A cellphone company run by a major Democratic donor and President Obama backer has extended its foray into government contracts, from the so-called “Obama phone” to a project intended to provide high-speed Internet access to low-income families -- amid criticism its product is ill-equipped.
Critics also suggest TracFone Wireless CEO F.J. Pollak used his Obama connections to help his company get one of the 14 contracts.
At issue is a $13.8 million pilot project by the Federal Communications Commission that attempts to find the best ways to increase the broadband access rate among the poor and help improve their digital skills – to eventually help them manage household finances, look for work and do other tasks.
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Smart phones... SMART PHONES?!?! Seriously?? I don't consider myself to be poor, but I sure struggle financially. But I don't even have a smart phone! Why do poor people need them? Why not one of those phones that only dial 911 and one or two other numbers? Why a smart phone????
ReplyDeleteIf you really want to level the playing field, give EVERYBODY a Droid or similar phone.
ReplyDeleteSo if this is just political payback, wouldn't you expect a larger portion, not 1/14, of the contracts going to Obama donors?
ReplyDeleteSurprise! Surprise!
ReplyDeleteIf the poor need a phone to look for jobs, then a recycled flip phone will suffice just fine. Although, I used a $10 a month landline to look for my jobs, and paid for it myself, so that point is out the window.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they need a smartphone because they can't read words, much less maps to get them to the interview?
I'm so shocked. And whats up with the constant phone in the ear and annoying conversations in public? I have a cell phone for business and personal and yet have'nt seen the need to constantly be talking with someone when even ordering food from a fast food restaurant or whatever.
ReplyDelete