Obama Phone: Real or Legend?
Since the day President Barack Obama was inaugurated, the term “Obama Phone” has been around. Some people argue Obama is redistributing the wealth by starting a program that gives free cell phones – Obama phones – to the poor. Others say that is program is a scam.
This post will discuss more on the Obama Phone and how you can benefit from this program.
What is an Obama Phone?
The Obama phone is another name for the Lifeline Program. The Lifeline Program was created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide a monthly phone or broadband internet subsidy to low-income individuals or families. In fact, the program began in 1985 but experienced dramatic expansion to more users under the Obama Administration (see graph below) and is therefore sometimes referred to as the “Obama Phone”.
A brief history of the Obama Phone
Let’s take a look at where the Obama Phone program came from. It might surprise you to learn that it all started long before cell phones.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established the Universal Access Initiative in the 1980s, during the Reagan administration. The goal was to “promote the availability of quality services for all consumers at just, reasonable, and affordable prices.” They proposed what we now know as the Obama Phone after years of research.
The Obama Cell Phone initially provided subsidized phone service to Americans living on or near the poverty line. Please keep in mind that this was in the early to mid-1980s, long before cell phones were invented, so the subsidy only applied to landlines.
Later, in 1996, the FCC proposed the Universal Service Fund, which would require all telecommunications service providers to contribute to a fund that would be used to expand nationwide access to advanced telecommunications services. According to the FCC, the goal was to “improve the availability of such services to all consumers, including those in low-income, rural, insular, and high-cost areas at rates that are reasonably comparable to those charged in urban areas at rates that are reasonably comparable to those charged in urban areas.”
In other words, the FCC recognized that landlines were becoming less important as cell phones became more common.
President Bill Clinton quickly signed the Telecommunications Act into law and President George Bush continued the program. President Barack Obama has followed in their footsteps, and there is widespread optimism that future presidents will continue to back the Obama Phone initiative.
The Obama Phones’ Goal
The Obama Free Phone program was created to provide cell phones to low-income Americans who could not otherwise afford them. The program is still growing today because, while cell phones and monthly plans have become more affordable, they are still out of reach for many Americans.
The initial reasoning behind the Obama Phone program was to help needy Americans:
- Get in touch with prospective employers and become less dependent on government aid programs
- Stay in contact with medical professionals, reduce government medical costs
- Remain closely connected with children and parents
- Have the ability to make emergency phone calls
Who qualifies for an Obama Phone?
Get an Obama Phone because your income is low enough
If your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for a free Obama smartphone.
Get an Obama Phone because you participate in federal or state assistance programs
Most people qualify for a Lifeline Assistance Obama Phone because they participate in a government assistance program:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Head Start
How to get an Obama phone
Step 1: Find an Obama phone provider
If you are sure that you’re eligible for an Obama phone, it’s time to find an Obama phone provider. Many cell phone companies participate in the program across the country. However, several providers offer high-quality smartphones like AirTalk Wireless and Cintex Wireless.
Step 2: Apply for a free Obaba phone by signing up for the Lifeline & ACP Program.
Visit the provider’s website, and sign up for the Lifeline & ACP programs.
Step 3: Complete the application form
Fill in the online application form provided by the Obama phone provider. You will need to provide your personal information and submit proof of qualification for the program.
Step 4: Watch your mailbox!
Once you have finished the application process, you will receive your free cell phone in your mailbox after 5-10 business days, depending on which provider you select.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the Obama phone does exist, and it refers to the Lifeline & Affordable Connectivity Program. To receive an Obama free phone, consumers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in specific public assistance programs. If you select the right free phone program, you will have a chance to own a free smartphone from iconic brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, and Motorola, plus free unlimited phone service. So what are you waiting for? Apply for a Free Obama phone now!