Communication technology is evolving fast, and it has redefined the way people are communicating with each other. People can reach out to one other with amazing speed using the modern gadgets and technology. People are making the most of the advancements in communication technology to become more competent in performing tasks related to careers and study as well. If you become eligible for schemes such as free government cell phones, you can make your communication expenses highly affordable.

Eligibility

Are you participating in some of the federal and state assistance programs? If your answer is in the affirmative, you qualify for free cellular phones.

Some of the programs that make you eligible for these types of cell phone perks are Home Energy Assistance Programs, National School Lunch, Supplemental Security Income, Section 8 housing, Medicaid, Public Housing Assistance and Food Stamps. You can also qualify for receiving a free government phone if your household income stands below 135% to 150% of the poverty guidelines issued by the Federal authorities. The criteria laid down by state vary from state to state.

Learn about the origin of this federal project

This free sell phone program was initiated when Ronald Reagan was the President of the country. It was known as the Lifeline program, and the Federal Communications Commission played a very important role in initiating this program.

The Universal Service Fund is the agency that offers financial assistance to this program, and it has been consistently updated since its inception. The major purpose of this program is to make telecommunication services cost-effective and financially backward families eligible for a free phone. Generally speaking, each family gets up to 250 free minutes every month. Various studies show that more than 15 million citizens are utilizing these types of schemes and their benefits. Earlier, landline phones were the devices provided to the beneficiaries and people are getting most advanced versions of wireless phones nowadays. The government maintains a good relationship with different cellular phone service providers and all leading companies are cooperating with these types of programs.

Features and benefits

You will receive the most advanced devices with a lot of sophisticated features, and it has become a huge success with the sincere cooperation of leading telecommunication companies. It does not mean that you will get the latest smartphones available in the market. A basic device is provided, but with all those modern updates. Some of the features these devices offer include caller ID, three-way calling, call waiting, voice mail, roaming, text messaging, international calls and local calls as well. Although you can find different types of plans, most of them offer 250 minutes airtime in a month. At the same time; if you are making international calls, extra long distance charges will apply.

The most important thing to keep in mind is the fact that only one unit is offered for a household. A household refers to a group of individuals living together with the same address, and they share the same monthly expenses and income. When you get a device, it must be used at least once in a month. You may have to deal with problems like deactivation if you do not use the device for than two months. For changing the address, you need to inform the government cell phone provider at least one month before. These are the most important things that need to be kept in mind while making use of a free government cellular phone program.