Free Government Cell Phones: Carriers
So, what are the free government phones you can get with the Lifeline Assistance program? The carriers below all offer cell phones and plans via the Lifelink program.
- Assist Wireless
- TruConnect
- True Wireless
Note that each carrier serves specific states for more information on which states each is available in. The easiest way to find out what carriers work in your area is to enter your ZIP code here.
The Free Government Cell Phone Program
This program is formally referred to as the Lifeline Assistance program. It is part of the larger Lifeline program that was launched in 1985 with the aim of subsidizing phone services for citizens with low income. The reason behind this is that phone services were deemed essential. They enable users to access emergency services, contact family members, and also seek job opportunities.
The government phones program is run by the Federal Communication Commission with administrative input from the Universal Service Administrative Company . USAC oversees the calculation of low-income statistics, determines who qualifies, and how much they get. The most recent partners to join this team are the free government cell phone companies.
Free 10gb Monthly Hotspot Data
10GB Hotspot Data up to 4G LTE speed.During congestion, heavy data users and customers choosing Assurance or similarly prioritized plans may notice lower speeds than other customers due to data prioritization.*Based on phone availability shipping charges may apply. Customers who have been reinstated within 60 days of their service end date will keep their original phone and phone number. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.
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Some Providers Load Their Free Phones With Malware
In early 2020, it was revealed that many free phones that are provided from these government programs come preloaded with malware. The affected phones discussed in this article were provided by Assurance Wireless. The preinstalled malware aggressively displays ads and cant be removed without uninstalling the Settings app which can basically destroy the phone.
Thus, it is very important to carefully evaluate which plan and phone you will use. If you arent careful, you could end up with a nearly unusable device.
Is It The Bidenphone Free Unlimited Talk Unlimited Text And Unlimited Data For A Limited Time
May 30, 2021 | | Filed Under: InternetTagged With: Emergency Broadband Benefit, FCC
Maybe its time to change the name from ObamaPhone to BidenPhone, because Uncle Joe and the Federal Communications Commission just announced Christmas in May for free government cell phone customers.
Because of the damage the Covid pandemic has wreaked on the lives of low-income Americans, the Lifeline free government cell phone plan has been expanded and now offers free unlimited talk, free unlimited text, AND free unlimited data.
Yes, you read that correctly. Free unlimited talk, free unlimited texts, and free unlimited data.
These new, added benefits are available from EVERY Lifeline service provider and some providers are trying to put their own spin on it, but no matter what name they may give it, its real name is EBB .
Heres a good example of what we mean. Assurance Wireless, one of the largest Lifeline free government cell phone service providers, calls it Assurance Wireless Unlimited and tries to make it sound like a plan they developed on their own.
Assurance Wireless can now offer you our most generous cell phone plan yet Assurance Wireless Unlimited. It combines our Lifeline service with the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit to give eligible customers Unlimited Data & Texts & Minutes, plus 10GB Hotspot Data. See if you qualify today!
Important Pages
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What Does Not Eligible Per State Database With Docs Status Mean
If you live in Maryland, Texas, Washington, or Wisconsin, you may see the Not Eligible Per State Database With Docs status because your state requires we find your name in their database to approve your application. This means your proof documents were received, but we were unable to find your name in your states database.
Please review the information we have on file for you, and verify that its correct. To do this, log into your My Q Link Wireless account by clicking here and entering your email address and zip code .
Please verify the accuracy of your full name, date of birth, and your social security number. If you live in Texas, make sure you also verify that your address is correct.
If your account information is incorrect, please contact Customer Support right away to update your information so we can re-process your application. Heres how:
- Send us an email by . Please provide your information just as it is in your Q Link account, and explain your account status.
- Or, Call us toll-free at 1-855-754-6543 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST.
If your account information is correct, see below for other ways to qualify.
You can also complete your application right away if you qualify through low income. To qualify with low income, just supply a document showing you meet low income requirements.
See acceptable types of low income proof here.
Texas Residents
Complete your application and receive your free Lifeline cell phone service right away if you participate in:
How Do I Get A Free Phone
To find out if you qualify for a free government phone, youll need to make sure that your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Youll need to prove your household income with pay stubs, a W-2 form, or a letter from the government agency that you’re enrolled in.
