WHO: Federal Communications Commission
WHAT: Cell phone service is now on the government’s tab, thanks to the FCC’s $800 million Universal Service Fund. Low income Americans in 17 states are eligible to receive a Motorola 175 cell phone and 68 monthly minutes for an entire year through the fund’s Smartlink Wireless program.
WHY IT’S AN OUTRAGE: Although American taxpayers don’t directly support the cell phone giveaway, they are still losing out. The FCC requires all telecommunications carriers to pay into the fund, and they then shift the cost onto consumers. Some companies even list a specific charge on their monthly telephone bills.
WHERE TO VENT: Contact Universal Service Fund spokesman Ed Rovetto at 202-776-0200.
