We’ve written about FreedomPop before and suggested that the company has a plan that may be right for some people looking for low-cost cell phone service. Now FreedomPop has added a new wrinkle that allows customers to bring their own Apple iPhones to the party.
Just in case you’re not familiar with the FreedomPop program, here’s how we described it in an earlier article:
If you need more than the 250 free minutes offered in most of the free government cell phone programs, or if you don’t qualify for the program, and if you can afford to pay a very reasonable price for a real smart phone, FreedomPop may be for you. Its basic plan gives you 200 voice minutes each month, 500 texts each month and 500MB of 4G data with 3G roaming every month. And all of that is free. Absolutely free.
Please understand that FreedomPop isn’t free, but it is inexpensive and is worth a look for anyone who doesn’t qualify for Lifeline Assistance, the free government cell phone program. Especially if you’re already using an iPhone.
To be completely honest, FreedomPop doesn’t support every iPhone model, but it does support the vast majority of them, including the very popular iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 models. And if you don’t already own an iPhone, FreedomPop will sell you one for as little as $349. The iPhone 5 was introduced nearly two years ago, which means it isn’t Apple’s latest nor greatest model, and that $349 is a lot of money for a cell phone, but that’s precisely why we said the FreedomPop plan should be viewed as a relatively inexpensive alternative for anyone who doesn’t qualify for the free government cell phone program.
Of course, FreedomPop still offers other Android smart phones including the Samsung Galaxy SII for $159 and HTC EVO 4G for $99.
(In the interest of full disclosure, the writer of this article is still using an iPhone 3. My cell phone needs are pretty basic and I prefer the sleek, rounded corner design to the square edges of Apple’s newer models).
At this point you’re probably wondering what this so-called “alternative to the free government cell phone program” offers. So here goes: FreedomPop’s “Basic” plan gives you 200 voice minutes, 500 text messages, and 500MB data per month at no charge. That’s right — absolutely free. You can get other paid monthly plans that offer additional voice and text options, and you can also get options that offer more data usage, but you’ll pay for it on a per-megabyte basis.
You have to admit that the FreedomPop program sounds intriguing and you’re probably wondering how they can afford to offer so much free cell phone usage. The answer is really pretty simple: Unlike other cell phone companies, FreedomPop uses VoIP (Voice-over-Internet- Protocol) and routes your calls across the internet. The difference is transparent to the user.

If you’ve tried FreedomPop, we’re sure our readers would love to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment to let everyone know the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful.
Source: News for Shoppers
antor says
i would like to have a goverment phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then you’ll need to enroll in the Lifeline free government cell phone program, Anton. Here’s where you can find all the companies and plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Dexter daniels says
I would like a government I PHONE
Free Government Cell Phones says
No one will assure that you receive an iPhone, Dexter. The Lifeline companies all have a wide range of makes and models of phones (that changes every day) and they are given out randomly as customers enroll.
Maurice clark says
I want a free government freedom Pop iPhone sent to 6206 belmark Houston Texas 77087 zip
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s not the way it works, Maurice. You actually need to contact the company, not us.
Makyra says
How can i get a free Government iphone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We suggest that you do a Google search for a website called FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net and check it out. It has all the info you will ever need.
Anthony says
I will like an government iPhone
Free Government Cell Phones says
It takes a little more work than simply saying you want one, Anthony. You actually have to enroll in one of the plans available in your state.
Nikki RICCIO says
I would like a government I phone please
Free Government Cell Phones says
No one will assure that you receive an iPhone, Nikki. The Lifeline companies all have a wide range of makes and models of phones (that changes every day) and they are given out randomly as customers enroll.
Jordan says
I have an iPhone SE and do qualify/ already have the assurance phone. I would like to use my iPhone with the free service. How can I find a free service provider that is compatible with my iphone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to speak to customer service. They should be able to answer your question.
Siddharth says
Hi sir I need a phone 📱
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are an independent informational website, Sid, NOT a free government cell phone company. You need to contact one of the companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Agatha Varga says
We live in California (the most expensive place to live), but our income is less than the required minimum income (required for a free cell phone service).
My husband is legally blind and is unable you see buttons and numbers on a cell phone.
We would like to have a cellphone where he could use Siri to call a number, so he needs the usage of the internet. He would only need to use this phone for emergency when he goes for a short walk with his white cane around the block. We got a used iPhone 4 and wanted to get a Pay-as-you-Go plan at TMobile, for only $3 a month, but since he has to use the voice command of Siri, he would need to have internet available, which would cost a minimum of &30 per month.
