Today’s world is all about communication and technology. So, life without a cell phone can be difficult. However, the truth is that not everyone can afford to buy a phone or pay phone bills. Luckily, people in need have a chance to get a free phone and many other benefits!
This includes free unlimited broadband, international calls, and other benefits. All of these support opportunities are available through specific carriers. In this article, you will learn which carriers provide support, how to get a free phone, and much more.
Is It Really Possible to Get a Free Phone?
No one is lying to you! Getting a free phone might be hard to believe, but it’s actually possible. In fact, some carriers offer this opportunity through the Lifeline Program. Furthermore, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) may provide further assistance to people who need it.
The Lifeline Program
The best way to understand which carriers provide free phones is to first understand the Lifeline Program. This program is available through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), however, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) manages it. The USAC is responsible for assisting customers with the certification and recertification processes, as well as with determining eligibility.
The program aims to help low-income individuals and families better manage the expense of communication services. This opportunity generally offers a monthly discount on qualifying services. The typical discount value can be up to $9.25, however, for those who live on tribal lands the maximum discount is $34.25.
Applicants must have a household income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines in order to qualify for this opportunity. If applicants are already participating in any of the following programs, they may be eligible as well:
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Certain Tribal Programs
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The FCC is also responsible for the availability of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The purpose of ACP is to help families deal with the expense of internet services. The maximum monthly savings available through this program is $30 for eligible households. However, for homes located on tribal lands, the cap is set at $75. In addition to the monthly discount, eligible households can get a one-time discount of up to $100 when they buy a qualifying electronic device, such as a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.
In terms of eligibility requirements, families must earn less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Families may still be eligible if at least one member meets one of the following requirements:
- Participates in other government assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), etc.
- Has been awarded a Pell Grant for the current academic year.
- Meets the requirements established by a participating carrier for an existing low-income internet program.
Where Can You Get a Free Phone?
There are countless carriers out there that offer a free phone (and services!) to those in need. The following carriers are apart of those who do:
These companies may not be the most well-known, but they do offer decent phones on reliable networks. You should look for providers that service your area because not all carriers are available everywhere. Fortunately, the USAC provides access to a resource that can help customers see whether local companies provide this kind of support.
Safelink Wireless
Safelink Wireless is one of the providers that may offer you a free phone. Besides a free smartphone, this provider offers:
- Unlimited minutes and text messages
- Calls to Canada and Mexico
- 25GB of high-speed broadband
5GB of hotspot data. Individuals who meet the requirements are the only ones who can benefit from this opportunity.
Assurance Wireless
With this provider, customers may get a free phone and an attractive package. This package includes free unlimited internet, free unlimited calls, and free unlimited text messages. And that’s not all: you get 10GB of mobile hotspot data at no extra cost! In fact, Assurance Wireless is able to offer these perks to low-income clients thanks to the federal Lifeline Program. In order to take advantage of this offer, customers must fulfill specific requirements set out by the federal government or the state in which they live. This includes being eligible for and receiving benefits from other government programs (such as those mentioned above) or having the required household income.
True Wireless
This is another opportunity to get a phone for free. As a company, True Wireless thinks everyone should have access to the benefits of low-cost communication, including security, staying connected, and more. Because they are part of the Lifeline Program and ACP, this carrier is able to offer free LTE Android phones with unlimited service. In some cases, this service provider may even offer a free Android tablet.
TruConnect
TruConnect is a mobile provider that offers free high-speed internet and free phone service to its customers. As part of the ACP, users may access up to 14 GB of data each month. In addition, those who are eligible can receive a free Android phone (or Wi-Fi hotspot). Furthermore, consumers may make free international calls to a number of countries through the Lifeline Program, and they can chat and text as much as they like. It’s easy, you only need to enter your zip code and email address to see whether you can join!
In Conclusion
Many individuals can’t stand the idea of buying a cell phone because of the high price tag. If you are having trouble paying this cost, you might want to find out what resources are available. Some carriers that take part in the Lifeline Program and the ACP can give eligible customers a free phone. This is along with other great perks like free data, free international calls, and so on. Find out what carriers serve your area if you’re curious, using the USAC’s free search engine.
Attention: The details provided here are out-of-date. Please refer to government and carrier resources for current information.
