Free Cell Phone, Free Minutes on KMOT-TV North Dakota's NBC News Leader

Free Cell Phone, Free Minutes | Video

11/6/2009

For most Americans a phone isn`t just a convenience it`s a necessity. For example, if you`re looking for work, you need a way for potential employers to reach you. Cell phones are often cheaper than land lines, but for many, that may be out of reach. What do you do? Stacy Johnson answers the call.

Over 80% of Americans own a cell phone, and for nearly half--it`s their only phone. For those with little income, or looking for a job... not having a phone isn`t just about missed calls from family: it`s about missed opportunities from employers. The solution?
Jose Fuentes: "We provide a free cellphone, and free monthly minutes, to those who qualify by income or any other social service program from the state."

Jose Fuentes works for Safelink wireless, one of many companies providing discounted phone services through a program called LifeLine funded by the Universal Service fund.

In the case of SafeLink`s program, it`s not a huge giveaway: depending on where you live, you`ll get a free phone and about an hour of talk-time a month. Not much, but enough for a lifeline to family or potential employers.

Jose Fuentes: "The majority of our customers are very savvey with their minutes."

To find out if you`re eligable, you just go to this website, enter your zip code, and check it out. The safelink service is only available in 17 states so far. But no matter where you live, there`s some program that could help you. So, if you`re a low income American, see if you can find one so you can hang up on high phone bills.

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