So, where and how could we get a free wireless plan that would help him.
BTW: we have certification from the doctor for being legally blind.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Virtually all the free government cell phone companies offer plans to help hearing/vision/speech-impaired customers. Here’s what we would do. Check out all the plans available in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Check them all out, find the plans that fits your needs best, then contact that company’s customer service team to find out more about their hearing/vision/speech-impaired programs. It may take calls to several companies to find one that offers the plan you need along with having a network that’s compatible with your phone. Good luck.
Takavian Brown says
I’m applying for the free cell phones.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not by leaving a comment here, you’re not. You need to contact a free government cell phone company directly, not us.
Caressa says
😂 lol
Guisele says
I have an iPhone 6plus, may I use that?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Hey, we have the same phone, Guisele. To find out if it can be used on your service provider’s network, speak to customer service/tech support.
laura mason says
who has the cheapest i phone 8 and service plan qualifies for free government
Angel solis says
I need a new phone so I can get of hold of people
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to enroll if you want to get a hold of people.
Caressa says
Lol
Debi says
Can I use my old iPhone 4s?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You may be able to use your phone, but not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, it’s very important that you contact customer service to find out the correct answer to that question.
Amber Neal says
So I can get a iPhone 6 if I sign up for this plan
Free Government Cell Phones says
Each company offers a different assortment of makes and models. Check the plans offered in your state at the link below. You’ll need to visit the companies’ websites or contact their customer service team to find out which phones they offer.
Brooklyn says
Love it
Britney says
I don’t have a phone and want one like I had it was an iPhone 6 plus
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out if they offer that make and model.
Tyxaviemelton says
I need a phone every where I go I have to ask everyone can I used there phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you qualify for the program, Ty? Here’s an article that tells you all the ways you can be eligible:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
And here’s where you can find a complete list of all the companies and plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Lucky says
I am in 11std but i dont hany any kind of cell phone please let me get one
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t understand what “11std” means, Lucky.
tomas says
I need a cell phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then it would be a very good idea if you applied for one, Tomas.
Alex says
I have a iPhone 5 is it compatible with your service and if so how much is it thanks for ur time
Free Government Cell Phones says
You didn’t mention which free government cell phone company you are enrolled with, Alex. To assure that you get an accurate answer to your question, it’s best if you contact your service provider’s customer service team. You can do that by calling 6-1-1 on your Lifeline phone.
Arrey says
I need a iPhone now please
Free Government Cell Phones says
Well, then you’d better apply for one, Arrey. That’s what this website is all about.
William says
I need a free iphone 6 plus right now please with mobile hotspot also how do i get one
Free Government Cell Phones says
None of the Lifeline companies are giving away free Apple 6 models, William. You can upgrade to an iPhone 6, but they are pricey. For example, Safelink is offering them for $399.
Ramona says
Thanks for your help
To
Seneuefa says
How do i get free iphone from you guys.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You cannot get a free iPhone from us because we’re an independent informational website, not a free government cell phone service provider. The article doesn’t say the company is giving away iPhones, it says you can bring your own iPhone.
raelynn yourgulez says
How do I get an Iphone from you guys?
Free Government Cell Phones says
To get an iPhone from us, you’ll need to burglarize our office, Raelynn. We’re an independent website, not an internet service provider. However, you can get an iPhone from several of the free government cell phones. You’ll need to contact each of the companies in your state to find out which ones are currently offering iPhones:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
trey dyson says
can i get an iphone 7
Free Government Cell Phones says
Probably not, Trey. The phones given out as part of the Lifeline free government cell phone program are refurbished older models. The latest Apple model we’ve seen is an iPhone 4. There may be someone giving away newer models, but we have not seen it.
Lizzet rodriguez says
iPhone 6 please free
Free Government Cell Phones says
All we have is the Iphone 7. We didn’t know if you wanted a 7 or 7 Plus, so both are on it’s way.
Joshua Brainerd says
I’ll take an I phone 7 for free
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’ll take a date with Jennifer Anniston, Joshua, and we probably have a better shot at getting wha we want than you have at getting what you want. We are unaware of any company giving out late model iPhones.
Shayla says
So do you all have a iPhone 7 or 7 plus?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not a free government cell phone company, Shayla. This is an independent informational website. But we can tell your that it’s very doubtful that you will receive a current model cell phone.
