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(USGovernment-News.Com, September 10, 2012 ) Los Angeles, CA -- While many people across the country are aware of the government program that providesfree cell phones to people in need, there are still a number of persistent myths about the program, according to the website CellularPhones4Free.com. The website has made it a goal to give consumers facts about the free cell phone programanddispel these myths. According to site creators, there are five myths that are commonly believed when it comes to the program, called the Federal Lifeline Plan.
Myth One: There is some sort of catch to the Federal Lifeline Plan.
Some consumers don’t believe that it’s actually possible to receive a free cell phone, so their first inclination is that it must be a gimmick. The truth is that the Lifeline Assistance program has helped several million people receive phones.
Myth Two: The program was started by President Obama
The Federal Lifeline program actually began in 1984 by the Federal Communication Commission. The goal of the program originally was to lower the cost of landline service to residents in rural areas. The plan was extended to cover the cost of cell phones in April of 2008, before Obama was elected to the Presidency.
Myth Three: This program is funded by taxpayer money
This is one of the most common misconceptions about the Lifeline Assistance Program. The Lifeline Assistance program is actually funded by a fee paid by telecommunications companies, who in turn, pass this fee to their customers. This fee, which appears on cell phone bills as the Universal Service Fee, allows cell phone companies to provide free cell phones to those in need. So even though the program is supported by the government, it is not paid for by tax dollars.
As a matter of explanation,a fee is different from a tax in that a fee is charged in connection with a service (e.g. cell phone service); a tax is charged without having a specific service rendered in return.
Myth Four: The government is providing people with a frivolous need—a cell phone is not a necessity
Many people believe this myth, particularly as they have heard about the greatly- publicized abuse of the program.However, the ability to communicate is not something most of us would consider a frivolous need. With the declining use of landlines, more and more people depend on cell phones for vital communication, including 911 and other emergency contact calls.Nevertheless, the ability to stay in contact with loved ones and emergency services is not something that anyone should be without.
The federal government has acknowledged problems with the previous oversight of the program and is now implementing plans to alleviate abuses.
Myth Five: The government uses free phones to spy on citizens
Post-9/11, many people believe that the government is providing free cell phones as a way to monitor terrorist and other citizen activity. This is not likely to be true, considering most terrorist organizations are well-funded and would not require free cell phones from the government. It’s also unlikely that the government would spend such a great amount of effort and resources to spy on low-income recipients of free phones, with the slim chance of actually gathering any sort of meaningful intelligence.
More information about free cell phone wireless carriers can be found on the following websites:
About the Company CellularPhones4Free.com is an information website that provides citizens with the tools and information they need to understand the Lifeline Assistance program. It offers guidance for applying for the program, as well as important facts about the program.
Contact Information:
Cellular Phones 4 Free 108 Essex Street Los Angeles, CA 93510 United States Phone Number * 12134582849
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