What Cell Phones Have Free Phones To Change Service

We've found several ways that you tin can get free phones and even free jail cell phone service! These deals are available from several unlike providers but don't worry: we've addressed all of your options in this listing!

Why do these providers offer free phones and gratis cell phone service?

The government has created a subsidy plan to assist low income customers become gratis phones and gratuitous cell phone service. After all, having a reliable phone and service is essential in today's fast-paced world.

After all, phones are usually required to get jobs… contact emergency services… pay bills… arrange child intendance… contact physician'southward and other medical professionals… and so much more. Without a reliable phone, ordinary life gets very difficult very rapidly.

Expect – are these Obamaphones?

Yep, they are often called that simply this program didn't start with Obama.

This program actually has its roots dorsum in the 1930s, when the government established the need for universal phone service. It began providing complimentary phone service nether Reagan and was later expanded past Bush and Obama… simply the gratis phones provided by this programme is still referred to as "Obamaphone" program.

It is more properly referred to as the Lifeline program.

Who qualifies for costless phones and free cell phone service?

In order to authorize to participate in the Lifeline plan, you must meet the following criteria:

You must be located in the United States. The program is available in every state, democracy, territory and on Tribal lands.
Y'all must have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guideline OR participate in one of the following federal assistance programs"
- Medicaid
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Programs

You must but take 1 Lifeline subsidy per household simply you can transfer your benefit betwixt providers. You can either employ the subsidy to receive assist with your habitation phone, cell phone OR high-speed broadband internet service. This is verified by the National Verifier organisation to forbid fraud.

What if I don't qualify for an Obamaphone?

Fortunately, there are other providers that offering cheap cell phones and services for all customers (regardless of income).

Mint Mobile offers wireless service starting at just $fifteen/month! Mint has been highly recommended by many of my readers. Learn more nearly Mint here!

Do you know of another provider we oasis't written most nonetheless? Permit u.s. know in the comments and we'll check information technology out!

Are the free phones and gratis prison cell phone service plans any skillful?

This is a question that we are asked quite ofttimes but the answer really depends on your defnition of "good." There are several different providers that offering dissimilar plans. Some are better than others.

All costless prison cell phone service plans are held to a minimum standard.

Nether the FCC's Lifeline Programme for Depression Income Customers (that's the formal name for the program often called 'Obamaphone'), there are minimum standards that all providers must meet.

As of this writing, all costless cell phone service plans under this plan must provide at least 1,000 minutes and a minimum of 3 GB of data. The phones must have 3G information speeds.

Some providers load their costless phones with malware.

In early 2020, information technology was revealed that many costless phones that are provided from these government programs come preloaded with malware. The afflicted phones discussed in this commodity were provided by Assurance Wireless. The preinstalled malware "aggressively displays ads" and can't be removed without uninstalling the Settings app which can basically destroy the phone.

Thus, it is very of import to carefully evaluate which plan and telephone you will use. If you aren't conscientious, you could cease upwards with a nearly unusable device.

woman tells her friend about free phones and free cell phone service through Obamaphone program

How can I become free phones and free cell phone service?

In that location are several providers that offer these plans. Notwithstanding, the plans are non the same from each provider. Information technology'south important to carefully review the plan terms and figure out which one is all-time for y'all.

Some providers operate nationwide and some are state-specific. Be certain to check both of our lists!

fourteen Nationwide Providers

These companies offer free jail cell phone services nationwide, or at to the lowest degree in multiple states.

Safelink Wireless

Safelink Wireless besides offers free phones and complimentary cell phone service. It is role of TracFone Wireless, which uses the towers from four major cell phone companies: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint. Their plans vary depending on which state yous alive in.

Access Wireless

Access Wireless uses the Sprint Network to bring free cell phone service to low income customers. All data near plans is subconscious behind a screen that requests your zip lawmaking, so I am unable to provide additional data hither.

American Assistance

American Aid offers gratuitous phones and free cell telephone service with free minutes, data and unlimited free text letters. Their service uses the T-Mobile network.

Assurance Wireless

Assurance Wireless offers free phones and costless jail cell phone service to low income households through the Lifeline program. Their plans include unlimited texting, as well as a free data and minute allotment. They use the Sprint network. However, information technology's important to recall that this is the same company that was proven to distribute phones with malware… so be careful.

Blue Jay Wireless

Blue Jay Wireless offers gratuitous smartphones, free minutes, complimentary unlimited text messaging and even gratis data to depression income users in 18 states.

FeelSafe Wireless

FeelSafe Wireless offers an Obamaphone plan in California, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

Life Wireless

Life Wireless offers free phones. Their free prison cell telephone service plans vary past state, but generally include unlimited text messaging (not including picture messaging), nationwide calling and other benefits.

SafetyNet Wireless

SafetyNet Wireless provides gratis phones and free cell phone service that includes complimentary minutes, texting and information. In nigh states, the limit is 350 minutes and 3 GB information, with unlimited texting. They provide services in California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

StandUp Wireless

StandUp Wireless does not provide costless phones but they do provide complimentary jail cell phone service on compatible devices. When you lot bring your own device to StandUp Wireless, you'll get 3GB of data, unlimited texts and at least 1,000 minutes per month for free. Unlimited minutes and higher data caps are bachelor for a price.

