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Pennsylvanians on public assistance now have a new 'civil right' -- free cell phones. Meanwhile, the rest of us get to pay higher cell bills as a result.

Recently, a federal government program called the Universal Service Fund came to the Keystone State and some residents are thrilled because it means they can enjoy 250 minutes a month and a handset for free, just because they don't have the money to pay for it. Through Assurance Wireless and SafeLink from Tracfone Wireless these folks get to reach out and touch someone while the cost of their service is paid for by everyone else. You see, the telecommunications companies are funding the Universal Service Fund to the tune of $4 billion a year because the feds said they have to and in order to recoup their money, the companies turn around and hike their fees to paying customers. But those of use paying for the free service for the poor, should be happy about this infuriating situation, says Gary Carter, manager of national partnerships for Assurance, because "the program is about peace of mind." Free cell service means "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," Cater explained.

ASUG8 wrote:I haven't had a landline in several years, but I thought I remembered questioning a universal service fee at one point and being told it was phone welfare for those who couldn't afford it. I wonder what the burden of proof is to show that you can't afford it......

DJH wrote:http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/capitol/f ... z1TrgxELho

But those of use paying for the free service for the poor, should be happy about this infuriating situation, says Gary Carter, manager of national partnerships for Assurance, because "the program is about peace of mind." Free cell service means "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," Cater explained.

Bronco wrote:--
“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."



250 minutes a month is not very many minutes a day...when they go over...what happens?

bluehenbillk wrote:If the goddamn poor can get 250 free minutes & a free phone as a civil right, why can't the rest of us get like 2 free lap dances at our local gentlemen's club? Sounds fair to me.....

LeadBolt wrote:

bluehenbillk wrote:If the goddamn poor can get 250 free minutes & a free phone as a civil right, why can't the rest of us get like 2 free lap dances at our local gentlemen's club? Sounds fair to me.....

Don't you consider getting screwed > two lap dances?