I figure if anyone knows about these Obama phones I keep hearing about it would be someone here.

[haikugal]

I go online and see all kinds of things but nothing that looks official. Is there a government office to contact or is it just phone companies making claims.

I qualify and I need to get some kind of phone and it can't be expensive.

Anybody know about this?

[flamin lib]

1. Start here.

https://www.fcc.gov/guides/lifeline-and-link-affordable-telephone-service-income-eligible-consumers

Obama phone is a misnomer. The program was started under a previous president, can't remember who. It is funded by taxes on the telecom industry, not tax payers, but is administered by govt.

[haikugal]

2. Thank You flamin lib!!!!

Last edited Wed Aug 19, 2015, 06:19 PM - Edit history (1)

DU rocks!!! *whew*

My phone will arrive in 7 to 10 days! Thanks so much for your assistance.

[Curmudgeoness]

3. Wow, that was fast!!!!

As to the history of the phone service for people who could not afford it:

Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services.

https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline

And guess who was president in 1985.....don't have to think too hard, it was Ronnie Reagan. The only reason that it is called Obamaphone is because there was a change that allowed cell phones instead of residential phone service in 2005. In all fairness, it became cheaper to furnish the cell phones....and it is a very basic phone.

If you have ever noticed the fees on all phone bills, one of them is the Universal Connectivity Service fee, and that is what pays for phones for the poor....has been there since 1985.

[haikugal]

5. Yes, it's interesting how the whole "Obama Phone" thing came about isn't it?

It was fast...we were able to do everything online, including providing documentation. It was very fast...

Thanks for the information!

[PoliticAverse]

4. The program was originated when Ronald Reagan was President.

See: http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/cellphone.asp

[haikugal]

6. Thank You!