Owning a mobile Phone is crucial in the present-day society. However, not everyone can afford smartphones or pay high cell phone service fees. Realizing this, the US government started a Lifeline program in 1985 to assist low-income earners with free cell phone service for unlimited everything.
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As unreal as it sounds, one can get free cell phone plans, calls, texts, and data allotment if they are eligible for the program. The government-sponsored program provides both free phones and free services through some service providers in different states. Hence, it is essential to pick the best free cell phone service provider as their plan differs.
This guide entails a detailed explanation of the best free cell phone service for life unlimited everything and how to get them.
Are We Really Going To Get Free Cell Phone Service For Life And Everything?
Since the inception of the Lifeline program, more than 15 million people have benefited from it. As long as a person meets specific requirements, it is easy to join millions of others who are benefactors of the program. Citizens may qualify to join the program either through income or by participating in a Lifeline-qualifying program.
Income Eligibility
Those who live on an income of 135% or below the Federal Poverty Guideline can receive a free phone and free cell service. They must also be residing in the United States (The program is available in every state and territory).
Life-Line Qualifying Programs
Another way to qualify for free phones and free cell Phone Services is to participate in one of the government assistance programs.
Listed below are some of the government assistance programs that could provide one eligibility for receiving free cell phone service
- Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistant
- Veteran Pension And Survival Benefit
- Supplementary Security Income
- Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program
- Temporary Assistance For Needy Families
- Bureau Of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance To Needy Families
- Food Distribution Program On Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
How To Get Free Cell Phone Service For Life Unlimited Everything?
Many Wireless companies across the country provide free cell phones and cell phone services. Many states have their service provider, sometimes having more than one. The options for free phones and free cell phone services will vary by each service provider. Hence, it is necessary to conduct personal research on each Lifeline service provider before getting a free cell phone service from them.
After deciding on the wireless company to go with, the next thing is to know how to join the Lifeline program.
Below are easy steps to follow to get both free phones and free cell phone service for unlimited everything.
- Choose the best provider in your state
- One must be able to provide a document of eligibility. Documentation of either income or participation in a qualifying company will be required
- Sign up with the Lifeline provider at their company or online with the National Verifier (NV) to receive the free Lifeline Assistance Program.
Advantages Of Free Cell Phone Service For Life And Everything
The benefits of joining the Lifeline program and receiving free cell phones and services are inexhaustible. Over the years, eligible veterans, homeless, disabled, unemployed, and low-income earners have benefited from the program. The free cell phone services have kept people connected to family, work, school, and other essential appointments.
Below are a few advantages of the free cell phone service offered in the Lifeline program
It Keeps The User Connected:
Connecting to friends, work, or school is essential. Most employers expect to reach their employees or prospective workers at any time, yet not everyone can afford a smartphone and phone services to keep in touch with work or other engagements. Hence, the free phones and services go a long way in keeping low-income earners connected.
It Is A Lifeline For The Unemployed:
Free cell phone services have assisted thousands of underemployed and unemployed people. Low-wage earners have used the free phones and services in the Lifeline program to secure extra jobs and shifts. Free cell phone services have also allowed low earners to notify employers if they miss work due to emergencies. Therefore, allowing them to retain their jobs.
It Allows The User Access To Health Care:
Everyone should be able to be in touch a healthcare provider. However, not everyone can afford cell phone services to contact a doctor in case of emergencies. Fortunately, the free phone service has allowed millions to keep in touch with medical professionals. A survey found that 57% of people in the Lifeline programs use free cell phone service to connect doctors. Hence, many have been saved from life-threatening situations using free phone services.
It Is Essential For Emergencies:
Free cell phone services are crucial for health and safety. The free phones and free services have enabled users to call 911 in emergencies. It also helps the user quickly contact friends or family in critical situations.
Free Cell Phone Services Are Held To A Standard:
Though different providers offer different plans, they are all held to a standard. All service providers are mandated by the FCC Lifeline program to provide at least 1000 free minutes and 3GB of data. Therefore, a subscriber can expect this standard from service providers.
Disadvantages Of Free Cell Phone Service For Life And Everything
The primary purpose of the Lifeline program is to give low-income Americans access to free and affordable cell phone service. The program has gone through some significant reforms in the past year. However, there are still some drawbacks to receiving free cell phones and services from the program.
