Fee could be tacked on to free cellphone program | www.wsbtv.com

ATLANTA — A federally funded program that provides free cellphones to 774,000 Georgians might get some state modifications.

Wednesday, protesters stood on the steps of the state Capitol showing their concern about a fee that could be implemented for Lifeline phone users.

This will be discussed at Thursday’s public service commission meeting and could go on the agenda for a vote next Tuesday.

Channel 2’s Liz Artz spoke with Edward Courtney, who has used a Lifeline phone for two years. He got laid off from a construction job and could no longer pay rent and had to move into a homeless shelter. He said the free phone is the only way he survives in a world that runs on technology.

Courtney now works as a day laborer and he says he’s able to get work. He told Artz potential employers can get a hold of him day or night.

The federally funded program gives people living at poverty level 250 free minutes a month. The Georgia Public Service Commission wants to tack on a $5 fee the user would have to pay. It’s money that would go directly to the telecommunication company providing the phone. Those companies already receive $9 from the government to pay for the phones. Courtney told Artz when it comes to paying for MARTA to get a to a job or buying food, $5 a month is a lot of money.

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