What It Takes To Find A Free Cell Phone | The Communication Blog

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

What It Takes To Find A Free Cell Phone

By Traci Bolton

What to know about obtaining a free cell phone means learning the two major methods for doing so. The most common is that one will find a wireless provider that is giving away a phone as a promotional item. For sure, just about everyone today is doing so. In the other, one will participate in a government sponsored program that helps people of certain incomes obtain phones and the airtime to use them.

This second method for obtaining a phone can be a real boon to those who just don't have the income to have a phone in the household or a cell phone that they can make use of. For sure, risking going without some form of telephone coverage really puts people at a disadvantage, especially if there is an emergency at some point or another. Relying on the kindness of others can be a bit uncertain.

A number of companies and organizations exist -- with all having websites on the Internet -- that will aid in helping the person get their free cell phone. Not only will they get the phone, but they'll also have regular cellular service and a certain number of minutes per month which will roll over if they are not used. They will have to provide proof that they meet certain income guidelines, though.

Generally, people wishing to obtain a phone in this manner will also need to be participating in one of a number of federal or state aid and assistance programs, including Medicaid, food stamps or are living in public housing. When it comes to the income levels or guidelines that people must meet, it might be a bit surprising to know that those levels are not that steep.

Those who are receiving less than-5% of the income laid out in federal poverty guidelines or state guidelines generally qualify. Also, no one else in the household can be participating in the cell phone program that is available via sponsorship of the government. However, most people will not have this particular problem when it comes to obtaining a phone.

Keep in mind that anyone wishing to be approved for this sort of aid must also have a real home address and not just a post office box. And, those who hope to be approved will need to be able to supply proof of their participation in one of the programs discussed above. This also is generally no problem, as both the federal government and the states provide plenty of documentation.

When you get right down to it, what it takes to find a free cell phone means that one will be looking at either these government programs or entering into a very basic agreement with just about any wireless cell phone service provider. Many of them are practically throwing in free phones just as a promotional gimmick in order to get someone to sign up with their service these days.

About the Author:

The Communication Blog
Bookmark and Share

No comments:

Post a Comment

 

The Communication Blog Copyright © 2009