The cons of using free cell phone service are as follows:
Some Providers Load Their Phone With Malware:
If one intends to get a free phone and free service, it is essential to choose the right provider. In 2020, it was revealed that some free phones come pre-loaded with malware. This can make both the free phone and free cell phone service unusable to the subscriber.
Different Plans:
The plans offered by service providers vary by the company and one’s location. Some service providers offer Lifeline programs but only a few free minutes with no free phones. Hence, the user should remember to choose a service provider that offers the best plans for their needs.
There Are Fraudulent Sites:
Many fraudulent individuals have opened fake sites to defraud people through the program. So, before signing up with any service provider, it is crucial to visit their sites. Ensure to confirm that the site states that the service provider is an authorized Lifeline partner before joining.
13 Best Free Cell Phone Service For Life Unlimited Everything in 2022
There are a handful of service providers who are Lifeline partners scattered across the United States. They are available to offer free cell phone services in every state, territory, commonwealth, and tribal land. However, this write-up compiles only 13 of the best free cell phone services from a few service providers. They are as follows;
1. Safelink Wireless:
One of the best wireless companies operating across over 40 states is SafeLink Wireless. It provides both free phones and free cell phone services. The company is under TracFone Wireless, and they operate using four major carriers. The plans they offer vary depending on the state.
SafeLink Free Cell Phone Service Plans
As previously stated, the free cell phone service plans SafeLink offers vary by state. However, for most states, SafeLink offers;
- Free Sim Cards
- 350 free minutes monthly
- Unlimited free texts
- Free month 3GB of data
- Free voicemail and caller ID
- Free 3-way calls
- Coverage on 4G LTE networks
- Free access to 911
- The user can bring their phone
2. Qlink Wireless:
QLink is a wireless company that provides free cell phone services, minutes, and unlimited texting to millions of low-income Americans. The company also offers affordable pre-paid services for Lifeline and non-Lifeline customers
QLink Free Cell Phone Service Plans
Using QLink, Lifeline subscribers can choose between different monthly minute plans and other plans. They also offer;
- Free nationwide calls
- Free voicemails
- Free caller ID
- Free 3-way calling
- Call waiting
- Free Domestic roaming
- Free access to 911
- 411 directory assistance
- Free text and picture messaging
3. Terracom Wireless:
Terracom also offers free cell phone services to Lifeline eligible customers. Their plans vary by state, hence, unlimited text, data, and calls are not available in all areas.
Terracom Free Cell Phone Service Plans
Terracom offers free cell phone services across over 20 states. However, they do not have a standard plan. Generally, they offer;
- less than 500 free minutes
- 4.5GB of free data monthly
- Unlimited text (In some states)
4. Life Wireless:
Life wireless offers free cell phones and services for eligible individuals across 29 states. The service provider runs on the AT&T network.
Life Wireless Free Cell Phone Service Plans
As of the time of this writing, LifeWireless has delivered government phones with free cell phone services to a million people. Below are their plans;
- Free 1000 monthly minutes
- 3GB free monthly data
- Free unlimited calls and text
- Free nationwide coverage
- Free voicemail, 3-way calling, and caller ID
- No long-distance or roaming charges
- Free 911 access
5. Truconnect:
TruConnect is a wireless company and is a Government authorized Lifeline partner. They offer free Android phones and free cell phone services to eligible customers.
TruConnect Free Cell Phone Service Plans
TruConnect is only available in 20 states. Their free cell phone service plans are as follows;
- Free unlimited text
- 3GB free monthly data
- Free 1000 minutes monthly
- The customer may bring their phones
- Free international calls to a few countries
6. American Assistance:
This service provider uses T-Mobile towers to provide coverage. They also offer free phones and free cell phone services to eligible customers
American Assistance Free Cell Phone Service Plans
American Assistance operates across many states. Their cell phone service plans are;
- Unlimited voice minutes
- Unlimited text
- 4.5GB free monthly data
7. FeelSafe Wireless:
FeelSafe Wireless is an authorized Lifeline partner that offers free phones and free cell phone services. Presently, they operate across ten states.
