With a free government phone, you can stay in touch with your friends, family member, and business associates without paying a fortune to get a device. Free phones are available to low-income families through Lifeline Assistance, an FCC initiative.
Network carriers offer free government phones to attract subscribers and make money by providing service plans. The type of phones on offer depends on the provider. Even though most providers had feature phones initially, many currently offer smartphones.
This article answers the question: Where can I get a free government phone today? Once you’re through reading it, you should be able to find a free government phone near you quickly.
Top Network Carriers Offering Free Government Phones
While many network carriers offer free government phones to first-time customers, others only provide these devices to those switching from other networks. So, you need to analyze a network carrier to know the modalities with which they offer free phones.
Some companies operate main wireless networks across the United States, while others are mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). The difference between the two is that MVNOs may experience a slowed network during peak hours.
The following are some of the places where you can get a free government phone today:
1. Access Wireless
Access Wireless is an MVNO that uses the Sprint Network. It mainly offers no-contract, affordable phone plans targeting low-income customers. Once you reach the Company’s website, you can enter your ZIP code and see the Company’s service plans.
It offers free government phones to Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, and Oklahoma residents. Access Wireless customers can get subsidized phone plans through Lifeline Assistance or the Affordable Connectivity program.
Signing up for a free government is as easy as going to the Access Wireless website and entering your ZIP code. The Company has a variety of phones even though customers cannot choose a preferred device.
2. QLink Wireless
From QLink, qualifying individuals get a free government smartphone, enabling them to stay in touch with family members and friends. The phone comes with a free phone plan with 3GB of data, 1,000 minutes of talk time, and unlimited texts.
While customers get a free government phone via Lifeline Assistance, they enjoy the free phone plan courtesy of the ACP. It targets members of low-income families enjoying government benefits or with an income below a certain threshold.
Senior Citizens looking for a free government phone, you can apply via the QLink Wireless website. Eligibility criteria include proof of low-income status or participation in a government assistance program.
3. Assurance Wireless
Assurance wireless is one of the most significant Lifeline Assistance providers, targeting low-income families with free government phones. It is an MVNO that relies on the T-Mobile network. As such, it acts as T-Mobile’s foremost Lifeline Assistance brand.
Besides offering free phones via Lifeline Assistance, Assurance Wireless provides affordable phone plans via the Affordable Connectivity Program. Qualifying low-income households get unlimited data, texts, and talk time, all free of charge. Plus, their phone plan comes with 10GB of mobile hotspot data.
The downside is that you cannot choose a suitable device. Instead, Assurance Wireless picks an Android phone they deem fit for you. Also, the Company does not offer iPhones.
4. TruConnect
TruConnect partners with the government through Lifeline Assistance and ACP to provide free phones to people from low-income households across the U.S. These programs offer a free telephone, subsidized monthly data, and unlimited texts and talk time.
You can apply for a free government phone from TruConnect if you meet the eligibility criteria. In that case, you should either participate in a government assistance program or have a low income.
Those wishing for a free phone can apply on the TruConnect website by filling out an application form and attaching relevant documents for evidence. Even though the Company has a variety of smartphones, customers cannot choose a specific device.
5. American Assistance
American Assistance is an MVNO operating on the T-Mobile network and is available nationwide. It offers free government phones to qualifying low-income households across the country. After getting a free phone, customers can enjoy free data and unlimited talk time and texts.
Depending on your location, you can get a free phone via Lifeline Assistance or the ACP. For those applying via Lifeline Assistance, free government phones are available in Indiana, Pennsylvania, California, Minnesota, Georgia, Utah, Michigan, etc.
On the other hand, the ACP is available to residents of Illinois, Arkansas, New York, Indiana, Nevada, California, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, etc. It is, therefore, one of the most widespread free government phone providers.
6. SafetyNet Wireless
SafetyNet Wireless offers free government phones to those participating in government assistance programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Besides, you can qualify for a free phone from SafetyNet Wireless if your income is below 135% or 200% of prevailing Federal poverty guidelines for Lifeline Assistance or ACP, respectively. SafetyNet has its services mainly in Oklahoma, Michigan, Georgia, Colorado, Pennsylvania, California, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.
Apart from a free government phone, you will also get 3GB monthly data, 350 minutes of call time and unlimited texts. If you wish to get a better phone deal, you might have to pay for it out of your pocket.
7. TAG Mobile
Did you know that TAG Mobile is one of the network carriers offering free government phones and subsidized phone plans via Lifeline Assistance? That should answer the question: Where can I get a free government phone today?
It targets customers in Nevada, Michigan, Louisiana, Colorado, Maryland, West Virginia, Texas, Arizona, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Kentucky, Iowa, and Missouri. Depending on the service plan, eligible customers get between 500MB and 1GB of data.
