Many people don’t know that the FCC created something called the Lifeline Program to help make communication services more widely available for all Americans, including low-income individuals. Not only does this mean allowing those who qualify to receive free smartphones, but also unlimited monthly service plans.
Nowadays, it’s an absolute necessity to have a cell phone. Back in the old days, it was possible to get by with just an old flip phone, but with the advent of video calls and facetiming, a smartphone is needed to be able to keep in touch more with your loved ones. Unfortunately for low-income households, the latest and greatest smartphones are much too expensive and the monthly plan costs only compound the burden it would be to own one. What most people don’t know however, is that there are government programs that actually offer new 5G cell phones for free and will even cover the monthly plan costs as well.
Given that the average smartphone costs over $300 and that an average monthly plan which includes minutes, texts and data, costs over $100 a month, you could save well over $1500 the first year and $1200 each year after that.
Here are the programs that offer free phones to those who qualify:
TAG Mobile
TAG has a program where it offers its cell phone plans for free to people residing in 19 states. The discount is geared toward individuals and families in low-income households.
Here’s what’s included in their free plan:
- 1,000 minutes
- Unlimited text messaging
- 4.5GB high speed data per month
They also offer a free smartphone with their plan, but unfortunately the free smartphone is only available in certain states, like California.
Depending on the state you live in, the requirements needed to qualify for the free plan are different. If you’re already part of a government benefit program, like Medicaid or SNAP, you are most likely qualified for this offer. If you are under 135% of the federal poverty line, you can also qualify.
Q Link
In October 2019, Q Link wireless was named the fastest growing tech company in the U.S. It is one of the nation’s largest providers in free cell phones and cell phone plans. Over 2 million people have already taken advantage of their Lifeline Assistance Program. What’s even better is that you are able to keep your old cell phone number and cell phone if you want to.
Q Link’s free service includes:
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited text messaging
- Unlimited data
- Access to over 10 million free wifi locations
- Free sim card and activation
After you sign up, they’ll mail you a free SIM kit. For a limited time, they will also send you a free tablet to new customers.
Safelink
Safelink wireless is another provider that offers free or very low cost service to people who qualify. They are on the TracFone network, which is the largest “no-contract” provider in the nation with over 20 million subscribers. This means that you won’t be tied to any contract and can cancel at any time.
Their free service plan includes:
- 350 minutes
- Unlimited text messaging
- 4.5GB data per month
Like the others, eligibility will vary state to state, but often has a household income threshold that needs to be met first.
EnTouch
EnTouch wireless is another well-known free service provider. They are currently offering free smartphones to anyone looking to sign up for their service now.
EnTouch’s free plan offers:
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited text messaging
- 6GB data per month
They also offer free unlimited data per month to certain individuals/families who qualify. You can check out their website for more information and to see if you qualify for any of their free offers.
Search The Web For More Free Services
This list is not the complete list of providers that offer free cell phones and services. There are many companies that offer this as the government has offered a lot of incentives for providers to join the program. Even if you think your income level wouldn’t qualify for the free services, there are major discounts offered to people who are above the poverty line but still considered low-income.
Also, there are many local providers not mentioned because they only operate in certain states. Because there is so much more competition for these providers to get subscribers and extra incentives for themselves from these government programs, they need to come up with enticing ways to get you to use their service. Many are offering free phones and tablets because they know they’d make more in the long run if you signed up with them. Take your time and see which ones are best for you and signing up is as easy as filling out an online application.
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