free cell service for everyone, thanks big O

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by shmike

This service has been around long before Obama.

So has the ability to dial 911 in most places, even from a phone that has been 'disconnected.' That's all the 'emergency' phone use that people need. Other than that walk down to the gas station and drop a quarter.

[RACER X]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

Other than that walk down to the gas station and drop a quarter.

now that is a rarety, a payphone.

[shmike]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

So has the ability to dial 911 in most places, even from a phone that has been 'disconnected.' That's all the 'emergency' phone use that people need. Other than that walk down to the gas station and drop a quarter.

Agreed 100%.

I will say though, that pay phones aren't as easy to find as they once were.

Around here, the local phone company has totally shut down their "coin" division and the majority of pay phones have been removed.

[askmrjesus]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

So has the ability to dial 911 in most places, even from a phone that has been 'disconnected.' That's all the 'emergency' phone use that people need. Other than that walk down to the gas station and drop a quarter.

I can't even remember the last time I saw a payphone.

JC

[Avatard]

The problem is that public phones are vanishing, a relic of the past largely un-needed in today's cell phone ubiquitous world...so for those without a cell phone, 911 rescue is no longer a corner phone booth away.

It would appear that the service provides just enough talk time for emergency use, with additional minutes available for purchase.

[Papa_Complex]

They can still be found up here, and it isn't too difficult. I have to admit though that while in the US I generally find them with the handset ripped out.

However in a good bunch of urban centres if you buy the $20.00 Best Buy special cell phone you've got something that will dial 911 for life.

[defector]

Originally Posted by RACER X

now that is a rarety, a payphone.

Especially for a quarter - they cost fiddy cent around here, and can be found within 100 yards of any quality liquor store.

[CrazyKell]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

Other than that walk down to the gas station and drop a quarter.

Doesn't it cost more than a quarter these days?

[unknownroad]

Originally Posted by defector

Especially for a quarter - they cost fiddy cent around here, and can be found within 100 yards of any quality liquor store.

I'm in a fairly low-income area, so i know of 3 or 4 within reasonable walking distance of my office, between the three gas stations and two liquor stores... but they've all been vandalized and are unusable. I don't know where the nearest functioning one is.

However, living where I do, I find it harder to make a snap judgement on this from a libertarian perspective. There are a LOT of elderly, infirm people living in my area, which is pretty rural. Many live with family, but some try to remain independent as long as they can. You can't use 911 to call your son and ask him to pick up your medication.

I could easily get by on 68 minutes a month, but i suspect i don't meet the income requirements

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by CrazyKell

Doesn't it cost more than a quarter these days?

Obviously I'm not one of those people who needs to walk down to the gas station.

When I was a kid, it was dropping a dime.