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The United States is a nation consumed with technology, so it is only probable that the government offers a free cell phone plan for qualified individuals.  Many Americans who cannot easily afford to pay the costs of having a cell phone might easily say I’ll just get the government to pay for it, but unfortunately like most offerings there is always a fine point.  Getting a free cell phone from the government is formally known as the Lifeline Assistance Program, and as of 2011 there was roughly eight million people utilizing this program.  Although it is not a distinguished government plan it can prove to be very useful for those who are eligible for a number of reasons.

Receiving a free cell phone from the government is like many other federally run programs in that there are very specific guidelines that must be met.  For the Lifeline Assistance Program, there are only two ways for an individual to successfully qualify.  These two qualifications are that the individual must already be a participant of another government-assisted program or that the individual’s household income must be at or below a percentage of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.  The percentage is based upon the state the individual resides in and can vary from 135 to 150 percent, with 135 being the default percentage.  As with any government program these are necessary qualifications to ensure that the individual isn’t taking advantage of this offering, but with that the Lifeline Assistance Program does lack a sense of elegance when speaking in terms of modern technology.

When an individual realizes they are eligible for the Lifeline Assistance Program the next step must be to simply walk in, pick a phone, pick a plan and walk out right?  The process isn’t as easy as it sounds due to the specific qualifications that are required for the free services and equipment being provided.  To actually order a new government funded cell phone seems more like pulling teeth than getting something for free given that it is up to the individual, not the government, to do all the research.  The first step an interested subject must take is to check their specific state for vendors who offer this service using the websites such as SafeLinkWireless.com or AssuranceWireless.com.  After the research has been completed and the government has accepted the form then the individual will receive his or her new government funded cell phone.  After that the individual must then fill out paperwork to ensure that they fully qualify for the program and have utilized the correct tools.  Only once that application has been approved will the individual receive a payment for the cell phone and the plan that was activated.

Many people ask ‘why wouldn’t anyone want a free phone and plan,’ but the truth is free isn’t always fun.  For someone who barely talks on the phone and uses the government funded cell phone for purely work related phone calls, then the Lifeline Assistance Program is a perfect fit for them.  Under the Lifeline Assistance Program only a total of up to 250 minutes are given to the individuals and that is obviously a very limited amount of minutes for a month.  In the event that 250 minutes is not sufficient enough for the individual there are options available to purchase more minutes, but then again this takes away from the cell phone plan being free.

There are obvious benefits to a government funded cell phone and plan, first and foremost being that it’s paid for.  Other than the certainty of not having to pay, a person can be at ease knowing that they will receive very basic features under the government plan.  For many individuals waiting to hear back about an important job the most crucial feature is voicemail.  Without this feature many are unable to know that the person contacting them is an employer; therefore the voicemail feature can prove to be critical in a job search.   Along with the voicemail feature also comes caller ID and call waiting, which a couple of decades ago were considered cell phone luxuries.  With these features of a Lifeline Assistance Program cell phone the individual is able to perform basic duties that could be a necessity for a job search or emergency.

Some agencies, individuals and groups may argue that government funded cell phones are a waste of money and time, which would be true if the United States wasn’t so dependent on technology.  The more and more that technology improves means the more that traditional ways will become extinct, which could include standard landlines.  The government offering this Lifeline Assistance Program to the public isn’t a statement implying that everyone needs a phone, but it is a representation of how influential technology is in the United States today.  In the case of an emergency when someone is away from his or her landline a cell phone is a perfect tool in order to avoid disaster.  The Life Assistance Program doesn’t just benefit people who think they need a cell phone to survive, it also benefits those who don’t even realize how much it may be needed in emergency situations.

The choice of choosing whether or not to participate in the Lifeline Assistance Program is up to the individual, but a free government funded cell phone can prove to be very beneficial.  According to the BBC in 2010 there was over 5 billion mobile connections on a global level, and that number continues to rise with each year.  Although it may not sound like the most helpful government resource, the presence of the Lifeline Assistance Program provides a comfort of knowing that a cell phone will be available to those who qualify.  Free cell phone or not, the Lifeline Assistance Program is growing and continues to provide many people nationwide with an irreplaceable service of security.

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Lifeline was created during the Reagan presidency. At that time, only landline phones were offered as a subsidy for low income people and their families. Still, these phones gave relief to people, who knew they would have contact with family, friends, employers and could reach authorities in case of an emergency.