TAG Mobile

In most states, TAG Mobile provides free jail cell phone service with 1,000 gratuitous vox minutes and unlimited texting. California residents may also receive a gratuitous smartphone with unlimited talk and text messaging, also every bit between 1/2 and ane GB of data!

Tempo

Tempo offers free jail cell telephone service with unlimited minutes, unlimited text messages and 3 GB of data. Some states may not authorize for this plan, so be sure to check what'south available in your country.

TerraCom Wireless

The Lifeline plans at Terracom Wireless vary depending on which state you live in. You tin can find the options hither.

TruConnect

TruConnect offers free smartphones, as well as free cell phone service with minutes, texts and iii GB of data. Equally of this writing, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, with more coming soon.

QLink

QLink provides free cell telephone service with 3 GB data, one,000 minutes and unlimited texting. Their texting includes unlimited picture messaging, which is non always available with other providers. You can earn actress minutes and information by referring friends to QLink besides.

30+ State Providers

You may be able to receive assistance from other companies, depending on what state yous live in.

Alabama

CSpire offers a Lifeline programme. However, they do not offer free phones or free cell phone service. They offer a $7.25 disbelieve on their programme that is ordinarily $55 per month. That means you'll pay $47.75 for the plan that includes 12 GB of high speed information.

Pine Belt Communications participates in the Lifeline Assist Plan, although they do not provide very proficient explanations of exactly what they offer.

Southern Linc provides a Lifeline Plan that includes 2000 monthly minutes and unlimited texting, Nonetheless, they charge effectually $20 per month for this service.

TWire is a LIfeline assistance program that is exclusive to Alabama residents. They offering a free cell phone, likewise as a certain amount of minute and text messages per month. If you want a smartphone, y'all volition need to pay a one-time fee of $60 to upgrade from their free basic phone.

Alaska

Copper Valley Telecom has served the Vladez and Copper River Basin areas for more than 50 years. They are now Lifeline approved providers as well. For $i per month, you can go a voice simply landline or wireless connection. For voice and data, y'all tin get a $34.25 credit towards their Ala Carte voice and data plan.

Cordova Telecom Cooperative provides a Lifeline cellular plan that costs simply $1 per month. You have to utilise in person at either their role on 2nd Street in Cordova or at Mallott'south General Shop in Yukatat, although you can print the awarding from their website.

GCI offers a Lifeline Mobile Programme and a Lifeline Wireline program. You have to choose but one, and you tin can merely have i Lifeline line per household. The gratis Wireline program includes unlimited local calling but no long distance. However, for $1 per month, y'all can become the Lifeline Mobile plan which includes an unlimited Nationwide talk and text plan with 10 GB of data. There is no credit check required for this program.

TelAlaska offers a discount on their mobile phone services and broadband cyberspace services. Their basic cellular service is just $0 after the discount.

Arizona

CellularOne offers a complimentary smartphone and a Lifeline cellular program.

Pick Wireless offers standard and tribal Lifeline plans. The Standard programme includes unlimited calling and 3GB of total-speed data, every bit well as a credit toward a smartphone purchase. The Tribal plan includes unlimited information and free phones likewise.

Arkansas

Easy Wireless offers complimentary cell phone service to low income residents in Kentucky, Missouri and Oklahoma. Although the details vary past state, all of their plans include free phones and "inexpensive data options."

True Wireless has a Lifeline program but, unfortunately, all the details are locked behind a aught lawmaking check. I don't have the ability to cheque every zero code, and so you'll take to click here to figure out what plans are available to you.

Colorado

Choice Wireless offers standard and tribal Lifeline plans. The Standard plan includes unlimited calling and 3GB of full-speed information, too as a credit toward a smartphone purchase. The Tribal programme includes unlimited data and free phones likewise.

Viaero Wireless has a Lifeline plan as well. Their plan includes 1,000 minutes, ane,000 texts and 3 GB of high speed data. Nevertheless, this service costs $10 per calendar month.

Georgia

Southern Linc provides a Lifeline Plan that includes 2000 monthly minutes and unlimited texting, However, they charge around $20 per month for this service.

Hawaii

Sandwich Isles Communications Inc. likewise has a Lifeline program, although I was non able to notice any details on their website.

Idaho

Inland Cellular offers $ix.75 off their cellular plans for Idaho residents who authorize for Lifeline.

Illinois

IV Cellular has a Lifeline program for around $xi per calendar month.

Kentucky

Bluegrass Wireless offers discounts of upwards to $12.75 per month on their monthly plans. They likewise offer devices starting as low as $twenty. Notwithstanding, they do not take a free Obamaphone program.

Louisiana

New Telephone Wireless has a Lifeline programme for Louisiana residents. Their gratis cell phone service programme includes 1,000 minutes, unlimited text messages and iii GB of data. They besides offering free phones!

