Everybody's gotta pitch in for a free cell phone!

  So exactly what is peace of mind? Is it a guaranteed income? A rent free house? A cigar after dinner?
  How about a free cell phone?
  Yes, we do, as taxpayers and cell phone owners, pay for the free cell phones people are getting around the country.
  From Pittsburgh Live:

Amy Storey, a spokeswoman for CTIA - The Wireless Association in Washington, said all U.S. wireless carriers charge consumers a fee to recover the cost of their contribution to the fund, which varies quarterly as determined by the Federal Communications Commission.

Assurance Wireless, which is in 26 states and Washington, D.C., started in Pennsylvania in February and is now being publicized in newspaper, TV and radio ads. The company reports more than 5.5 million people could qualify for the program in Pennsylvania. Gary Carter, manager of national partnerships for Assurance, was not able to provide the exact number of people who have signed up.

SafeLink, which has been available to Pennsylvanians for three years, is in 39 states. Spokesman Jose Fuentes could not provide an exact number of users in Pennsylvania, but said there are more than 2 million nationwide.

"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."

  So how does the government determine if you qualify for a free cell phone? What do they ask on the application?
  Well, your user ID is your...home phone number:. From freegovernmentcellphones.net, a website undoubtedly funded by YOU, the taxpayer:

Section A Personal Information

This consists of your name, home telephone number (will become your application ID), street address (PO Box not accepted), city, state and zip.

  Rest assured this is NOT an Obama phone! In fact, this program has been in place for quite a long time, created by the government from special assessments on payers' cell phone bills.
  And from freegovernmentcellphones' Facebook page:

You can get a cell phone from the government. Absolutely free. No hassles. They WANT to hand them out

  But imagine the agony if you discover that your free cell phone could have been freer! There was a better deal just around the corner! 

COLLEEN LUFT July 14, 2011 at 7:36 pm

I WAS APPROVED AND WEDNESDAY, THE 13TH. I RECEIVED A PHONE FROM REACHOUT WIRELESS -COLUMBUS OHIO. THEN TONIGHT I SEEN ON T.V. ASSURANCE WIRELESS, WHICH SEEMS LIKE A MUCH BETTER DEAL FOR AN EMERGENCY PHONE RIGHT UP TO ORDERING EXTRA MINUTES FOR 10CENTS AFTER ALREADY GETTING 250. CAN I RETURN THE REACHOUT GOVERNMENT PHONE AND GET AN ASSURANCE PHONE . I DO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS–LOW INCOME LIVE ALONE ON MEDICADE–FOOD STAMPS (BRIDGE CARD) FEDERAL PUBLIC HOUSING. MY DAUGHTER SAID I SHOULD CHECK AND SHE WOULD EVEN PAY FOR EXTRA MINUTES FOR [address removed by administrator] THANK YOU FOR ANY FEED BACK YOU CAN GIVE ME. 

  Safelink is Ohio's plan. 
  Interesting what poor is considered in this country now.
  As a wise man once said, the poor will always be with you.
  Hey, go Free Government money! Everybody's gotta pitch in!