Carriers That Offer Free Android Tablet

You can qualify to get a free android tablet if you or any of your family members are receiving federal assistance from any eligible program such as Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, and SSI. You may also qualify for a government discounted tablet if your household income is at 200% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you meet any of the qualifying guidelines whether income or participating in a federal assistance program, you should register with the ACP national verifier to receive a free government tablet.

The government partners with approved phone carriers to ensure low-income families have an access to an internet plan and a connected device like a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to help them apply for jobs.

In this article, we look at 8 of the best ACP-approved phone providers that offer a free internet plan and a free android tablet and how to qualify for a free government tablet.

The 8 Best Lifeline Approved Carriers That Offer Free Android Tablet

1. Standup Wireless

Standup Wireless is one of the best carriers that offer government ACP and Lifeline benefits. Eligible households can apply for a free android tablet and a free internet service with Standup Wireless. Although it does not offer its services nationally, you can register with Standup Wireless for a free tablet if you are living in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, California, Georgia, Idaho, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, and Louisiana. Other states include Maryland, Michigan, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Nebraska, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Utah, Texas, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.

Standup Wireless free tablet is not entirely free as the government requires the beneficiary to co-pay an amount of between $10 and $50. The carrier requires a subscriber to pay $10.01, which is the minimum amount possible under the ACP gadget co-payment arrangement. Visit the carrier website to enroll for the free internet service and a discounted government tablet. Alternatively, call customer care at 1-800-544-4441 to get assistance. The available free tablets vary by state and inventory. Some of the available Standup Wireless brands include:

  • SKY Elite 8
  • NUU Tab 8
  • Vortex Tab 8

2. Q Link Wireless

Q Link Wireless is a nationwide Lifeline provider with one of the best national network coverage. The company runs its services on T-Mobile, which ensures fast internet speeds and quality voice connections on 4G and 5G network towers. Eligible Q Link subscribers get unlimited calls, text, and data with ACP and Lifeline benefits. They also get a free SIM card with free activation and access to a network of ten million free Wi-Fi hotspots. Q Link Wireless offers a prepaid service with no contracts and additional expenses, which makes it easy to terminate your subscription at any time.   

Q Link Wireless further offers ACP-approved subscribers a new free android tablet to help them access the internet when they need to apply for jobs, register for government services, study online, and stream videos. However, the free tablet is subject to ACP restrictions, which require the beneficiary to co-pay for a connected device an amount between $10 and $50. Q Link Wireless avails the discounted government tablet at the lowest price possible. You only pay $10.01 for the tablet. Visit the Q Link Wireless website for an effortless ACP registration to receive the free tablet and free internet service. You may also call customer care at 1-855-754-6543. Some of the possible available Q Link Wireless free tablets include:

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2
  • Apple iPad
  • Apple iPad Pro
  • LG G Pad 5
  • Lenovo Tab M10
  • Microsoft Surface Go 2
  • Fire HD 10 Tablet

3. Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile works in partnership with the government to connect families and communities by providing affordable internet service and a discounted tablet for eligible households. The ACP regulation restricts beneficiaries to only a one-monthly discount for an internet plan and a one-off discount for a gadget. The carrier uses the ACP benefit to discount mobile plans for eligible customers, which makes it possible for subscribers to access the internet for free. Boost Mobile discounts any eligible plan by up to $30 per month, including a phone plan, tablet plan, and mobile hotspot plan.

Boost Mobile further offers a free tablet to help low-income families to access the internet and apply for jobs. However, a subscriber must get ACP approval before the company can apply the benefits to a Mobile Boost phone plan. Customers already approved to get ACP benefits should visit the Boost Mobile website to register for a free android tablet online. Alternatively, you can visit a store to activate a free service and a free tablet. The available tablets depend on your state and the running promotion. Nonetheless, some of the Mobile Boost free tablets you can get include:

  • LG G Pad 5
  • Fire HD 10 Tablet
  • Lenovo Smart Tab M10 Plus
  • Apple iPad Pro

4. enTouch Wireless

enTouch Wireless offers its services in 33 states with California residents getting some of the best Lifeline plans. Customers in Tribal states get unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, and unlimited data. enTouch Wireless subscribers in California have unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, and unlimited texts while customers in other states get 10GB of mobile data and unlimited minutes and texts. enTouch Wireless is a good option if you are looking for a carrier that allows you to make international calls at no extra cost. ACP and Lifeline eligible customers get free international calling to enable them to keep in touch with relatives and friends.

