New York

mwooldri

(10,825 posts)

5. There's a cell phone "lifeline" service.

Tue Nov 18, 2014, 06:17 AM

Nov 2014

For qualified people, they can get a free basic cell phone with a free allocation of minutes and text messages. Typically, these are people whose income is below 133% of federal poverty "guidelines".

Failing that, companies like Trackfone sell basic phones (as low as $10) and low cost pay as you go plans ($15 for 3 months service, but not very many minutes or text messages). AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon offer pay as you go plans, Sprint doesn't but other companies who resell Sprint's services such as Virgin Mobile do.

Also all cell phones are required to access 911 services, even if it has been disconnected. I know some people who keep a used cellphone in their car just for this purpose.

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Highlight:

Pay Phones in New York City Will Become Free Wi-Fi Hot Spots. [View all] elleng Nov 2014 OP

Way cool! Mahalo ellen.. :) Mayor de Blasio.. "for a fair and just city".. from you link Cha Nov 2014 #1

Makes you wonder if they will pick up on the 13th floor.... Spitfire of ATJ Nov 2014 #2

K&R ReRe Nov 2014 #3

Hmmm....As a person who has often used the payphones in Port Authority and who has no cell-phone, WinkyDink Nov 2014 #4

There's a cell phone "lifeline" service. mwooldri Nov 2014 #5

Great idea. Sienna86 Nov 2014 #6

Just try and find a Pay Phone bahrbearian Nov 2014 #7

most excellent idea... n/t annabanana Nov 2014 #8