It seems like the news is constantly full of United States citizens cautious of the government and their invasion into our everyday lives. One way in which many whistleblowers have exposed this personal intrusion is through the government’s reported monitoring of our cell phone records. Because of this, http://www.phoneservices.us/ has received its fair share of naysayers over the free phone offers they link to. Over the past few years, government agencies have been accused of keeping track of the phone calls and transmitted data of its own people through a program initially designed to be used for overseas transmissions.
These revelations, combined with the government’s Lifeline program which provides free cell phones to those in need, have fueled a lot of speculation over the government’s motivation. Before jumping to any conclusions it is important to understand the allegations made against the NSA and other organizations, and what exactly the Lifeline program offers.
What Exactly Is the Government Doing?
According to William Binney, who spent nearly forty years of his life working for the National Security Agency, the government has been collecting information related to the phone calls of US citizens for years. In fact, Binney quit his post with the NSA due to the increased surveillance of people within the United States following 9/11.
Critics of the United States’ program point out that it was initially meant as a way to protect the country from enemy states by monitoring transmissions outside of the US. According to Binney and other NSA whistleblowers like Thomas Drake, the government has severely shifted its focus and is logging domestic calls as well. These whistleblowers have documented that the US routinely forces the country’s major telecommunications companies to provide them with call logs and access to data.
So Is That Why They’re Giving Out Free Cell Phones?
At the same that that they are collecting this information from their own citizens, the United States government is promoting a program which helps provide cells phones to those in need. Many critics have spoken out harshly about this program stating that it is simply a way for the government to expand its surveillance and data collection tactics.
This is far from the case. The government has been promoting the Lifeline Program For Low-Income Americans for years, potentially since before the NSA eavesdropping began. Originally intended to help low-income citizens stay in contact with landline service, the program was modified in 2012 to be expanded to provide free cellphones and minutes to those who qualify.
How To Get A Free Phone?
Getting a free phone is not difficult at all. According to http://www.phoneservices.us, anyone who is already receiving government assistance such as food stamps may be eligible. In states whether the program is available, if you earn between 135%-150% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may also qualify for free phone service. The guidelines dictates an acceptable income level for your family depending on the number of members in it. For example, a family of four would be allowed a higher level of income (approximately $30,000) than a single applicant would (around $14,700) when calculating the poverty level.
Where Can I Find Information About The Carriers Providing Free Service?
There are nearly two dozen providers around the country that are part of the government’s free phone program. From national service carriers such as Access Wireless and Budget Mobile, to smaller more local carriers like iWireless and Wireless for Hope, finding the ideal provider for you is simple.
Regardless of whether you believe that the government is spying on your phone calls, having a way to contact friends and family members in the case of an emergency is important. For many Americans, the cost of having a cell phone may be more than they are able to afford. Thanks to the government’s Lifeline program which provides access to a free cell phone and up to 250 minutes each month, more people than ever are able to stay safe and connected.