Dear Mr. Kelly:
I read in the Nov. 10 edition of the Cumberland Times-News about a program called Safelink Wireless, which is backed by the FCC. This program was approved in March of 2009. There are 11,779 residents in Allegany County who “qualify” for this new program. I called the FCC and asked about the program. I was informed that Congress approved this program.
This program allows residents in Maryland who receive public assistance such as food stamps, Maryland Energy Assistance, medical assitance, etc., to receive a free cell phone with 64 minutes of talk time. Not only does the plan include talk time but also text, call waiting and international calling. Although the article states that no tax dollars support this program, it is funded in part by my universal service charge that is billed to my personal cell phone for which I pay. In other words, it is my money that is paying for this program.
I have several questions concerning this program:
1. Why has this been relatively unknown to the public?
2. Why do those using public assistance need a cell phone?
3. How does giving yet another handout to those on public assistance provide the incentive to get off such help?
4. Did our congressman vote in favor of this plan?
Where does this nonsense end? What is next? A free car for those on public assistance? How about a home computer? A vacation?
Some on such assistance feel that these handouts are an entitlement. Although I am sure some individuals truly need help for a brief time, I see absolutely no need for giving out free cell phones.
I would appreciate your assistance in answering these questions.
Michael A. Pfaff
Cumberland