You can start by entering your ZIP code here to see what free government service options are available in your area.
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Getting The Phone Through The Mail
Following the online application, you can begin watching the mail for your free phone to arrive. From there, you can turn the phone on and use it to receive 250 free minutes of airtime every month. Depending on the provider that you have chosen, you may also have opted for getting reduced costs for texting and extra minutes.
As many as 35 percent of people in the country qualify for free cell phones under the Lifeline Assistance program, so it is best to check your income level against the Poverty Level guidelines to determine if you are eligible. Estimates have shown that as many as 20 million people in the country have already taken advantage of the program.
Cell Packages Offered By Free Government Cell Phone Companies
The Lifeline Assistance program wanted to ensure that low-income individuals enjoy almost similar cell services as the paying members. The program, therefore, took into account call minutes, text messages, and broadband data service. Every package contains these three. At the point of entry into the program, most free government cell phone companies offer users a standard package that includes a free phone, 250 free minutes of talk time, free texts, and for some, about 500MB mobile broadband data.
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What Are Free Cell Phone Services
Federal governments allocate these free services for needy people who cant afford expensive packages. As some packages are there that seem to be unaffordable as they offer high prices even the services are not valuable. So to achieve qualitative service and free packages, All you need to do is to apply for it and qualify their requirements and enjoy a free cell phone with free services.
Companies That Provide Obama Phones And Free Service
IMPORTANT NOTE: The plans of the various companies below can vary considerably. Some may give unlimited minutes, some unlimited texting, and most now include up or 500 MB of mobile internet data . And the phone models can vary greatly as well, with some providing smartphones. We urge you to compare plans of all providers who serve your state.
Assist Wireless This Lifeline cell phone provider offers cell phone plans in Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri and Oklahoma. They have a number of different plans.
Assurance Wireless Assurance, a rapidly-growing subsidiary of Sprint Nextel, is number two in the Obama phone business with 2.7 million customers. It offers phones in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Cintex Wireless This regional Lifeline provider offers cell phone plans in Arkansas, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island or West Virginia.
Easy Wireless If you live in Oklahoma, Kentucky, or Missouri, you can contact Easy Wireless for your Lifeline cell phone.
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Free Government Smartphones Providers List
Lifeline assistance is available across the United States of America to eligible citizens. It comes in the form of a free cell phone or smartphone with complimentary monthly minutes or a landline phone service. The federal government does not provide this aid directly. The help is distributed through the nationwide or local telecommunication companies, sometimes called Lifeline service providers .
The number of free government smartphone providers increases all the time since more and more companies join the Lifeline program. By participating, these wireless providers are not in a rush to get profits as soon as possible. They understand that people applying for a free government phone are not big spenders. Instead, they have a longer view of facilitating this assistance. Once subscribed, people might sometimes pay for some extras, like additional minutes or data package, or a phone upgrade from free government cell phone to the latest smartphone in the market.
It is up to you, with which company you want to join and get your free gadget. We recommend learning all the pros and cons of all providers in your state to choose the best one. You might also consider sharing the idea of enrollment in a free government phone program with some friends of yours. Why? Because many telephone businesses give you bonuses for referring other people to their services.
S To Getting A Free Government Phone
In order to get a free cell phone through the government program, you must first check to see if you qualify based on your income. Eligibility rules differ by state, but are similar. A good rule of thumb is that if you qualify for a state assistance program like SNAP, Supplemental Security Income , Free School Lunch program, Medicaid, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program , Tribal programs, or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , then you may already qualify to receive telephone assistance. In addition to those state-funded programs, you can qualify for the free phone program if your income is below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. This percentage is as high as 150 percent of the poverty level in some states.
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Who Qualifies For Services From Free Government Cell Phone Companies
Universal Service Administrative Company is the body that oversees the regulation of the eligibility criteria. The company collects data on income levels and expenditures in all locations in the country. It then gives recommendations to FCC and free government cell phone companies on who should be included in the program. They collect data on a yearly basis, and therefore the criterion is subjected to frequent amendments.
