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Originally Posted by longrange1947
I am tired of paying for Obama phones, and every other "buy the vote" gimmick used by the left to maintain power on the backs of people that actually have done something with their life.
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Funding for this program far precedes the Obama Administration and came through the Lifeline government program which was established in 1984 (Reagan Administration) by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assist low income families and update communication services in areas affected by disasters.
On September 29, 2009, the prepaid cell phone provider Tracfone Wireless, Inc., announced the launch of SafeLink Wireless in Illinois. According to a September 29, 2009 Reuters article, SafeLink Wireless is the first and only completely free offering of Lifeline -- a U.S. government supported program for income eligible households that ensures telephone service is available and affordable for eligible low-income households. The TracFone Wireless company is a subsidiary of América Móvil S.A.B. de C.V. based in Mexico City.
Although people now refer to this program as the "Obama phone," the Reuters article said that the program was based on a decision made by the FCC to "enhance its Lifeline program and keep the right to communicate in pace with technology."
The concept of providing cellular phones to low income families actually dates back before the Obama administration. According to a June 3, 2008 wirelessandmobilenews.com article, TracFone became the "first wireless provider to be designated by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) for the purpose of offering Lifeline."
In order to qualify, families (poor, elderly, infirm) must meet certain criteria and verify income annually.
Funding for the Lifeline program is collected in the form of surcharges that are included in telephone and cellular phone bills.
And so it goes...
Richard