The term “Obama Phone” has been around since President Barack Obama’s inauguration. Some argue that by launching a program that provides free cell phones to the poor, Obama is redistributing wealth. Others believe the program is a ruse. This tag will go over the Obama free smartphone in greater detail, as well as how you can benefit from it.
The Obama phone is actually the Lifeline program. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established the Lifeline Program to provide low-income individuals and families with a monthly phone or broadband internet subsidy. In fact, the program began in 1985, but under the Obama administration saw a dramatic increase in the number of users (see graph below), earning it the nickname “Obama Phone.”
The Obama free smartphone program aims to provide cell phones to low-income Americans who couldn’t afford them otherwise. The program is still growing today because, despite the fact that cell phones and monthly plans have become more affordable, many Americans still cannot afford them.