What's the deal with Assurance Wireless from Virgin Mobile

[Stinky The Clown]

The ads here portray it is a free service (free phone and 250 monthly minutes) for the disadvantaged.

Here's the website: http://www.assurancewireless.com/Public/HowToQualify.aspx

Here's what they say you need to qualify in Maryland, but plans are available elsewhere, too:

You may qualify for Assurance Wireless if you participate in any of the following government programs:

Maryland
_ Medical Assistance
_ Food Stamps/SNAP
_ Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF)
_ Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
_ Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP)
_ Public Assistance to Adults (PAA)
_ Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
_ Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)


Click on the “Check Availability” tab to see if Assurance Wireless is offered in your area.

Richard Branson is a good guy.

Is he this good? I wouldn't be surprised.

[Drale]

1. I don't know but I used to have Virgin

and the coverage was terrible, at least here in Chicago, and don't ever try to make a call inside a building.

[drm604]

2. I just checked because I have a friend who I think could use this,

but it's not available in all states. :shrug:

[gratuitous]

3. First I've heard of it

But it's pretty shrewd marketing. If you're on assistance and you're looking to get a job, a cell phone is a must - the person hired may just be the person who answers the phone first. And, once you've got that job, and you no longer qualify for Assurance Wireless, who's going to be your first choice? The company that helped you when you were down? Quite probably.

In the meantime, Virgin Mobile probably has enough customers it can afford to give a little freebie in hopes of it becoming a paying customer. Builds brand loyalty in a market where people switch providers quite often.