I figure if anyone knows about these Obama phones I keep hearing about it would be someone here.

[Curmudgeoness]

3. Wow, that was fast!!!!

As to the history of the phone service for people who could not afford it:

Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services.

https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline

And guess who was president in 1985.....don't have to think too hard, it was Ronnie Reagan. The only reason that it is called Obamaphone is because there was a change that allowed cell phones instead of residential phone service in 2005. In all fairness, it became cheaper to furnish the cell phones....and it is a very basic phone.

If you have ever noticed the fees on all phone bills, one of them is the Universal Connectivity Service fee, and that is what pays for phones for the poor....has been there since 1985.