Those looking for a free government phone can apply to the TAG Mobile website. After getting approval for a free phone, they can choose an appropriate phone plan and start enjoying free services.
8. SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink is an MVNO operating on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. Therefore, its services are available all over the U.S., serving over 2 million customers in over 30 states. Those who meet the stringent eligibility criteria can get a free government phone today.
You’re eligible for a free government phone from SafeLink if you are disabled, benefit from government assistance, or have a low income. Those who qualify for Lifeline Assistance should have an income of at most 135% of Federal government poverty guidelines.
SafeLink offers various phone types from time to time. However, you have no control of the kind of phone you get through Lifeline Assistance. Available phones include feature phones and flip phones. The Company’s phone plans include 3GB of data and unlimited calls and texts.
9. Life Wireless
Life Wireless is one of the places you can get a free government phone today. They offer a variety of phones via Lifeline Assistance of the ACP, depending on the program you qualify for. If you are eligible, they will send you any available phone. So, there’s no opportunity for you to choose a preferred phone.
The MVNO operates nationwide, reaching low-income families with free phone plans. However, the phone plans could be different depending on your location. However, generally, they include unlimited calls and texts.
It is the best place to get a free government phone and enjoy highly-discounted, no-contract phone plans. Because of that, you won’t get tied down to Life Wireless by a long-term contract.
10. Blue Jay Wireless
Blue Jay Wireless offers free government phones to all eligible individuals through Lifeline Assistance. It also targets people living on Tribal Lands in Utah, Nevada, Colorado, South Carolina, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Arizona.
You can qualify for a Blue Jay Wireless phone if you participate in a government assistance program or have an income of at most 135% of the federal government poverty guidelines.
It offers three Lifeline phone plans: Lifeline 125, Lifeline 250, and Lifeline 350. Under these phone plans, you get either 125, 250, or 350 free minutes monthly. If you exhaust your minutes before the expiry of the period, you can purchase new ones using a refill card.
11. AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless was initially called FeelSafe Wireless. It is one of the most reliable Lifeline Assistance and Affordable connectivity free government phone providers. It is the perfect answer to those still asking, “Where can I get a free government phone today?”
If you want a free government phone from AirTalk Wireless, you must qualify for Lifeline Assistance or ACP. In that case, you’ll need to participate in a government assistance program or have a proven low income.
After checking your eligibility for a phone, you should complete the application process by filling out a form. Besides, you would attach documents proving your identity and income status. In addition to a phone, the Company offers free internet data and unlimited talk time and texts.
12. TerraCom Wireless
If you’re looking for a free, reliable smartphone, TerraCom Wireless is the go-to network provider. It has worked through Lifeline Assistance, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) service, since 1985.
Terracom targets customers in West Virginia, Nevada, Missouri, Arizona, Rhode Island, Maine, Iowa, Indiana, Texas, Washington, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Maryland, and Minnesota. However, the benefits differ based on your location.
Since the free government phone is available via the Lifeline Assistance program, you should meet the eligibility criteria to apply. Essentially you should have an income of up to 13% of Federal government poverty guidelines or participate in a government assistance program. Terracom Wireless has a variety of phones.
Discounted Phone Providers in the United States
Some eligible persons can fail to get a free government phone. If that’s you, do not despair. Several nationwide network carriers offer discounted phones to people across the U.S. They include but are not limited to the following:
1. T-Mobile
T-Mobile has one of the largest wireless networks in the United States. Instead of offering zero-rated phone plans, it subsidizes existing pans using the Lifeline Discount. For example, eligible individuals may pay anything from $1 per month, which is affordable.
2. AT&T
AT&T reduces customers’ phone bills through Lifeline Assistance discounts, which are $9.25 for regular customers and $30 for those living on Tribal Lands. The discounted phone plans do not include internet, which you can get for an extra $5 per month.
3. US Cellular
US Cellular is one of the companies with a highly-discounted Lifeline phone plan. Clients pay $34.25 for 1GB of data and unlimited tests and minutes. The all-inclusive plan makes it possible or you to use your phone maximally.
4. enTouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless has affordable phone plans starting at $10 monthly. All Lifeline Assistance subscribers who qualify for a $10 discount pay at least $10 monthly. They get 500MB of data and unlimited texts and minutes.
5. Verizon
Even though one of the largest network carriers in the U.S., Verizon doesn’t offer free government phones. Instead, it provides a $9.25 Lifeline discount on the usual tariffs. So, if you’re looking for reduced call rates, Verizon is the go-to network provider.
The Bottom Line
Where can I get a free government phone today? The number of network carriers offering free government phones via Lifeline Assistance keeps increasing daily. So, finding a reliable Lifeline Assistance provider near you is easy.
To get a free government phone, you should meet a strict eligibility criterion, including participation in government assistance and low-income status. If you qualify, you get a phone and either free or subsidized phone services.
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