Free Cell Phones Don't Make Sense

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Free Cell Phones Don't Make Sense

(Toronto, Canada)

While I believe that a cell phone is extremely useful, if you cannot afford one, then you do NOT get one. The government needs to provide basic necessities like food, a roof and health care to those in need. Everything else should be paid for by the individual him/herself when and if he/she can afford to do so. At least, that's my position. :)

Comments for
Free Cell Phones Don't Make Sense

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Jan 25, 2011

WHY ISN'T EVERYTHING FREE FOR THE POOR!
by: Anonymous

Giveaways have got to stop, look at ca. If you can't afford a cell phone - too bad; ether borrow one or find a land line. Free internet access; peachy, now that they have internet access, we'll have make sure they all have new computers. Now I'm so happy that all the poor people have a cell phone, internet access and computers. But wait; now that they have a cell phone and internet access they will be able to find a job. Hooray!! But alas, they don't have a dependable car to get to their job. Government to the rescue, I think that all poor people should be able to a new car for free - including insurance and the necessary government credit card to pay for gas and repairs. It's too bad that my wife and i work for a living and pay for everything that we have - 2 12 year old trucks, a 6 year old cell phone that's only a phone. Thanks govt. No unicorns on our lawn in the morning.

Sep 13, 2010

Overall Cost - Makes Sense!
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for your comments. That makes a lot of sense actually, and I have no doubt that's the case. It will be interesting to see how these free services evolve over the next few years!

Sep 04, 2010

It's statistics - the alternative costs governments more
by: Anonymous

The reason why governments provide subsidized (not necessarily free) Universal Service phones to low income people isn't intuitive (like they'll obviously die without food). It's that timely help is significantly cheaper than delayed help, when statistically averaged over the whole low income population that the government is legally required to help.

Of course 911 is free on most unregistered cell phones to get a timely ambulance response for heart attacks and strokes, but the timely help principle statistically applies to many services one can't get through 911.

For example, it's vital that the government assist employment. Though some people don't, most people need a phone to get and hold a job, like calling a taxi when their car breaks down. But statistically, low income people with subsidized phones cost the government less to help than those without phones. The government is funded mostly by taxpayers, so bizarre as it looks to them, subsidized or free cell phones reduce the overall tax requirements.

Dec 30, 2009

Free Cell Phone Service is Crazy!
by: Anonymous

I couldn't agree more! I can't understand why people, and the government think that offering free cell phone service to people who can't afford it makes any sense at all. I hear there's talk about providing access to the Internet as well to low income families. I can understand how access to information can help with knowledge and education, but there's always public libraries.

Anyway, I think this idea is just so silly and strange. I'd like to hear from people who think this is a good idea and why. I think the idea of wireless companies offering free service at their own cost is the best idea!

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