The criterion generally focuses on income level. Anyone whose income is less than 135% of the governmentâs Federal Poverty Guidelines qualifies for services from free government cell phone companies. You will, however, be required to provide proof of your financial income. Those who receive other forms of government aid such as food stamps, medical care, section 8, or SSI, stand a good chance of qualifying, that is if they automatically donât. Take note that the income levels vary from state to state. So make sure to check out the cut off levels for the area you reside in.
Are There Any Restrictions For This Program
Yes, there are a few restrictions:
- Q Link Wireless Lifeline service is a federal benefit program only available to individuals who participate in a qualifying government program or who are income eligible based on household income eligibility standards.
- Only one wireless or landline Lifeline account is allowed per household.
- Households are not permitted to receive benefits from multiple providers.
- Violation of the one per household requirement will result in de-enrollment from the Lifeline program.
- The address provided for your phone service must be the customers current place of residence.
- The address provided for phone service must be issued in the name of the qualified customer and is non-transferable.
- A good practice is to use your phone at least once per thirty days. If your Lifeline service goes unused for thirty days, it may be suspended.
- Customers must notify Q Link Wireless within thirty days if they no longer qualify for Lifeline service. Q Link Wireless participation is subject to the Q Link Wireless Terms and Conditions found at www.qlinkwireless.com/terms.
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Who Qualifies For Free Cell Phone Services
Free services are available for the people who find difficult to access expensive packages. But to avail these services there is a tough requirement, Conditions are there to be met to take over these services.
Such as
What Is The Lifeline Program
Before we talk about the best options for getting a free phone plan from the government, lets talk about Lifeline. Lifeline is a federal program that helps subsidize the cost of phone and internet services. Established in 1985 during the Reagan administration, the Lifeline government benefit allows low-income Americans to get phone service for free or at discounted rates.
In 2016, the Lifeline program received an update that added data services to the list of offerings. This enables low-income citizens to use data to access the internet in addition to receiving voice and texting services. Lifeline is available in all fifty states, all United States territories, and on tribal lands.
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The Specifics Of The Access Wireless Program
As with most free government cell phone programs in most states, Access Wireless service is absolutely free if youre eligible. In all states other than California , youll get a free cell phone, at least 250 voice minutes, unlimited texts per month. The minutes can be used for local or domestic long distance calling and tex messaging. There are a variety of plans, based upon your state and potentially what you are looking for. Heres how it breaks down:
All States other than California
350 minutes of talk, unlimited texts and 3GB data
California Plans
Get a free smart phone, unlimited texts, free unlimited talk, and 5GB high-speed data. Its a considerably better deal than customers can get in other states. Note: California residents should view our California Lifeline page to compare all the generous offers from all the companies.
Top-Up Plans
- $5 for 250 extra talk minutes each month
- 10¢ each additional Voice Minute
- $1 for 100MB High-speed Data for 30 service days
- $3 for 500MB High-speed Data for 30 service days
- $5 for 1GB High-speed Data for 30 service days
- $10 for 2GB High-speed Data for 30 service days
- $20 for 4GB High-speed Data for 30 service days
- $30 for 5GB High-speed Data for 30 service days
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Government Mobile Cell Companies
What Happens When You Exhaust Your Minutes?
This is a common concern among users as 250 minutes is often not enough, especially for large households. All free government cell phone companies sell extra minutes, texts and data bundles to users once they have exhausted their monthly package.
However, the rates of sale are usually special, and not as steep as the market rates for the same package. This is all in line with making cell services reachable to those in low-income strata. It can be as cheap as $2 for 20 extra minutes of talk time. The other alternative to this is waiting for the remaining period of the month until the package is renewed at the beginning of the new month.
What Is The Free Phone Like?
Contrary to what many people think, the phone offered is quite decent. The phones are usually recent models, no more than 3 years old in the market. They often feature good battery life and other features that make it convenient for talks. Additionally, they may incorporate some smart features including internet connection. But all these vary depending on the company you are subscribing to.
What Do The Companies Stand To Gain From Offering Free Services?
The companies, however, offer a free mobile handset to everyone who enrols in their program. This is a cost they have to bear in the short term in order to profit from your package over the coming months. It is, therefore, a win-win situation for the company, government, and of course the beneficiary.
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