free cell service for everyone, thanks big O

[RACER X]

https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enr...blic/home.aspx

"Lifeline Assistance is part of a program that was created by the government to provide discounted or free telephone service to income-eligible consumers. To help bring you this important benefit, SafeLink Wireless is proud to offer Lifeline Service. Through our Lifeline Service you will receive FREE cellular service, a FREE cell phone, and FREE Minutes every month! SafeLink Wireless Service does not cost anything – there are no contracts, no recurring fees and no monthly charges.
Any Minutes you do not use will roll-over. Features such as caller ID, call waiting and voicemail are all also included with your service. If you need additional Minutes, you can buy TracFone Airtime Cards at any TracFone retailer Walmart, Walgreens, Family Dollar, etc). SafeLink Airtime Cards will be available soon.
Your exact benefits, including the number of free Minutes you will receive, depend on the state you live in. Please enter your ZIP code to get the details for your state. "

[shmike]

This service has been around long before Obama.

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by shmike

This service has been around long before Obama.

So has the ability to dial 911 in most places, even from a phone that has been 'disconnected.' That's all the 'emergency' phone use that people need. Other than that walk down to the gas station and drop a quarter.

[RACER X]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

Other than that walk down to the gas station and drop a quarter.

now that is a rarety, a payphone.

[defector]

Originally Posted by RACER X

now that is a rarety, a payphone.

Especially for a quarter - they cost fiddy cent around here, and can be found within 100 yards of any quality liquor store.

[unknownroad]

Originally Posted by defector

Especially for a quarter - they cost fiddy cent around here, and can be found within 100 yards of any quality liquor store.

I'm in a fairly low-income area, so i know of 3 or 4 within reasonable walking distance of my office, between the three gas stations and two liquor stores... but they've all been vandalized and are unusable. I don't know where the nearest functioning one is.

However, living where I do, I find it harder to make a snap judgement on this from a libertarian perspective. There are a LOT of elderly, infirm people living in my area, which is pretty rural. Many live with family, but some try to remain independent as long as they can. You can't use 911 to call your son and ask him to pick up your medication.

I could easily get by on 68 minutes a month, but i suspect i don't meet the income requirements

[shmike]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

So has the ability to dial 911 in most places, even from a phone that has been 'disconnected.' That's all the 'emergency' phone use that people need. Other than that walk down to the gas station and drop a quarter.

Agreed 100%.

I will say though, that pay phones aren't as easy to find as they once were.

Around here, the local phone company has totally shut down their "coin" division and the majority of pay phones have been removed.

[askmrjesus]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

So has the ability to dial 911 in most places, even from a phone that has been 'disconnected.' That's all the 'emergency' phone use that people need. Other than that walk down to the gas station and drop a quarter.

I can't even remember the last time I saw a payphone.

JC

[CrazyKell]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

Other than that walk down to the gas station and drop a quarter.

Doesn't it cost more than a quarter these days?

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by CrazyKell

Doesn't it cost more than a quarter these days?

Obviously I'm not one of those people who needs to walk down to the gas station.

When I was a kid, it was dropping a dime.