Mohammed says
Can I get an iPhone 7
Free Government Cell Phones says
Probably not, Mohammed. The phones given out as part of the Lifeline program are usually older refurbished models, not the latest, greatest Apple iPhones.
Takela Johnson says
I would like a 5s for free
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you know that the 5s is available? If so, apply for it.
Deb Wong says
Is your company giving away the i phone 5. Free government phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
“Our” company isn’t giving away anything but information, Deb. We are an independent website and we have no affiliation with any of the Lifeline Assistance companies.
Mary says
Where can i get one?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells which Lifeline Assistance companies offer smartphones:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Gabriel says
I would like a government iPhone 4 free with talk text data
Free Government Cell Phones says
And we would like you to have one, Gabriel. However, we are not the ones to ask. You need to apply with a Lifeline service provider that offers smartphones. Here’s an article that tells you which ones may do what you need:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Jocelyn Vetaw says
I would like a government iPhone 4 free with talk text data
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should check out our article that tells you about the smartphone/upgrade policies of all the major Lifeline free government cell phone companies. Here it is:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Kristina chestnut says
I ordered a phone over a month and never received it after being told 7-10 business days.i’m not sure what happened but is it possible to get a smartphone?i will pay for it if I need to.thank you in advance.
Free Government Cell Phones says
One month delivery times are not unusual, Kristina. But you should visit your service provider’s website to see if there’s a way to check the status of your account. Many of the Lifeline companies offer this on their websites. If you can’t find it, you should contact the company’s customer service team to check the status.
In the meantime, here’s an article that tells you about the upgrade policies for each of the leading free government cell phone companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
kelly says
If somebody could just donate an iphone 5s that would be great I know it sounds picky but I promise it’s for a good cause
Free Government Cell Phones says
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net’s editor still uses an iPhone 3, Kelly. The face is smashed and the backside is cracked from top to bottom, but it still works.
Sullivan says
I will qualify for a iphone 6 please email me ******@gmail.com
kristyanna dore says
My smartphone screen shaddered this morning and im in need of a phone plz thank you
kelly says
My son dropped my in water and he won’t turn back on plz I need a new phone plz thank you
kira says
I’m a single mom with no income and no family at all I have a 12 yr old daughter that has the biggest most giving heart she don’t ask for a lot but she wants a I phone so bad I will quitfly plz call asap 405 915 ****
Desirae says
I really want a iPhone 6 please!!:/
Jose says
I need a phone becaus im out allmost all the day at my work if an accidente happen k wont be alble to contact them
aquarius fane says
Lost old phone looking for a new one to stay in connect with friends and family
Chezoma Davis says
I really need a government phone
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Start here and pick your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
pam smith says
I have n old Verizon iphone. Can I use that on your plan. Are you in New Orleans?
Dave Searles says
I’m looking for a free government cell service that has iPhones. I have two MacBooks, a MacBook Pro home computer and MacBook Air travel computer.
I’m presenting with Q Link which has cut off my service. The smart phone they sent me is a piece of junk. It does not do what my Wis. Division Vocational Rehabilitation counselor and the employment specialist intended it do for me. They were concerned that I was missing phone calls from employers. As a result, I filed a consumer complaint against Q Link. We could not come to agreement, so I refiled my complaint. They then cut my service.
Can you help me?
Dave Searles
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Dave, uh, pardon us if we’re missing something here…but with all those Macbooks and the Pro you have, along with traveling, you don’t sound like the intended market for a government-paid cell phone.
joesph says
i need a phone so I can get a hold or my mom and dad when I am out buy my self
gerard gaudin says
Be careful with these guys!!!!! I started out just seeking information; got spammed for their MiFi, which I purchased at a good price. It was defective; and, took a couple of months to get corrected. Meanwhile, they stealth-ed in a $20 monthly charge against the card used in the original Purchase, even though I Never Requested an account; and there was absolutely no usage, what so ever on that service. Thus, their “Free Service” is a sad joke. In trying to correct the billing problem, it is next to impossible to reach a human. E-mails are very slow response (a week is pretty good); but are tech helpful when answered. Unfortunately, I needed the “Billing Dept.”; and, that guy is a complete a-hole via E-mail. (Forget an Answered Phone!!) He “Canceled” my Unused Account because I had reversed the illegal charges. Therefore, I am unable to discuss the Quality of their Service. I do recommend that you diligently watch any account that they can auto-bill!!