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Low Income families in US to get $10 Internet and $150 computers next year
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The following comments relate to this news article:
article published on 9 November, 2011
US cable broadand providers and a number of technology companies are working with the FCC on a joint effor to deliver computers with broadband connections to poor Americans.
The new initiative, called Connect to Compete, brings together members of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, software companies like Microsoft, retailers such as Best Buy, and online services which ... [ read the full article ]
Please read the original article before posting your comments.
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Mysttic
Senior Member
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9. November 2011 @ 14:31 |
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Well, isn't this nice? What's the catch? There is, after all, always a catch.
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Member
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9. November 2011 @ 16:27 |
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Only those who are here illegally and are on welfare will quality. The rest of us will not be eligible!
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Unicron1
Junior Member
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9. November 2011 @ 16:37 |
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If your poor how can you afford $10 internet, and the computers will end up in pawn shops, no poor kids will benifit, it's like giving rice crispy treats to a person with no teeth, it would benifit them if they could eat it..
"That which does not serve me shall become apart of me." - Unicron This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. November 2011 @ 16:37
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Mysttic
Senior Member
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9. November 2011 @ 17:19 |
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Quote:
If your poor how can you afford $10 internet, and the computers will end up in pawn shops, no poor kids will benifit, it's like giving rice crispy treats to a person with no teeth, it would benifit them if they could eat it..
Kind of agree with you here, I could see a lot of people taking advantage of it.
About the poor comment not being able to afford internet, that's so-so. What is poor? Anything considering below the lowest tax bracket threshold.
I dunno how it works in the US tho and I sure every state is different any how. In Canada tho, my household income is $10,000 a year for a family of 4. I am considered the lowest tax bracket and in the poor region as well.
Because of strict budgeting tho, I not only have the net, we have a car, and smart phone. We don't waist $ on booze, cigs are any other recreational drug. So... it all comes down to what you considered more valued. Lets face it, a lot more people could prioritize what little $ they have better.
Mind you by the time my wife and i retire, I sure we'll be ending up in a stank shelter for the lost elderly. As we have no $ left for setting aside retirement fund
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. November 2011 @ 17:20
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Jeffrey_P
Senior Member
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9. November 2011 @ 17:23 |
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Yeah 90% of the poor have a refrigerator, those bastards!!! <Sarcasm>
Really there are many people who truly are very sick, way too sick to do much on a daily basis. Some do abuse the system but it is wrong to generalize and group everybody under one umbrella.
$10.00 to you may mean a lot more to people who need it.
Jeff
Cars, Guitars & Radiation.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. November 2011 @ 17:25
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Staff Member
4 product reviews
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9. November 2011 @ 17:41 |
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This is pretty great.
For the record, here in the US, the poverty line for 1 person household is just a tad under $11,000.
If you make $11,000 a year, there is no way you can afford rent + $45 Internet (in most metro cities). This initiative will help. Not sure what it is for larger families. My guess would be around $20,000 for a home with two parents and two kids.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. November 2011 @ 18:32
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Mysttic
Senior Member
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9. November 2011 @ 18:24 |
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If you make $11,000 a year, there is no way you can afford rent + $45 Internet. This initiative will help. Not sure what it is for larger families. My guess would be around $20,000 for a home with two parents and two kids.
Maybe in US, but in Canada we have what's called Geared to Income housing, where you pay a monthly rent calculated based on your family income. So if your income is $10k / year you pay a considerably amount lower per month than a family earning $20 / year.
So that's how my family gets by, and I not saying it's easy it's not. You really need a strict budget the key word being STRICT. Not everyone has the luxury of being in housing either. I just saying they are basing this plan off poor, but don't say what poor qualifies. Obviously you need to have your own residence (rent or otherwise). I highly doubt they gonna hand these units to people living in shelters or on the streets.
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Unicron1
Junior Member
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9. November 2011 @ 18:42 |
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I'm not trying to be mean or hate full. poor have more important things to spend their money on and it's sad but that sometimes means the kids these computers would be for, miss out which is bad cause every kid should have the same chances to learn and get a good paying job or own a bussiness. I live in KY and hear drugs are more important than kids or computers. I hate druggies....
Unicron
PS - I am the first Unicron on the internet, but everyone wants to steal your nick.
"That which does not serve me shall become apart of me." - Unicron
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Jeffrey_P
Senior Member
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9. November 2011 @ 19:57 |
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In the digital age, people will have a larger risk of falling through the cracks and having drug problems and so on. Nobody can expect there will be a 100% success rate but at least kids will be given a chance to better their future.
If some of the parents of these kids are truly disabled having access to the internet is a big plus. Think about it, personal and medical business can be accomplished without using money for cabs, having to dig up family, friends (if there is family and friends available) shuttles, stamps which also costs $$. Sending faxes TCOB and just general things can be taken care of....
Drugs are everywhere just not KY.