FeelSafe Wireless Free Cell Phone Service Plans
FeelSafe free cell phone service plans vary across the different states that they operate. However, in general, they offer;
- 1000 free minutes monthly
- 500 free text messages
- 4.5GB of free data monthly
- Free 911 access
- Free caller ID, call waiting, and 3-way calling
- Free calls to customer service
- Free call forwarding
8. Safety Net Wireless:
Safety Net Wireless operates across nine states. They are also an authorized Lifeline partner and provide free phones and free cell phone services
Safety Net Wireless Free Cell Phone Service Plans
Safety Net Wireless offers wireless service at subsidized and affordable rates to qualified individuals. Below are their plans;
- 350 free minutes monthly
- 3GB of data monthly
- Unlimited texting
9. Standup Wireless:
Standup Wireless also offers free cell phone services and free phones. However, the subscriber can choose to bring their phones instead
StandUp Wireless Free Cell Phone Service Plans
If one signs up with StandUp Wireless, they will be eligible to earn;
- 3GB of data
- 1000 free minutes monthly
- Unlimited text
- Nationwide coverage
- Coverage on 4/5G LTE networks
10. Tag Moblie:
Tag Mobile Lifeline Assistance Program offers free cell phone service to low-income families. It is a Government assisted cell phone service that offers Lifeline service discounts to eligible customers.
Tag Mobile Free Cell Phone Service Plans
Around 1.5 million people have benefited from the Lifeline program through Tag Mobile. They offer;
- 1000 free minutes monthly
- Unlimited texting
- Unlimited talk
- 500MB- 1GB of data
11. Access Wireless:
Access Wireless is a subsidiary of Virgin Mobile which uses Sprint Network to provide coverage. Access Wireless provides free phones and free phone services through the Lifeline program.
Access Wireless Free Cell Phone Service Plans
Access Wireless provides free phones and free phone services to over 38 states. Their cell phone service plans vary in different states. Below are their general free phone service plans;
- 2GB of free data
- Unlimited text
- Unlimited call
- 350 free monthly minutes
12. Tempo Wireless:
Tempo Wireless is a wireless company affiliated with the Lifeline program. Presently, they offer free cell phone service to more than 20 states.
Tempo Wireless Free Cell Phone Service Plans
Tempo Wireless free cell phone services are as follows;
- Unlimited text messages
- Unlimited monthly minutes
- 4.5GB of free data
- Free voicemail and caller ID
- Free call waiting and nationwide calls
13. Easy Wireless:
Easy Wireless is also an authorized Lifeline partner. The wireless company operates using Sprint towers. It is worth noting that they also offer free Android phones.
Easy Wireless Free Cell Phone Plans
Easy Wireless has helped tens of thousands of customers stay connected with free cell phone service on data and calls. Below are their plans;
- 200-1000 free minutes
- 250-1000 free text
- 25-500MB of free monthly data
- Free emergency calls
- Free voicemails
Frequently Asked Questions:
There are a lot of questions about the Free Cell Phone Service For Unlimited Everything. Below are a few answers to some of them
- ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS TO LIFELINE?
The benefits of the Lifeline program are limited to one person per household. Plus, a household can get free cell phone services from only one service provider.
- WHAT ARE LIFELINE BENEFITS?
The Lifeline program was created in 1985. The primary purpose was to afford millions of poor Americans access to affordable telephone subscriptions. The program provides users with free cell phones and free cell phone services. The users can then add to their free plans at a subsidized rate.
- ARE THE FREE PHONES AND FREE CELL PHONE PLANS ANY GOOD?
As of now, more than 15 million Americans have benefited from the free phone and free cell phone plans. The program has helped to keep many in touch with their families and the society at large.
- WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE FREE GOVERNMENT PHONES?
Though the free government phones are popularly called the “Obama Phone Program,” the official name is FCC Lifeline Program For Low-Income Customers.
Conclusion
Since 1985, the US Lifeline program has provided modest and affordable free phone services for millions. The government has achieved this feat over the years through some service providers. Different providers have different rates and different plans. Some service providers offer plans that are better than others. Hence, one should check their offers before signing up to receive free cell phone service for unlimited everything.
