By Dorothy Rowley
AFRO Staff Writer
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Tracfone's new SafeLink program helps low-income users get cell phones. (Courtesy Photo) |
(June 30, 2009) - In a day and time when it is no longer considered a luxury to have a phone, a government-sponsored program has stepped up to the plate to ensure that low-income District of Columbia residents have access to one of life's most basic necessities.
Earlier this month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), joined forces with TracFone Wireless – a leading prepaid cell phone provider – to distribute free cell phones for one year to more than 63,000 low-income households in the District.
While some 1,700 carriers were eligible to provide the new program called SafeLink, TracFone was the first pre-paid entity to have structured the program into a modern-day realm of communications. According to the FCC, the federally subsidized program provides a free cell phone and 55 minutes of free monthly talk time for emergencies. Phone features include voicemail, text, caller ID, call waiting and international calling to more than 60 destinations.
The initial service is good for one year. Afterwards, participants will have to re-qualify, depending on their level of income.
District households qualify if their income is not above 135 percent of the federal poverty line – or about $28,620 for a family of four. Such households include those that receive Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or are considered subsidized housing.
As of July 2006, about 6.3 million households across the nation did not have landline phones, according to the FCC. To that end, Tracfone said program participants will find their new cell phones convenient for numerous reasons – including connecting to roadside assistance and giving parents' access to their children's schools. In addition, the phones allow potential employers access to people seeking employment.
"The SafeLink Wireless service is truly unique because we are providing a service that no other company has made available before – a free cell phone and free monthly minutes to qualifying low income families," said Jose Fuentes, director of government relations for TracFone.
He added the program will offer low-income families accessibility, freedom "and the security in knowing that should an emergency occur – wherever they are, they will stay safe and stay connected.
"We are offering participants the opportunity to have the same access and privileges many individuals take for granted when it comes to using cell phones," he said.
Residents issued the phones can use additional minutes beyond their monthly allotment by adding minutes through prepaid SafeLink airtime cards and TracFone airtime cards – both of which can be purchased at local retailers. Unused minutes do not expire and automatically rollover. Otherwise, no contract, recurring fees or monthly charges are involved.
The FCC first created a Lifeline program – through which SafeLink Wireless operates – 25 years ago to ensure phone access was affordable to rural and poor communities. During that time officials endeavored to update the service following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as the 9-11 tragedy.
So far, the District and 17 states including Virginia, are benefiting from the program and efforts are currently being undertaken to bring the state of Maryland aboard.
At-Large Councilman Kwame Brown said that while he wasn't that familiar with the program, he felt it would be good for residents who can’t afford a phones, period. "Some people just don't have house phones or cell phones," he said, "so if there's been no way to communicate, this program can provide a no-cost communications tool that's badly needed."
To learn more about the free phones and to apply, District residents can call 1-800-977-3768.
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