Nothing makes us happier than seeing the Lifeline free government cell phone program expand. Thanks to Assist Wireless, low income residents of Arkansas, Maryland and Oklahoma will be able to have a phone for emergencies and to keep in touch with doctors, family and friends. And the news gets even better, because they say they are expanding to ten more states in the near future.
We have repeatedly said that competition can only make the Lifeline Assistance program better for consumers, so Assist’s entry into the free government cell phone business in Arkansas, Maryland and Oklahoma should be great news for participants in the program. More competitors mean better service and more offerings.
But what are the other states in which Assist has hung out the “Opening Soon” signs? California, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Texas. We’re particularly eager to see what kind of Lifeline program Assist rolls out in California, which has had very limited Lifeline free government cell phone providers until now.
Assist says its goal is to provide an affordable cell phone service for individuals and families who qualify for government assistance. Assist is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, y’all. The company claims to be “…one of the fastest growing wireless providers in the telecommunications industry targeting the unbanked/under-banked and credit-challenged consumer demographic.”
Assist Wireless’ bread and butter is subsidized wireless phones and service for low-income customers of the Lifeline Assistance program.
Most people think of telephone companies as huge, nameless, faceless conglomerates, so we thought you might find it interesting to know who’s behind Assist Wireless. Here’s how Assist describes its leadership.
“…(Our) founders group and management team is led by David Dorwart, Chairman of the Board, and Byron Young, CEO. This group brings extensive experience in telecommunications with a deep understanding of the technical and operational issues unique to Lifeline products and compliance. As founders of dPi Teleconnect and New Talk, Inc., David Dorwart and Byron Young each have owned and operated successful landline providers in the telecommunications industry targeting Lifeline services. Collectively, this management team brings more than 100 years of combined experience with specific expertise in all areas of the industry. The management team has an extensive background in back office systems, automation, billing, call center solutions, outsourcing, order processing, Lifeline compliance, distribution, and carrier relationship management.”
We welcome you to the Lifeline Assistance family, Assist. And we hope lots of low income Americans will welcome you, too.
Josh says
I chatted with this company via internet and asked which carriers they use. I was told because of security I could not b given that information and the session was ended before I could refuse. This is the worst service I have ever recieved and would not recommend this comoany. That was very rude. What ever happened to manners in this world.
DWH says
gime gime gime
Ashley says
Agreed. Let Oregon in on this. I heard this advertised on the radio some weeks ago and then find out its not even offered in this state? Really? Please let low income Oregonians have a chance at this as well.
jen Collin says
We need some in Montana
CapDad says
This was a good puffsheet for Assist…how much did they pay you all?
Mel says
Minnesotans need affordable cell phones too!
amber says
Come on OREGON catch up and offer this
john says
when will free government cell phones be available in Colorado?