Do you have a cell phone or landline?
Do you want a higher bill?
Well, I've got bad news, a higher bill is on the horizon...
Beginning on August 1, 2022, all Texas phone users (cell and landline) will see an increase on their phone bills.
This increase is to help pay back the debts of rural phone companies and co-ops to the tune of $210,000,000.
The Texas Universal Service Fund, which was previously a surcharge of 3.3% is increasing to a whopping 24%. The rate is based on the basic service cost of your phone bill.
Every month, Texas phone users pay for the Universal Service Fund so that dozens of rural phone companies can provide phone service to millions of Texans who live in remote areas. The cost of wiring is too expensive.
The state legislators and the governor had two chances to correct, but it was a ruling by the Texas appeals court in favor of the Telephone Association and the Texas Statewide Telephone Co-op in Travis County that set the wheels in motion. Then in July 2022, without public discussion, the Utility Commission quietly approved an order raising the rate from 3.3% to 24%, effective August 1. A note will be included in your phone bill.
Originally, USF was established 30 years ago to provide a dial tone with emergency access to 911 to every Texan. Today, many rural telephone companies are using funds to replace old copper lines with fiber, bringing better Internet service. But USF does not include data, only voice calls. The charges everyone pays are based on the specific charges for your base phone line.
The Solution
TextNow is the amazing and FREE Text and Voice phone service that works on nearly all unlocked cell phones. It is free for all, regardless of income.
Simply order the $0.99 sim card, install the TextNow app, install the sim card when it arrives and follow the instructions for 100% Free service.
- Free Calls to the U.S. and Canada
- Free Text Messages
- Low rate international calling
- Low rate data plans
I use it and love it, and I'll bet you'll love it too.
https://www.textnow.com/wireless/phones/63/sim-card