enTouch Wireless further gets the opportunity to choose a free tablet or bring their own device. However, if you choose the free tablet option, you will have to co-pay an amount of between $10 and $50, as per the ACP guidelines. You also have to meet all other eligibility criteria to qualify for the enTouch Wireless free tablet, free internet service, and free international calling. The available tablet brands vary depending on your location and the promotion campaign. Nonetheless, enTouch Wireless has some of the best free android tablets. Some of the enTouch Wireless free tablets you can get include:

  • HTC U11
  • LG K10
  • LG K30
  • LG G4
  • Sky Elite B55

5. Selectel Wireless

Although Selectel Wireless is not as popular as other ACP-approved providers, it is one of the companies that offer a free tablet to eligible customers. The free device is available to new customers who switch to Selectel Wireless. Customers also get a $30 monthly wireless service plan for free every month. The free phone plan comes with unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 5GB of high-speed data. You may also purchase additional high-speed data for your tablet if you exhaust your data mid-month.

The carrier offers a free tablet on a special request; otherwise, you will get a free smartphone. Contact a customer care representative at 1-877-218-5744 to find out if you may qualify for a free tablet. Nonetheless, you can expect to get some of the latest available tablet brands that include:

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab
  • Hyundai Hy Tab Plus

6. AirTalk Wireless

AirTalk Wireless services are not available nationwide, but it is one of the best Lifeline and ACP carriers if you are a resident in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Michigan, Ohio, California, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Kentucky. Also, AirTalk Wireless offers eligible customers a free unlimited plan with high-speed data, talk, and text. Customers can also enjoy unlimited calling to Canada and Mexico at $5 per month. AirTalk Wireless further offers ACP-eligible subscribers some of the latest smartphones and tablets at no cost or a discounted price. It also has the largest selection of free android tablets and smartphone devices.

Currently, the carrier is offering a host of free smartphones that include the OnePlus N200 Nord, Samsung Galaxy S8, Apple iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy S7, iPhone 6, Coolpad Belleza, iPhone 6s Plus, Wiko Life 2, and Google Pixel among others. Furthermore, AirTalk lets you select your preferred free smartphone or tablet from the available options, unlike other carriers that randomly ship any of the available devices. That said, customers interested in a free tablet have to co-pay an amount not less than $10 to get their preferred device. The company also discounts any tablet of your choice. Some of the discounted AirTalk Wireless tablets you may get include:

  • Apple iPad 4
  • Apple iPad Mini
  • Apple iPad 4
  • KonnectOne Moxee Tablet
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab A
  • Apple iPad 3
  • Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus
  • Samsung Tab A7 Lite
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab E
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
  • Alcatel Joy Tab 2
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 4

7. Cintex Wireless

Cintex Wireless Lifeline services are available in Alabama, Arkansas, Alaska, Colorado, California, Georgia, Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, and Minnesota. Other places Cintex Wireless offers free tablets include Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Oregon, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Cintex Wireless customers enjoy a big selection of free smartphones and tablets. The carrier allows you to choose your preferred device from the select free devices. Cintex further discounts all available devices enabling you to get some of the leading tablets and smartphones at a small fee. However, you should expect to pay a small fee to get the free tablet in compliance with the ACP guidelines. Some of the government-discounted Cintex Wireless tablets you can get include:

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 4
  • Alcatel Joy Tab 2
  • Apple iPad 3
  • Lenovo Tab 4
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab E

8. NewPhone Wireless

You can apply for a free android tablet from NewPhone Wireless if you are living in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, Illinois, Idaho, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, and Minnesota. Other states where you can enroll for the free NewPhone Wireless phone service include Mississippi, Nevada, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Oregon, Oklahoma, Tennessee, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee, and Washington.

NewPhone Wireless is an affiliate of Cintex and AirTalk Wireless carriers and offers almost similar services. Nonetheless, it is a good option for people living in Washington, Texas, South Dakota, and Nevada, among other states where you may not get Cintex Wireless and AirTalk Wireless free internet plans. NewPhone Wireless like AirTalk and Cintex offers a big selection of free smartphones and discounted tablets. Some of the free tablet devices you can get include:

  • Apple iPad 4
  • Alcatel Joy Tab 2
  • Apple iPad Mini
  • KonnectOne Moxee Tablet
  • Apple iPad 3
  • Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab A
  • Samsung Tab A7 Lite
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab E
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 4

How to Qualify for a Free Android Tablet

Free Android Tablet

Every American should access a connected device and an internet service plan to help them sign up for government programs and apply for jobs. However, you must qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to enroll for the free tablet. The ACP is a long-term federal program that helps low-income families to get a free tablet, laptop, or smartphone, and a free data plan from approved ACP providers. You may qualify for the ACP free tablet if your income is 200% below the Federal Poverty Line or if you are participating in any eligible Lifeline program like SNAP.

