Learn more about Safelink Wireless

by Nov 29, 2011NEWS ka-no-he-da0 comments

     A Representative of Safelink Wireless will be at the EBCI Housing Office (554-6900), located at 756 Acquoni Road, on Monday, Dec. 5 from 9am -3pm. 

Safelink Wireless

     The federal “Lifeline” program was created during the Reagan Administration. Lifeline is a federal program created by the Reagan era Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1984. The program was enhanced under Telecommunications Act of 1996, which was supported on a broadly bipartisan basis in Congress. The FCC’s Low Income Program of the Universal Service Fund, which is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), is designed to ensure that quality telecommunications services are available to lower- income customers, seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities, persons receiving state or federal assistance, persons receiving temporary assistance through food pantries or shelters to be able to contact family, friends, doctors, especially to be able to call 911.

     Thanks to SafeLink, Lifeline support is now available for wireless phones. Traditionally, the Lifeline program was only available as a discount on a consumer’s landline telephone bill. SafeLink Wireless was created by TracFone Wireless; Inc. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the company to offer Lifeline telephone service. SafeLink Wireless provides phones at no cost to each home, Safelink provides up to 250 minutes for free each month. The cell phone offers in-demand features: voicemail, text, three-way calling, call waiting, caller ID and access to 911. There is never a phone bill and there is no credit check.

     There is no “Obama phone” or other newly created federal program to provide free cell phones. As you may know, this is a myth that is now circulating on the Web via email and blog sites. It has been thoroughly debunked by independent groups. SafeLink phones are not paid for by taxpayers or the federal government. TracFone Wireless pays for the phones and free minutes each month.

     SafeLink Wireless is making the vision of universal access to telecommunications services for all Americans a reality.

     Safelink provides Outreach Coordinators to aid in the application process and assist in one on one customer service.  Contact Susan Jacobs, NC Area Outreach Coordinator, to help assist you with this service by phone: 828-243-9809 and email: susan.jacobs@msn.com.

– EBCI Housing Office