Jeff
Cars, Guitars & Radiation.
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Mysttic
Senior Member
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9. November 2011 @ 20:39 |
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PS - I am the first Unicron on the internet, but everyone wants to steal your nick.
It gets like that - about 20 years ago I created Mystt, now I can't even use it at most sites. If it's nice and unique, people will take it. Sadly an alias can't be patented, trademarked, or anything that I am aware of. If nothing else, think of it as a form of flattery.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. November 2011 @ 20:39
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jandnf
Newbie
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9. November 2011 @ 20:48 |
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In other news, cable internet companies will raise broadband prices $10 for non poor customers.
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Tazer247
Member
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9. November 2011 @ 21:43 |
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I wonder what kind of internet speeds they would be looking at. I used to get free lunch but we at least had a decent internet service.
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llongtheD
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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9. November 2011 @ 23:59 |
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Originally posted by jandnf:
In other news, cable internet companies will raise broadband prices $10 for non poor customers.
Exactly, someone's going to pay. The companies offering this will get a nice tax break, which will then fall back on people actually paying taxes. They are certainly not just going to cough this up for free... unless the computers are so encrusted with bloatware they can only visit sponsored sites.
I certainly don't mean to sound harsh, but this is another way for corporations to get a huge tax break in the guise of charity. I'd be interested to have a complete list of the companies involved.
Take a look at the last statement.
"Although they are working with the FCC, Connect to Compete's programs will all be privately funded by the companies involved, as well as a group of non-profit partners. The first programs are expected to be running by spring of 2012."
It's good to know that our government and corporations are watching out for the poor the way they are. Socialism, here we come.
Is it a good thing that government and corporations are coming up with these programs without THE people?
If your fish seems sick, put it back in the water.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 10. November 2011 @ 00:20
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SProdigy
Senior Member
5 product reviews
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10. November 2011 @ 12:49 |
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Originally posted by jandnf:
In other news, cable internet companies will raise broadband prices $10 for non poor customers.
For an already inflated service. When broadband came on the scene, it had benefits where the $45-50 price was justified versus that of an $25 AOL dial-up. The price has never moved and IMO gouging. Cell companies are no different, charging $40-50, where the "anywhere" benefit was compared to your $20 landline. Again, more gouging.
If they can offer this for $10 to the "needy" they could probably offer it to everyone. The only reason the prices don't fall is due to the monopoly these telcos have.
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Staff Member
4 product reviews
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10. November 2011 @ 13:40 |
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Originally posted by SProdigy:
Originally posted by jandnf:
In other news, cable internet companies will raise broadband prices $10 for non poor customers.
For an already inflated service. When broadband came on the scene, it had benefits where the $45-50 price was justified versus that of an $25 AOL dial-up. The price has never moved and IMO gouging. Cell companies are no different, charging $40-50, where the "anywhere" benefit was compared to your $20 landline. Again, more gouging.
If they can offer this for $10 to the "needy" they could probably offer it to everyone. The only reason the prices don't fall is due to the monopoly these telcos have.
Of course they can offer it at $10. The problem is this nation is not socialist and companies actually need to make money. Shame. $45 is perfectly reasonable for a service that everyone needs and uses and you cannot create yourself.
If you want to complain about monopolies, go ask some of our Canadian bretheren how they feel about Rogers or Bell :)
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SProdigy
Senior Member
5 product reviews
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10. November 2011 @ 13:45 |
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Originally posted by DVDBack23:
Originally posted by SProdigy:
Originally posted by jandnf:
In other news, cable internet companies will raise broadband prices $10 for non poor customers.
For an already inflated service. When broadband came on the scene, it had benefits where the $45-50 price was justified versus that of an $25 AOL dial-up. The price has never moved and IMO gouging. Cell companies are no different, charging $40-50, where the "anywhere" benefit was compared to your $20 landline. Again, more gouging.
If they can offer this for $10 to the "needy" they could probably offer it to everyone. The only reason the prices don't fall is due to the monopoly these telcos have.
Of course they can offer it at $10. The problem is this nation is not socialist and companies actually need to make money. Shame. $45 is perfectly reasonable for a service that everyone needs and uses and you cannot create yourself.
If you want to complain about monopolies, go ask some of our Canadian bretheren how they feel about Rogers or Bell :)
There's a difference between needing to make profit and bleeding a penny. Everything is designed to nowadays to fleece the general public. Gone are the days of fair prices and fair wages.
And my cable internet bill alone is near $60 for the "lowest" tier, after taxes (because of course there HAS to be tax on it.) My only alternatives are DSL (slower, and cheaper... for the first year that is) Dial-up (okay not an alternative) and satellite (even worse.)
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dEwMe
Senior Member
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10. November 2011 @ 14:00 |
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I think a lot of them will use this. I am constantly suprised how many "poor" people are running around with smartphones I can't afford so they have the money evidently.