Lifeline is a government founded program created distinctly to provide cell phones to those who could not otherwise afford one, based on their involvement in other government assistance programs and their gross income.

The good news is that this government program is not funded by taxes. Lifeline is funded through the Universal Service Fund. The USF collects money from Lifeline service providers to supply low income people and their families with a source of communication for free or at an extremely discounted rate.

It is the cell phone service providers decision whether or not it collects this monthly USF fee from its customers or from another source of company revenue. Some cell phone service providers have chosen to pass the USF fee on to their customers. These customers will notice a Universal Service Charge at the bottom of their cell phone service statement.

Why Free Cell Phones for the Poor?

The Lifeline program supports the low income people of our country like no other program can. These phones offer a source of communication, which is invaluable to a person’s psyche, career and personal development as well as access to contact the authorities in case of an emergency, such as break in, possibly life-threatening accident or domestic issue.

Today, there are more than 17 million households who receive help from the Lifeline program. This program’s goal is to help as many people in need as it can, but there needs to be strict parameters in order to achieve fairness and to make sure Lifeline services are only helping those who truly need the assistance.

A potential Lifeline customer must have a number of different qualifications before receiving help from Lifeline. Lifeline’s strict requirements include, membership in another government assistance program, extremely low gross income and a variety of different proof documents.

Also, if a household already receives assistance from LIfeline in the form of a landline or wireless line, that household may not receive another phone line from Lifeline. There can only be one Lifeline phone line per household.

Government program memberships which are considered proof of eligibility change by state. Before you apply to receive a free cell phone and service plan from a Lifeline provider, be sure to check your state’s government assistance program requirements.

Although qualified government assistance programs will change depending on state residence, most likely these programs will include, assistance from food stamps, assistance from Medicaid and assistance from reduced school lunches.

Another facet of eligibility, is the family’s gross income. If the gross income is at or below 135% or 150% (depending on state) of the national poverty line, or less than about $15,000 per year, this could also show eligibility for the Lifeline program.

This service is especially important for the homeless who can already feel removed from society as well as their families. These people need a resource to keep in contact with family, friends and potential employers. A cell phone may mean they can get off the streets.

A homeless person may try to find work; walking blocks through their neighborhood to fill out numerous applications. However, without a cell phone these applications are virtually useless. Homeless people have zero resources to help themselves in most cases.

From the San Francisco Chronicle, there is a story about Brittney Ames, a 24-year old homeless woman looking for work in California. Ames states, it’s impossible to get call-backs from potential employers without a cell phone. She goes on to say, she feels helpless in her journey to better herself without the proper tools needed to be successful in our modern world.

Another benefit to homeless people getting phones, especially homeless women and children, are the capabilities of finding an open shelter. Homeless women and children can sign up for a homeless shelter’s text message service and receive updates on the status of open beds.

This service eliminates the risk of walking miles around a dangerous city at night looking for a place to sleep by alerting the homeless people if the shelter is full or not. This service will hopefully reduce the risk of these mothers and women getting raped or injured while looking for a place for her and her family to sleep.

The money these people save by not spending on overpriced phone bills they can save to get off the streets, move to a better side of town and enroll their children in a better school. This money can buy more nutritious food and warmer clothes for the winter time.

Lifeline is an amazing program doing amazing things for the low income people and their families as well as homeless people and their families of our country. Without these free cell phones or service plans, these people would not have the right tools to succeed in our ever-advancing technological future we have created ourselves.

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It might seem strange to some people that the government would hand out free cell phones. In 2012, 17 million households were on the free cell phone program. Who pays for this? Why is the government willing to invest so much money in cell phone coverage? Let’s take a look.

Who Pays for These Phones?

These phone programs are paid for by anyone who uses a phone. It shows up on phone bills as the Universal Service Fund. For most people, this is just a few dollars a month on their phone bill. The money goes directly towards funding these free cell phone programs.

In other words, the money for these programs doesn’t actually come from Uncle Sam. It comes from everyday phone users. By taking a little bit of money from everyone who uses a phone, we’re able to give cell phones to people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford a phone.

Why Everyone Should Have a Cell Phone

There are many reasons for why the Universal Service Fund was created. According to the Universal Service Administrative Company, the purpose of the fund is to:

• Promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable, and affordable rates.
• Increase access to advanced telecommunications services throughout the nation.
• Advance the availability of such services to all consumers, including those with a low income and those who live in rural, insular, and high cost areas, at rates that are reasonably comparable to those charged in urban areas.
• Increase access to telecommunications and advanced services in schools, libraries, and rural health care facilities.
• Provide equitable and non-discriminatory contributions from all providers of telecommunications services to the fund supporting universal service programs.

