Fixed Mobile Convergence

While cell phones and mobile communications have become a staple in most people's daily lives, many low income earners are not able to afford this convenience. Add to this the rate of increasing unemployment and a deteriorating economy, and having an extra cell phone bill becomes unbearable for many.

Now, TracFone Wireless, a prepaid cell phone provider, has announced it is helping the more than 1.5 million low income families in N.Y. get a cell phone with their SafeLink Wireless service.

SafeLink Wireless is the company's distribution of LifeLine, a U.S. government supported program that offers eligible low income households a free cell phone, mobile access to emergency services, and free airtime minutes for up to one year.

Recipients will be receiving up to 68 airtime minutes for free, once those are used, they can then purchase prepaid SafeLink Wireless airtime cards or TracFone airtime cards.

 

Having SafeLink Wireless means low income families can enjoy the same advanced mobile communications capabilities and accessibility as others, as well as rest assured that if an emergency does occur, no matter where they are, they can stay safe and connected.

 

“More than 1.5 million households in New York qualify for the Lifeline services – offering these participants the opportunity to have the same access and privileges many individuals take for granted when it comes to using cell phones,” said Jose Fuentes, Director of Government Relations for TracFone.

 

 “The SafeLink Wireless service is truly unique because we are providing a service that no other company has made available before – a free cell phone and free monthly minutes to qualifying low income families,” said Fuentes.

 

According to one study, “Cell Phones Provide Significant Economic Gains for Low-Income American Households (April 2008),” mobile phones are not only critical for personal safety and access to emergency services, but they can also help increase a low-income family’s economic productivity and earning power.

 

Back in September, SafeLink Wireless also announced the availability of free cell phones and unlimited access to emergency services for more than one million low-income households in Florida.