Free Cell Phones

[Jaybird]

DAYTON, Ohio - A newspaper investigation has found that tens of thousands of Ohioans are abusing a federal program that gives free cell phones to low-income households.

The Dayton Daily News reports that cell phone companies are promoting it heavily and it is so commonly abused that 26,500 Ohioans in November have been notified they are violating the rules.

Companies get up to $10 each month for each person who signs up.

The 26,500 who were notified represent 5 percent of all users.

They are suspected of signing up for more than one line. They have 35 days to pick one provider to stick with.

The program had 280,000 Ohioans enrolled in 2008, but that has grown to almost 600,000 this year. The 2010 cost in Ohio was $58.9 million.

Copyright Associated Press



Read more: http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/newspaper% ... z1eedcCeUH

[E_]

So if they are only 5% does that mean there are over 500k in the state getting free gov. phones? WOW!

[Jaybird]

The program had 280,000 Ohioans enrolled in 2008, but that has grown to almost 600,000 this year. The 2010 cost in Ohio was $58.9 million.
And anyone with a cell phone or land line helps pay for it with fees added to your bill.

[Nervous Wreck]

And anyone with a cell phone or land line helps pay for it with fees added to your bill.

Yeah, and that is 'pure' BS!!

[E_]

Yes it is, any cell phone will dial 911 thus no service needed. Give them OLD phones for free to use for emergencies. A phone is NOT a requirement for life.

[Rafe Covington]

A large company rigging the system and stealing money, d@mn that a BIG surprise aint it. Why is any body surprised by that?

Rafe

[E_]

Good point Rafe... lol