Yet when the topic comes up in congress, even more fundamental points are often brought up.

Cell Phones Are Needed to Call 911

Equal access to cell phones is essential to keeping crime down. Before the fund was created, it was common for low-income neighborhoods to have no access to cell phones at all. If a robbery, street fight or shooting took place, there was no easy way to report it to the police. Witnesses had to find a landline phone or find a pay phone, which gave criminals time to get away.

In some ways, the free cell phone program actually saves money. By lowering crime and saving lives, the program helps reduce prison costs, healthcare costs and other costs that come from higher criminal activity.

Phones Are Needed to Apply for Jobs

One of the most important requirements for applying for any job is a cell phone. After all, prospective employers need to be able to call applicants to let them know whether or not they got the job. Once an applicant has a job, they need their phone to communicate with their employers. Not leaving a phone number on a job application is a surefire way to get your application turned down.

Before the program, this was a Catch-22. Low-income households couldn’t afford a phone because they didn’t have a job. Yet they couldn’t get a job, in part because they couldn’t afford a phone. It

Communication is a Basic Right

Before cell phones, the government required all landlords to provide landlines to tenants. Nowadays however, landlines are both more impractical and more expensive than cell phones. Everybody has the right to communicate. It’s an essential part of everyday life. This government program makes that possible.

This program is designed to give everyone, regardless of income, the ability to communicate. It’s not excessive – usually around 250 minutes a month – which is just enough for basic communication.

That’s the long and short of who pays for free government phones and why. It doesn’t truly come from “the government,” instead it comes from everyday people who have a phone. The government simply writes the laws that require phone companies to fund the Universal Service Fund. Through this fund, everyone in the country can have access to affordable cell phones.

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“Get this brand new phone with a retail value of $500 for free!” “Free Android phone!” “Free phone if you order online now!” We see these ads constantly; online, on TV, in stores. How is it possible to get a “brand new $500 phone” for free? There’s got to be a catch, right? Of course there is! Nothing out there is truly “free”.

Generally speaking, new phones are only offered for free or at discounted prices if you sign up for a new two year contract through the company offering the deal. This means that no matter how bad your service is, no matter how soon you realize you hate your device, no matter how quickly a newer, better version of your phone comes out- you are hooked in that contract until the end. That is, of course, unless you want to pay an outrageous “early termination fee” which generally ends up being the difference in the cost of the phone. So when you see that Verizon is offering a killer deal on the phone that you have wanted for months and you sign that 2 year contract to get it, even though the phone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be a month from now you’re stuck with it!

Oftentimes, they have some sort of return policy; 7 days to return or exchange. 14 days maybe, if you’re lucky. However, when it comes to using any new phone, it takes at least that to figure out all the ins and outs about it! So if on day 8 you decide that your free, barely functioning phone that doesn’t do anything that you wanted or expected it to do isn’t for you? You’re too late! You’re still locked into that contract with that phone, or you end up paying full price for the phone in order to cancel your service and move on.

None of this even begins to account for the insurance plans offered for these “great, new ‘free’” phones! Picture this: you get that Android you’ve always wanted for $0.00 and only 2 years of your life in place of that $499.99 it should’ve been. A few months later, you lose it. Luckily, you were smart enough to agree to that $5.99 per month insurance plan that they offered upon sign up so you think to yourself, “well, no big deal! I’ll just call in and get it replaced for free.” WRONG! On smart phones: Androids, iPhones, Blackberries, the deductible to have your phone replaced is generally around $175. If you’re anything like me, you are not willing to spend nearly $200 on a free phone! So, you suspend the service to make sure no one else is using it and continue your search for as long as you possibly can without using your phone.

One thing they may or may not tell you when you “temporarily suspend your service” is that even though your service isn’t currently active, that doesn’t mean that you’re not still paying for it! There is not any type of cost deduction for suspending and not using your phone while you are locked into a contract that you pay on monthly. So now this free phone is costing you a recurring monthly bill whether you use it or not! And of course, you can only go so much time without a cell phone so when you search for a day or a few days or even a week without finding it, inevitably your only option is to either buy a new phone or pay that $175 deductible to have it replaced.

