Family & Living

TracFone Wireless Launches SafeLink Wireless(R) to Aid 1.5 Million Low-Income Households in New York

 

Participants Receive Over an Hour of Free Talk Time Monthly and Free Wireless

Cell Phone

 

    NEW YORK, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Today, TracFone Wireless, Inc., America's leading prepaid cell phone provider, announced its launch of SafeLink Wireless(R) in New York.  SafeLink Wireless will serve as the company's distribution of Lifeline -- a U.S. government-supported program for income eligible households that ensures telephone service is available and affordable for eligible low-income households. 

 

    The SafeLink Wireless service will provide eligible low-income households a free cell phone, mobile access to emergency services and free 68 minutes of air time, monthly, for one year.  The cell phone offers in-demand features: voicemail, text, call waiting, international calling to over 60 destinations and caller ID.

 

    "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," added Fuentes.  SafeLink Wireless offers low-income families accessibility, freedom and the security in knowing that should an emergency occur, wherever they are, they will stay safe and stay connected."

 

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Lifeline program in 1984 and worked to update the service after the crises of Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, as well as the tragedy of September 11.  At the dawn of the 21st century, modern universal telephone service is necessary not only to ensure that the U.S. maintains a rapid, efficient, nationwide communications network, it is important for the purpose of national defense and to promote safety of life and property.  By approving the SafeLink Wireless program, the FCC took action to enhance its Lifeline program and keep the right to communicate in pace with technology.

 

    The Funding of Lifeline

    Lifeline is part of the Low Income Program of the Universal Service Fund (USF), which is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and is designed to ensure that quality telecommunications services are available to low-income customers at just, reasonable and affordable rates. 1700 carriers are eligible to provide the program but TracFone is the first pre-paid company to have elevated the program to modern day communications. 

 

    The Lifeline program is not funded from federal taxpayer dollars, but rather from contributions to the USF by telecommunications carriers collected in part from the Universal Service Charge billed to cell phone users. Instead of a discount on the user's monthly bill, SafeLink applies the USF subsidy to free wireless minutes.  Although a common misconception, TracFone provides the free wireless cell phone to the SafeLink program at the company's expense, in order to make the program viable and attractive. 

 

    SAFELINK WIRELESS(R) SERVICE ELIGIBILITY OVERVIEW BY CITY

 

    Top 10 New York state counties with the most eligible Lifeline participants: 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Program Eligibility

 

    Lifeline program eligibility in the state of New York consists of the following:

 

    -- Family Assistance

    -- Safety Net Assistance

    -- Food Stamps

    -- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

    -- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    -- Medicaid

    -- Veteran's Disability Pension (non-service related disability)

    -- Veteran's Surviving Spouse Pension (non-service related disability)

 

    The SafeLink Wireless service will be provided to low-income families for up to one year.  Participants may renew service and will be required to
re-submit eligibility documentation upon their year completion.  If the participant no longer qualifies for this free service, they will be notified and will be able to keep the cell phone to continue enjoying the benefits as a regular TracFone customer.  Unused minutes will never expire and will automatically rollover.  When recipients surpass their allocated 68 airtime minutes, they will be able to purchase prepaid SafeLink Wireless airtime cards or TracFone airtime cards, including double minute cards.  Existing TracFone customers qualifying for the SafeLink Wireless service may keep their current cell phone, and receive bonus minutes (one-time bonus only) for choosing to keep their current cell phone. 

 

    To learn more about the SafeLink Wireless service, including eligibility requirements, please call 1-800-977-3768, or visit www.safelinkwireless.com. 

 

    About TracFone Wireless, Inc.

    TracFone Wireless, Inc. is America's number one prepaid wireless service in the U.S. with more than 10 million cell phone subscribers.  TracFone is a subsidiary of America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. ("AMX") (BMV: AMX; NYSE: AMX; Nasdaq: AMOV; LATIBEX: XAMXL), the leading provider of wireless services in Latin America with more than 153 million cell phone subscribers.  For more information, please visit: www.tracfone.com. 

 

SOURCE  TracFone Wireless, Inc.