Maryland

True Wireless has a Lifeline programme simply, unfortunately, all the details are locked backside a zip lawmaking check. I don't have the power to check every zip code, so y'all'll take to click here to figure out what plans are available to you.

Michigan

ThumbCellular offers a Lifeline plan for Michigan residents. It appears that their programme merely offers a discount on the line, and that they do not offer gratis service or Obamaphones.

Mississippi

CSpire offers a Lifeline program. However, they do not offer free phones or gratuitous cell phone service. They offer a $7.25 disbelieve on their programme that is normally $55 per calendar month. That means you'll pay $47.75 for the plan that includes 12 GB of loftier speed data.

Southern Linc provides a Lifeline Plan that includes 2000 monthly minutes and unlimited texting, However, they accuse around $20 per month for this service.

Missouri

Northwest Missouri Cellular has a Lifeline plan, only it's not like the costless Obamaphone plans. It'due south a low-cost plan that offers unlimited local minutes (and no data) for $8.70 per calendar month. For $27.lxx/month, you tin get ane,000 minutes and 9 GB of information on the Expanded Lcoal Plus program.

Nebraska

Viaero Wireless has a Lifeline program as well. Their program includes 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 3 GB of loftier speed data. However, this service costs $10 per month.

Nevada

Choice Wireless offers standard and tribal Lifeline plans. The Standard programme includes unlimited calling and 3GB of full-speed data, also equally a credit toward a smartphone buy. The Tribal plan includes unlimited information and free phones as well.

New Mexico

Option Wireless offers standard and tribal Lifeline plans. The Standard plan includes unlimited calling and 3GB of full-speed data, as well as a credit toward a smartphone purchase. The Tribal plan includes unlimited data and complimentary phones every bit well.

Due north Dakota

Red Stone Telecom offers a $34.25 discount on their monthly bills to those who are eligible for the Lifeline Plan.

Oklahoma

Panhandle Telecommunications Systems offers a Lifeline discount for Oklahoma residents, just I could not find details.

Pine Cellular offers a Lifeline discount to Oklahoma residents. However, it'southward just a $9.25 discount for eligible subscribers, non the typical gratuitous Obamaphone plan.

Due south Dakota

Red Rock Telecom offers a $34.25 discount on their monthly bills to those who are eligible for the Lifeline Program.

Texas

Panhandle Telecommunications Systems offers a Lifeline discount for Texas residents, but I could non find details.

Due west Central Wireless offers a $7.25 discount to those who are eligible for the Lifeline plan.

Utah

Selection Wireless offers standard and tribal Lifeline plans. The Standard plan includes unlimited calling and 3GB of full-speed information, as well equally a credit toward a smartphone purchase. The Tribal plan includes unlimited data and free phones as well.

Washington

Inland Cellular offers $9.75 off their cellular plans for Idaho residents who authorize for Lifeline.

Wisconsin

Cellcom offers a Lifeline disbelieve for Wisconsin residents, merely the details vary past county. Yous'll have to view this list for more information.

Wyoming

Union Wireless offers a $vii.25 discount on their bills for Lifeline recipients.

Nationwide Providers (Discounts, Non Costless)

Many mainstream providers simply provide the bones Lifeline discount on your plan. However, we wanted to be thorough in our report, so we are including them hither so that you can be aware of these programs as well.

AT&T

AT&T will reduce your pecker by the amount of the federal subsidy (around $7.25 per month) if you lot alive in sure states. If you live on federally recognized tribal lands, you can get an additional $25 per month off your bill. Even so, AT&T does offering internet for just $5 per month for low income customers.

enTouch Wireless

Plans first at $x per month with enTouch Wireless. They offer a basic $10 disbelieve to those who are eligible for Lifeline plans. Their cheapest plan costs $10 after the discount and provides unlimited minutes, unlimited texting, and only ane/two GB of data.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile offers a Lifeline discount on their regularly-priced plans. Nonetheless, people who are eligible for the tribal Lifeline program may pay equally little as $1 per month through T-Mobile's Lifeline plan.

Usa Cellular

U.s.a. Cellular has a discounted Lifeline programme for $34.25 per month. This plan includes unlimited minutes, unlimited text letters and ane GB data.

Verizon

Verizon does non participate in the typical Obamaphone program. They participate in the Lifeline plan, just they merely offer a $9.25 discount on your usual Verizon bill.

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Have too much month at the cease of your money? Me too - and that's how Low Income Relief got started. I accept over 20 years of professional enquiry and writing experience. Over the years, I've worked equally a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and content creator. My work has been featured in diverse print and online publications, including U.s.a. Today, eHow.com, Livestrong.com, Legal Beagle, The Daily Herald (Provo, Utah), The Chronicle (Centralia, WA) and others. At Depression Income Relief, I utilise my professional person enquiry and reporting experience to help depression income families relieve money and make ends come across. It's been my full-fourth dimension job since 2016, and information technology'due south truly an accolade to serve you.