Now the cost of that “free” phone is starting to add up in your head, right? At this point, we have a monthly recurring bill. As an estimate (on the low end) let’s just call that $75 a month. Mind you, this is whether you are using the phone or not! Of course if you are using the phone and go above and beyond your monthly allowance, you are also facing overage charges. Those can get pretty outrageous. We also have the $175 deductible should you lose or damage your phone in anyway outside of the basic manufacturer’s warranty. Mind you again, the manufacturer’s warranty only lasts one year, only half of your contract. So bare minimum, assuming you never lose or damage your phone, over the course of 2 years your free phone is going to cost you $1,800.

There are so many better options out there! The only true “free” phone that I have seen so far are the phones offered through the government to low income individuals. Those of course are geared towards keeping these individuals in contact with family members, doctors, and possible work opportunities and aren’t the type of phone you hope and dream for. No smart phones, no iPhones, nothing like that. Just simple, basic, make and receive texts and calls with a numerical keypad, phones.

However, if the situation that you are in requires it- they could definitely be a great choice for you! If low income is not you but you are still looking for a deal, pre paid is a great route to take. You may end up spending more on the phone that you want upfront, but you aren’t locked into one of those pesky contracts. You pay your bill upfront, there’s never a chance of overages, no hidden fees or surprise bills. They are definitely an awesome option for anyone looking for a little cut back on their cell phone bill. These days, you can even get Android powered phones and Blackberries on a lot of these pre-paid plans! Not only that, but generally speaking the cost for service is typically cheaper on a pre-paid plan than in a contract plan. There are quite a few pre paid providers out there that offer unlimited everything for only $50 a month! From now on, when you see that “get your free cell phone here!” sign, I hope you can remember what that free phone will actually end up costing you! As an initial upfront cost, there is definitely a benefit to signing a contract for a free phone. But when it really comes down to spending less, a free phone for a 2 year contract is not your best bet!

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Free Government Cell Phone Program Provides Wireless Coverage to Low Income Families (How to Get A Free Cell Phone Plan from the Government)

In an ever-increasingly technologically connected world, the Lifeline government assisted cell phone program provides an important service to those in lower-income families who would otherwise not have access to wireless phone service. Through partnership with different wireless providers, the Lifeline program brings those who qualify nationwide cell phone coverage at little to no cost. A simple application process is necessary to establish qualification; due to the fact that there are several different providers involved in the Lifeline program, most every qualifying person in the United States has a chance at receiving wireless phone service. While some areas do not currently have coverage, the program is ever expanding.

The first step in being considered for this government funded assistance is to search for the wireless program that provides coverage in your area. In Washington State, for example, Assurance Wireless provides free Virgin Mobile phones and minutes to its qualifying residents. Qualification is fairly easy, as nearly all those who participate in other government assisted programs will be eligible. Those who do not participate in these types of programs (such as medical assistance, food stamps, or federal assisted public housing) may also qualify based on household income. Qualifying residents of Washington State are provided a free phone and 250 free minutes (and text messages with select plans) a month through Assurance, which also operates in thirty-five other states and the District of Columbia. While Assurance Wireless is not available in all areas, it continues to expand its services, and other wireless assistance programs are in place in those areas which are not currently covered, including Safelink Wireless and Assist Wireless.

Once you figure out which company provides coverage in your area, and are sure that you meet qualification based either on your participation in other government assistance programs or household income, being considered for the program is easy as applying online (by downloading a state-specific form that can be mailed or faxed to your local office) or calling a toll-free number to discuss the application process with a representative. Those who do not participate in other government funded assistance programs will need to present a copy of their previous year’s State or Federal income tax return, or three consecutive months’ worth of their most recent pay stubs, as well as proof of any and all other forms of income such as a Social Security benefits statement, Veterans Administration benefits statement, Retirement or Pension fund benefits statement, divorce decree or child support documentation, or Unemployment/Workman’s Compensation benefits statement in order to be considered for program qualification.

The benefits of the Lifeline Assistance program are many, as it provides several different options to suit the preferences and needs of those involved. In the case of the Assurance Wireless users, in addition to the base plan of 250 minutes (and text messages with select plans) a month, the Assurance phone functions as any wireless one would, with both pay-as-you-go and monthly pay options to suit the diverse preferences of the user. Providing an array of payment options (PayPal, credit or debit, Virgin Mobile “top up” cards) makes it as accessible as any typical nationwide wireless service, with the added benefit of no annual contract or activation fees and free calls to customer care regarding any account issues or changes. Virgin Mobile “top up” cards put additional minutes and text messages on Assurance accounts in minutes and are easily accessible as well, being sold nationwide in everywhere from gas station convenience stores to Wal-Mart and Target Discount stores. In addition to the explicit benefits of the three plans available through Assurance (which are listed on their website), these plans also guarantee 250 minutes and 250 text messages each month as long as users remain eligible, regardless of whether they can pay for their plan a specific month. While the wireless coverage provided under Assurance is not available everywhere, it does reach some 282 million people over thirty-six states and counting. Continuing growth of this program means a growth of coverage area and strength of service to users. As with any program, some restrictions will apply to those who take advantage of their qualification for this service.

