Fixed Mobile Convergence

Using the Sprint (News - Alert) Network—which reaches more than 275 million people—Assurance Wireless launched in Pennsylvania to help the more than 5.5 million unemployed residents, of whom more than 17.5 percent are living below the federal poverty line.

Assurance Wireless, one of Sprint's prepaid brands, is supported by the Lifeline Assistance program, part of the Low Income Program of the federal Universal Service Fund, which is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company. The program ensures that low-income customers have access to quality telecommunications services at reasonable and affordable rates.

The program provides a free wireless phone and 250 minutes of free wireless voice service monthly to those who are eligible. According to a nationwide survey from Assurance Wireless, adults with an income of less than $25,000 are as likely to use their mobile phone for employment searches as those with higher incomes.

Eligible customers are provided with a free phone and a contact number for prospective employers to return calls thus improving the chances of securing jobs and also providing a simple way of being connected with family in times of emergencies.

Customers eligible for Assurance Wireless include those who participate in Medicaid, food stamps/SNAP, temporary assistance to needy families, supplemental security income, general Assistance, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or National School Lunch Program's Free lunch program and also those who qualify based on low household income. Eligibility is different in different states.

In a press release, Dave Trimble (News - Alert), vice president for Assurance Wireless acknowledged that times were tough for Pennsylvanian residents and was glad that Assurance Wireless could offer to help eligible customers in their search for employment.

Business columnist and personal finance expert Louis Barajas emphasized the significant role that programs like Assurance played in helping individuals and families stay on, or get back on their feet and succeed in these difficult financial times.

In addition to the free phone and service that Assurance Wireless provides, it also introduced affordable choices to give its customers the opportunity to add voice minutes and text messaging to their free wireless service on small payments. Keeping the core offer intact, customers can buy additional minutes or texts at 10 cents each. While the $5 Talk offer increases the amount of minutes available each month to 500; the $20 Talk and Text offer increases the minutes to 1,000 and adds 1,000 text messages.

A service protector feature is also tagged on that guarantees the basic 250 free minutes each month, in case the customer is unable to pay the additional dollars during a particular month. In addition to voice mail and call waiting, Assurance Wireless provides caller ID and access to 911 in case of emergency. All Assurance Wireless subscribers are entitled to these new offers.

Eligible residents can apply for Assurance Wireless by calling the toll free 800-395-2171, or visiting the Assurance Wireless website.

On Jan. 28, TMCnet reported that Assurance Wireless launched in South Carolina and provided a free wireless phone and 250 free minutes of wireless voice service monthly to its eligible customers.