Just my $0.02,
dEwMe
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SProdigy
Senior Member
5 product reviews
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10. November 2011 @ 14:15 |
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Originally posted by dEwMe:
I think a lot of them will use this. I am constantly suprised how many "poor" people are running around with smartphones I can't afford so they have the money evidently.
And gold teeth... And Air Jordans... Yep, know what you mean.
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SoulGLOW
Member
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11. November 2011 @ 06:23 |
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NAGGERS!!!! ;)
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Senior Member
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11. November 2011 @ 09:16 |
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i live in australia and im on welfare (sickness benefit) i get $17000 a year.i live in governemnt housing at 25%of my income for rent.i saved hard for a $1300 computer,i got myself a car with an advance payment of $1000 with $79 coming out per fortnight for 13payments.i pay $60 a month for naked adsl 2+ internet.I also spent $70 a week on cigarettes .australia doesnt even have a poverty rate.welfare seems low in america and canada.
as for computers its $150 for an out dated computer might be better off buying a computer for the same price of ebay.then you will have drug addicts getting the $150 computers to trade for drugs or sell for drugs.the $10 internet seems a good deal.with anything cheap or free there is always people out to exploit it.
custom built gaming pc from early 2010,ps2 with 15 games all original,ps3 500gbs with 5 games all original,yamaha amp and 5.1channel surround sound speakers,46inch sony lcd smart tv.
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SProdigy
Senior Member
5 product reviews
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11. November 2011 @ 09:48 |
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Originally posted by xboxdvl2:
with anything cheap or free there is always people out to exploit it.
Of course, that's because I'm in the middle class that pays full price for my internet, yet someone that's "low income" is going to get a service for bottom dollar, the minimum price the telcos can get away with, but will probably increase my service's cost to offset the difference. I pay twice: for my service and taxes for the service of the "less fortunate".
I'm sorry, but the whole meaning of having it "tough" is making sacrifices. There are too many folks that are lazy and abusing the system. They won't get off their butt to get a job, yet we keep giving them more and more handouts at our expense. My heart does not go out to you if you cannot afford cable TV, internet or a cell phone. Those are luxuries not necessities. If I couldn't afford any of the above, I would have to sacrifice something and go without.
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Necrosaro
Junior Member
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11. November 2011 @ 12:25 |
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Ahhh more free handouts for votes from the Obama administration.
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jimmurray
Junior Member
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11. November 2011 @ 14:42 |
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Lets not forget what this article is about, Its for helping those unfortunates that have NO internet access and NO computers and LOW income. The idea here is to get those persons up to speed to get them jobs. Now, this includes the kids in school to help them obtain skills necessary to get gainful employment. I'm sure there are those that will abuse this but hopefully there are those that will truly benefit from it. Maybe I'm naieve but hope is what its all about. Everyone out there doesn't have a computer let alone an internet connection. Doesn't look like this will be high speed, but even dial-up is an improvement over nothing. Lets see, is it easier on our pocketbook to pay increased taxes to give freebies to welfare or easier on us to train them to be self supporting taxpayers? Lets see what happens.
jimmurray1946
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 11. November 2011 @ 14:49
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SProdigy
Senior Member
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11. November 2011 @ 14:49 |
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Originally posted by jimmurray:
Lets not forget what this article is about, Its for helping those unfortunates that have NO internet access and NO computers and LOW income. The idea here is to get those persons up to speed to get them jobs. Now, this includes the kids in school to help them obtain skills necessary to get gainful employment. I'm sure there are those that will abuse this but hopefully there are those that will truly benefit from it. Maybe I'm naieve but hope is what its all about. Everyone out there doesn't have a computer let alone an internet connection. Doesn't look like this will be high speed, but even dial-up is an improvement over nothing.
I know I'm a broken record, but there are things such as schools and libraries for those without computers or internet access. Those facilities are usually offered at NO CHARGE.
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jimmurray
Junior Member
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11. November 2011 @ 14:55 |
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Originally posted by xboxdvl2:
i live in australia and im on welfare (sickness benefit) i get $17000 a year.i live in governemnt housing at 25%of my income for rent.i saved hard for a $1300 computer,i got myself a car with an advance payment of $1000 with $79 coming out per fortnight for 13payments.i pay $60 a month for naked adsl 2+ internet.I also spent $70 a week on cigarettes .australia doesnt even have a poverty rate.welfare seems low in america and canada.
as for computers its $150 for an out dated computer might be better off buying a computer for the same price of ebay.then you will have drug addicts getting the $150 computers to trade for drugs or sell for drugs.the $10 internet seems a good deal.with anything cheap or free there is always people out to exploit it.
Thats not too bad, I get $400 per mo for my Air Force disability (lost my left knee in an aircraft incident, since replaced with titanium) and since Im over 63 I get $600 SS. Thats it. I pay for my everything on that $1,000 month. Any openings in Australia? LOL
jimmurray1946
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