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Life Wireless To Offer Subsidized Mobile Phones In Michigan, Texas

COVINGTON, Ga. -- Eligible low-income families and individuals in Michigan and Texas will now be able to receive subsidized mobile phone service from Life Wireless.

Life Wireless provides phone service through the federal Lifeline program, which was created by Congress in 1985 to ensure that all Americans have access to telephone service. Eligible subscribers must take part in a federal assistance program such as Medicaid or Food Stamps or earn up to 135 percent of the federal poverty level. Customers may not receive service from more than one Lifeline carrier at the same time.

Life Wireless customers receive a basic mobile handset with voicemail, text messaging, call waiting, and other features. Smart phones are not available. Calling plans offer up to 250 minutes a month. Life Wireless has begun enrolling eligible customers in Michigan and plans to start signing up people in Texas later this month.

"We're excited to expand our services into these two states," said Jim Carpenter, a senior vice president with Life Wireless. "Our sales representatives go out into the community to reach those most in need of telephone service, thus fulfilling the mission of the Lifeline program."

Life Wireless recently had its compliance plan approved by the Federal Communications Commission. The compliance plan details the industry-leading steps Life Wireless takes to preserve the integrity of the federal Lifeline program and deliver affordable telephone service to eligible low-income families and individuals. Life Wireless performs multiple checks on each potential customer to verify that they qualify for phone service through the Lifeline program. All Life Wireless sales representatives receive extensive training and oversight to ensure that company policies are upheld.

"A cellphone is no longer a luxury item, it's a necessity," said Carpenter. "A cellphone helps people to stay in touch with their doctors, loved ones, and potential employers, and enables them to contact 911 during an emergency."

Those interested in obtaining Lifeline service, or becoming a Life Wireless sales representative, may complete an application at the company's web site, www.lifewireless.com.

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