The Lifeline program limits service to one non-transferable line per household and requires annual certification. With annual certification, recipients are asked to provide proof of eligibility at least once a year through their qualification for and/or participation in other government assistance programs or household income being at or below the applicable Poverty Guidelines thresholds based on the size of their family.  If recipients no longer qualify for service, or cannot provide proof of qualification, their service will be terminated. However, in the event that a member no longer meets qualifications for service (due to an increase in income, for example), they can easily transition into a wireless plan available by their provider to suit their recent change in needs. Overall, the Lifeline government assisted cell phone program is not only fairly stress-free to apply for, but also hassle-free to qualify for regardless of whether you currently take part in other government assistance programs or not.

The coverage areas are widely expanding based on need, and the program is continuing to improve as a result. While not all states currently have coverage through the Lifeline program, expansion is desired and has been continuous since the program was first initiated, with over thirty-five states included in the current grouping.

The array of options the wireless companies involved with the Lifeline program can provide suit the differing needs of the program’s members, and the availability of free assistance makes troubleshooting any account or phone issues simple. It indeed does provide a “lifeline” for those who otherwise would not have access to wireless coverage due to a shortage of expendable income in their household, giving easy and low or no cost access to emergency services such as 911, as well as a means to contact friends and loved ones.

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The Telecommunications Act of 1996 is often denounced as the government law that deregulated the telecommunications industry, resulting in media conglomerates like MSNBC and Time Warner Cable. Those media conglomerates are sometimes critiqued as controlling and limiting Americans’ access to information. But a little known benefit of the 1996 Telecommunications Act was the creation of the Universal Services Fund.

You’re wondering what the USF is, aren’t you? It’s that mystifying and annoying little line on your phone bill that you always mean to inquire about but then forget because there are more important things in life like wasting time on Facebook and fantasizing about what you’d do if you won the lottery. That small service fee on your phone bill helps to fund the Lifeline Assistance Program, which provides free cell phones and cell phone service plans to low income Americans.

Now before you rail about free cell phones being proof that socialists are taking over American politics, understand that qualifications for a cell phone and cell phone service are limited. First, you have to qualify by being low-income. For the purposes of the Lifeline program, this means you must be currently enrolled in a government assistance program like:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as food stamps,
• Medicaid
• SSI (also known as Social Security Disability)
• The National School Lunch Free Lunch Program
• Household income (up to 135% of the federal poverty guidelines)
• Other federal aid, like the Pell Grant for college students

The free cellphone is often known as the Obama phone, but the Lifeline program has been in effect since 1985. Initially the Lifeline program applied to landlines, but since 2005, the program has provided free cell phones to qualified people living in certain American states, territories, commonwealths, or Tribal lands.

The Lifeline program was expanded to cellphones because American society is changing. Twenty years ago or more, most people communicated by landline-based telephones. Today, most people communicate by cellphone. Some have even eliminated their landlines and rely solely on cellphone for communications. Everyone knows the benefits of cellphones. They help you stay connected with your family, can help you find or keep work, and cell phones are invaluable in the case of an emergency.

So while cell phones are ubiquitous because they are necessary to function smoothly in contemporary society, people who qualify for a Lifeline phone don’t get a top-of-the-line iPhone or Android-type phone. There are no bells and whistles with the Lifeline program. If you qualify, you get a basic cellphone (like the TracFone) not a smartphone. Qualified applicants who receive a government-subsidized cell phone are limited to 250 minutes each month, including local and long distance calls. You have the option to buy more minutes if you need them.

Like most government programs, the USF’s Lifeline program is massive. The Federal Communications Commission, the government agency responsible for oversight of the USF Lifeline program, paid out more than $1.6 billion dollars. That large budget has come under scrutiny and criticism from some who say the FCC is doing a poor job managing the program.

Senator Claire McCaskill, for example, asked the FCC to investigate the Lifeline program when she received a mail solicitation to apply for a free, government-subsidized cell phone. An audit of the Lifeline program revealed that some qualified applicants had received more than one phone and some applicants who exceeded the income limits had received a free cell phone.

