Cellphones for the Poor

tlj009 · 11-06-2009, 09:22 AM

I really didn't know that we were funding a program to give cellphones to people on wellfare. I knew that we were paying so that any phone, whether it had been disconnected or not, could dial 911. But to give out free cellphones seems a little much.

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**thesteve** · 11-06-2009, 09:31 AM

It's a win-win for the cell phone companies. They take their paying member's money and use it to give welfare recipients phones in hope that when those recipients move out of their welfare state they will be hooked on cell phones and continue to subscribe to a cellular service.

**JayCarrFan** · 11-06-2009, 09:36 AM

I've always wondered about the little charges on end the cell phone bill.

tlj009 · 11-06-2009, 09:47 AM

And it kinda makes me mad at the phone companies. But then I read that it is established by the FCC. The government is making the phone companies charge me an extra fee to pay for someone else's cellphone.

**JayCarrFan** · 11-06-2009, 09:53 AM

I'm gonna look for it on the next bill. I want to see exactly how much it is. The whole scheme is rather frustrating.

bravesfan007 · 11-06-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayCarrFan

I've always wondered about the little charges on end the cell phone bill.

Yeah, you can take the monthly plan fee and add 20% or so just in taxes on to it. This kind of thing kills me. I agree everyone needs to be able to dial 911, but to be able to talk on a cellphone for free when I have to pay for that luxury? Come on.

tlj009 · 11-06-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Yeah, you can take the monthly plan fee and add 20% or so just in taxes on to it. This kind of thing kills me. I agree everyone needs to be able to dial 911, but to be able to talk on a cellphone for free when I have to pay for that luxury? Come on.

I believe that the 911 fee is a separate fee.

bravesfan007 · 11-06-2009, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlj009

I believe that the 911 fee is a separate fee.

I believe so too. I was alluding to the fact that I believe everyone should have the ability to dial 911 in case of an emergency, but I see no reason for them to have minutes to use otherwise. Much in the same way I feel about people and their houses. If you are getting one built for you through an assistance program you should not get the biggest and best. I believe everyone should have a house, but not one that is larger than what is necessary.

**DaGeek** · 11-06-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bravesfan007

I believe so too. I was alluding to the fact that I believe everyone should have the ability to dial 911 in case of an emergency, but I see no reason for them to have minutes to use otherwise. Much in the same way I feel about people and their houses. If you are getting one built for you through an assistance program you should not get the biggest and best. I believe everyone should have a house, but not one that is larger than what is necessary.

Agreed in full. Welfare for needs is one thing, but luxuries are just that --- luxuries.