible customers who cannot afford to buy a cell phone on their own. TracFone Wireless, Inc pays for the free airtime, free cell phones and promotional campaigns in a tie up with FCC. Normal tax payers money is not used for this in any way. Landline telephones are not covered under this scheme. If a person wants to participate in the SafeLink Wireless program, they should first unsubscribe from the Lifeline services they are currently using.
The free cell phone provided under the SafeLink Wireless service has all facilities in a normal mobile phone like voicemail, caller ID, three-way calling facilities, text messaging and call waiting. Instead of offering discount in bills as in Lifeline program, this scheme provides free minutes to its customers. 31 states in America participate in this SafeLink Wireless program. Their official website has the facility to check whether a state participates in the program or not, by entering the zip code.
The free government cell phone program benefits citizens who live under the poverty standards set by the government. The free cell phone is given only to a person who does not earn enough to pay for a cell phone on their own. So the eligibility criteria thoroughly checks if the person is really poor, through various ways. Once the background check is cleared the phone will be sent to the customer within one week. The customer need not sign any contract or pay any bill whatsoever to use this free cell phone.
In 1984 a program called Lifeline was introduced by the Federal Communications commission (FCC) under the Reagan rule. People living under the poverty standards benefited from this scheme which aimed in providing affordable and quality communication services to them. It was the time when landline telephones ruled. Hence the program offered discount on the monthly telephone bills of the customers whose income was below the government set standards. This program was extended to mobile phones also in the name SafeLink Wireless under the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
SafeLink Wireless program provides free cell phones along with free talk time to eligible customers who cannot afford to buy a cell phone on their own. TracFone Wireless, Inc pays for the free airtime, free cell phones and promotional campaigns in a tie up with FCC. Normal tax payers money is not used for this in any way. Landline telephones are not covered under this scheme. If a person wants to participate in the SafeLink Wireless program, they should first unsubscribe from the Lifeline services they are currently using.
The free cell phone provided under the SafeLink Wireless service has all facilities in a normal mobile phone like voicemail, caller ID, three-way calling facilities, text messaging and call waiting. Instead of offering discount in bills as in Lifeline program, this scheme provides free minutes to its customers. 31 states in America participate in this SafeLink Wireless program. Their official website has the facility to check whether a state participates in the program or not, by entering the zip code.
The free government cell phone program benefits citizens who live under the poverty standards set by the government. The free cell phone is given only to a person who does not earn enough to pay for a cell phone on their own. So the eligibility criteria thoroughly checks if the person is really poor, through various ways. Once the background check is cleared the phone will be sent to the customer within one week. The customer need not sign any contract or pay any bill whatsoever to use this free cell phone.
About the Author:
Learn more about Government free cell phones. Stop by Ed Walters's site where you can find out all about a free government cell phone and what it can do for you.
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