The eligible low-income families can qualify for a phone service discount of up $30 per month and a one-off gadget discount of up to $100. Low-income families living in the Tribal Lands can qualify for a phone plan of up to $75 monthly. The government discount makes it possible for ACP-approved carriers like StandUp Wireless, AirTalk Wireless, and enTouch Wireless to offer a free internet plan and a free smartphone or tablet.

You can register with any approved carrier in your area to start enjoying a free internet plan. The plans usually vary by carrier and region. Although all ACP plans must have a data plan, the government does not specify the amount of data beneficiaries should get. You have to review all Lifeline-approved carriers to find the best provider in your area. Once you find the best carrier that offers a free tablet and a free data plan, you should register with the national verifier, but you must be eligible to receive ACP benefits. You may qualify for a free tablet if:

1. Income is at or below 200% of the poverty index

You may qualify for a free government tablet if the income of your household is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. A household includes all members living together and sharing income. People living in the same house, but do not share income are separate households. The government requires you to show proof of income such as tax returns or three consecutive pay stubs to qualify through your household income. You also have to give a document showing your personal details, including your full legal name. Use the table below to see if you can qualify through your household income;

Household SizeAlaskaHawaiiOther states and territories
1$33,980$31,260$27,180
2$45,780$42,120$36,620
3$57,580$52,980$46,060
4$69,380$63,840$55,500
5$81,180$74,700$64,940
6$92,980$85,560$74,380
7$104,780$96,420$83,820
8$116,580$107,280$93,260
Each additional person add:$11,800$10,860$9,440

2. Participating in a Federal or Tribal assistance program

It is easier to qualify for the government-free tablet if you are already participating in a Federal assistance program like Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You do not need to register again to receive the ACP benefits. Instead, you need to show proof of participation. You may also qualify based on participating in a government assistance program if any of your household members is a Lifeline beneficiary. You will need an approval letter to a Lifeline assistance program, a statement of benefits, and a benefit verification letter to enroll in the ACP program.

The eligible Federal assistance programs include:

  • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
  • Medicaid
  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
  • FPHA (Federal Public Housing Assistance)
  • WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program
  • Current award year Federal Pell Grant beneficiary 
  • School Breakfast or Lunch Program

The Tribal assistance programs that make you eligible for ACP include:

  • Head Start
  • Food Distribution on Indian Reservations
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
  • All eligible federal assistance programs

ACP Benefits Limitations

While the government offers ACP to make it easier and affordable to access the internet, it has put in place a few restrictions that govern how people can benefit from ACP. The phone plan benefit of up to $30 or $75 for Tribal Lands is applicable once per month. You will not qualify for another discount if you change your phone carrier mid-month. The gadget benefit of up to $100 is redeemable once per household. You will not qualify for a free tablet if another member of your household has received the benefit. You also have to co-pay an amount of between $10 and $50 to get the free tablet.

Conclusion

Getting a free android tablet is not impossible as you only need to know where to get a government-discounted tablet. You can apply from any of the listed carriers to get free phone service and a discounted tablet but you have to ensure the company covers your area. You must also qualify for ACP to get the free government tablet. The government further requires you to co-pay for the device an amount that is between $10 and $50.

FAQs

How do I qualify for the free android tablet?

The government has set guidelines that all eligible ACP subscribers must meet to get the free phone service. Your household must have an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You may also qualify if you are participating in any of the eligible Lifeline assistance programs such as Medicaid.

Which free android tablet brands can I qualify for?

The free android tablet devices that you may qualify for depend on the carrier and availability. Most Lifeline providers will ship you a random tablet that is compatible with the carrier’s network and services. However, AirTalk Wireless allows you to choose your preferred free device. Some of the brands you may get include Samsung, Apple, Lenovo, LG, and Alcatel.

Can I get a free android tablet and a free unlimited internet plan?

Yes. Some Lifeline carriers combine the ACP and Lifeline benefits to give you a free tablet and a free phone plan. However, the free unlimited internet data plan may be restricted to some areas. AirTalk Wireless offers a free device and a free phone plan with unlimited data for California residents.

Can I qualify to get a free android tablet if my household income is not below 200%?

Qualifying for ACP based on your household income is one way to get a free android tablet, but you may also qualify through participating in Lifeline assistance programs. People already enrolled in any Lifeline programs such as Medicaid do not need to apply again for ACP. Instead, they need to contact their carrier to enroll for the ACP benefits. You may also be eligible to get a free government android tablet if any of your household members is a Lifeline program beneficiary.

Are there limits to getting a free android tablet?

Yes. The government restricts beneficiaries to only receiving one gadget discount per household. You will also have to co-pay an amount that is more than $10 but less than $50 to get the free government tablet. 

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