Why do people on public assistance get free cell phones?

[Fear No Evil]

Originally posted by: Harvey

Originally posted by: paperfist

Topic Title: Why do people on public assistance get free cell phones?
Topic Summary: Free caller ID and roll over minutes too!

I can think of one good reason. Communication is essential for those trying to find work or otherwise get off of public assistance and for to stay in touch with their families. Many of them don't have stable living situations. They may be living in unstable conditions with friends or in short term accomodations, or they may be homeless.

Unlike a wired connection, a cell moves with them, allowing them to maintain that communication. It's just another form of assistance one would hope has more to gain than it costs. It's certainly not worth getting your panties in a wad.

What about the internet? Clearly its a critical source of news and information for a lot of people. Its also the only way some companies accept applications and such. Should we be offering up free internet for these people as well?

 

[FuzzyBee]

Do they have to show an official state ID to get these?

 

[Moonbeam]

Originally posted by: Fear No Evil

Originally posted by: Harvey

Originally posted by: paperfist

Topic Title: Why do people on public assistance get free cell phones?
Topic Summary: Free caller ID and roll over minutes too!

I can think of one good reason. Communication is essential for those trying to find work or otherwise get off of public assistance and for to stay in touch with their families. Many of them don't have stable living situations. They may be living in unstable conditions with friends or in short term accomodations, or they may be homeless.

Unlike a wired connection, a cell moves with them, allowing them to maintain that communication. It's just another form of assistance one would hope has more to gain than it costs. It's certainly not worth getting your panties in a wad.

What about the internet? Clearly its a critical source of news and information for a lot of people. Its also the only way some companies accept applications and such. Should we be offering up free internet for these people as well?

Of course, but we first need it to be freely available via phone.

 

[heyheybooboo]

Originally posted by: piasabird
I would like to point out some possibilities.

First these phones may be cheaper than having to spend money on land-based phones.

Ding! Ding! Ding!


It also keeps poor people off the internets.

With all this wonderful discourse why would we want some indigent rabble screwing it up by participating, improving themselves and developing computer skills on a Pentium II with dial-up?