Wed., January 16, 2013 10:29am (EST)

Officials Impose Fee On Lifeline Phones
By Associated Press
Updated: 4 months ago

ATLANTA  —  
A federal program called Lifeline offers help to low-income Americans who need cell phones. The program in Georgia has been targeted in widespread abuse allegations. Georgia officials now have imposed a fell to curb fraud. (photo C. Frank Starmer)
A federal program called Lifeline offers help to low-income Americans who need cell phones. The program in Georgia has been targeted in widespread abuse allegations. Georgia officials now have imposed a fell to curb fraud. (photo C. Frank Starmer)
The Georgia Public Service Commission has voted to impose fees on cellphones being offered through the Lifeline program after it was targeted in widespread fraud and abuse allegations.

The Lifeline program is intended to provide discounted cellphone service to low-income Georgians.

The new rules, which are set to take effect in 20 days, call for a minimum $5 monthly fee for people receiving cellphones through the program.

State officials say the fee is an attempt to curb fraud and abuse of the federal subsidy, and to discourage customers from having multiple Lifeline cell phone accounts.