Do We Have A 'Right' to a Cell Phone?

Free cell phones are now a civil right

Pennsylvanians on public assistance now have a new 'civil right' -- free cell phones. Meanwhile, the rest of us get to pay higher cell bills as a result.

Recently, a federal government program called the Universal Service Fund came to the Keystone State and some residents are thrilled because it means they can enjoy 250 minutes a month and a handset for free, just because they don't have the money to pay for it. Through Assurance Wireless and SafeLink from Tracfone Wireless these folks get to reach out and touch someone while the cost of their service is paid for by everyone else. You see, the telecommunications companies are funding the Universal Service Fund to the tune of $4 billion a year because the feds said they have to and in order to recoup their money, the companies turn around and hike their fees to paying customers. But those of use paying for the free service for the poor, should be happy about this infuriating situation, says Gary Carter, manager of national partnerships for Assurance, because "the program is about peace of mind." Free cell service means "one less bill that someone has to pay, so they can pay their rent or for day care...it is a right to have peace of mind," Cater explained...

I'm old enough I recall the very long period of history before cell phones.  When cell phones first came out, they were as big and heavy as bricks, and cost a minor fortune. I have no idea how they sounded because I never used one in that era.  They were reserved for the wealthy and the wannabes.  I got my first cell phone largely as a boating safety device; it was the first in a series of cheap no-contract cell phones.

So now, ownership of a cellphone, and a plan with 250 minutes a month is a "civil right"?  How about bubblegum; is that a "civil right" too?

Speaking of cellphones.  My current cheapo appears to be on the fritz...  I guess I have to decide if I'll bend to the times and look at smarter phone.  Anybody got any suggestions?

Update, the phone just needed a little time to itself.  I turned it off and on and it was happy again, or at least as happy as a stupid phone can be.