Not all states participate in the program, and eligibility varies from state to state. To get started, visit Lifeline.gov or Lifelinesupport.org. View the state eligibility requirements and click on one of the links to program providers like AssuranceWireless.com or SafeLinkWireless.com. Follow the directions, and you could be one of millions of Americans who let Uncle Sam foot the bill for your cell phone and cell phone minutes.

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Modern life in America revolves around communication and the tools with which we share and receive information. Our letters are sent by e-mail. Our conversations take place over the phone. Teenagers don’t pass notes in school anymore. They send texts. We can video chat with loved ones or send out status updates to the entire world from our computers. Television has reported the news around the clock for years. We can watch sports on our tablets while flying in an airplane or post pictures of our ski vacation from the chair lift. Many of us lead lives dominated by our gadgets. It is important not to take that ease of access for granted.

I have a cell phone that receives internet access almost anywhere in America. With it, I can get in touch with everyone I know in a matter of seconds.(In reality, I mostly use my cell phone to keep track of football scores. but that’s not the point.)I can search for jobs on my web browser, e-mail a response to a human resources department with an “app”, set up an interview with the telephone feature, and get directions to the office with GPS. Of course, I could complete most of these tasks at a computer terminal at the local library, but the phone call would be tricky. We have arrived at a moment in history when it might be necessary for survival to have access to at least a bare minimum level of technology. Without a basic cell phone, or at least a reliable land line, it would be nearly impossible to apply for employment.It is a problem that many of America’s unemployed families now face. How do I get a job if my future employer can’t call me back?

Not having a phone number produces other challenging situations as well. Even if I already have a job. how will my boss let me know that I need to come in early tomorrow? Can the doctor’s office call me back with test results? How do I call 911 in an emergency? Can my child’s school get in touch with me? A telephone is an important tool of modern life and many low-income families are struggling to afford it.

Many Americans are probably unaware that they are part of the government’s attempt to solve this problem. Beginning in 1984 with a program called “LifeLine” the United States has been subsidizing low-income families’ phone bills or helping them acquire free or discounted cell phones. Service providers who participate in the program provide the services according to FCC regulations. When a paying customer receives a phone bill from one of the companies participating in the program it may contain a charge that contributes to the funding of the program. Families who apply for a LifeLine subsidized phone service are required to provide proof that they qualify for the program. This generally means that individuals must qualify for other government assistance programs such as food stamps, Medicaid, a school’s free lunch program, or public housing assistance. Only one family member per household may qualify for the benefit at a time. Subscribers are required to submit proof of qualification once a year. Applications are made to the phone or service provider. Different states have different policies concerning qualifications and benefits. In general, a qualifying household is below or almost below the poverty line. According the United States Census Bureau, a family of four needs an income of about $19,000 to remain above the poverty threshold. Individuals who qualify for the service can receive land-line installation discounts or help with their monthly payments. Cell phone users often receive a set number of free minutes before they are charged. Several companies offer free or discounted phones as an incentive to sign contracts with them. One company, TracFone Wireless, runs a program called “SafeLink Wireless.” Its goal is to attract new customers to the company with offers of free minutes and cheap phones. The idea is that once a customer no longer qualifies for the program he or she is more likely to stay with their current phone and service provider than they are to switch.TracFone’s website claims to serve over 18.8 million customers. The company’s plans are all prepaid, removing much of the risk surrounding a contract with low-income subscribers.

Much of the criticism surrounding the LifeLine program concerns allegations of abuse by individuals taking advantage of the loose application procedures. A Google search turns up dozens of stories of people abusing the system. People were managing to acquire more phones or free services than they qualified for. Services were not being used for emergency or other necessary purposes. There is also some general outrage that paying customers are funding free products for people who will not be asked to repay the favor. Although the FCC has apparently cracked down on much of the abuse, numbers of applicants and qualifying users have steadily risen in recent years. This rise has been attributed to effective advertising campaigns by participating service providers, a deepening recession, and the growing social necessity of owning a cell phone. People are using the free minutes for business and emergency calls but they are still making room in their budgets for upgrades to their phones or plans.Despite any controversy, the government’s cell phone plan is still basically a good idea.Access to a basic telephone service is almost as much of a necessity in today’s world as clean water, affordable food, and reasonable shelter. Without a phone it would be nearly impossible to be successful and safe in America.

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