The Lifeline Assistance industry continues to shrink and consolidate as Assurance Wireless, the second largest free government cell phone company, just announced a merger with Access Wireless, the third largest company* in the business.
The new, combined entity will be named i-Wireless. It will still lag behind Safelink Wireless, the original and still the largest free government cell phone company.
Let’s get some definitions out of the way in order to make this story easier to comprehend. First, Assurance Wireless is owned by telecom giant Sprint. Access Wireless is owned by i-Wireless.
Although neither company has released any information regarding the number of customers they serve, our analysis of Lifeline subsidies indicates that Sprint’s Assurance Wireless had approximately 2,166,000 customers in December 2015 and i-wireless’ Access Wireless had approximately 845,000 customers. That means the combined entity will have over 3,000,000 customers compared to Safelink’s 4,165,000 customers.
Of course, the merger is subject to review by the Federal Communications Commission and other regulatory approvals, but we expect those approvals to be granted quickly with relatively few delays.
The new i-Wireless will be led by i-wireless Founder and CEO Paul McAleese.
“This alliance will create a vibrant competitor ready to embrace a modernized Lifeline program,” McAleese said. “As the category transitions to broadband, we’re enthusiastic about the potential to help customers more fully participate in today’s digital economy by making access to employment, education and healthcare services more affordable to low-income consumers.”
“Sprint has enjoyed a great relationship with i-wireless for many years,” said Dow Draper, president of prepaid for Sprint said in a press release. “We’re excited to move forward with this strategic partnership, which will result in efficiencies for both companies, including financial synergies, such as acquisition costs, device purchasing scale and working capital flexibility.”
The two companies believe the combination their respective strengths will power the company’s growth.
As the press release states, “i-wireless has a unique competitive advantage in its ability to accurately and efficiently qualify new customers for Lifeline services through a relationship with its strategic investor, The Kroger Co. Kroger is one of the nation’s largest grocery chains. i-wireless will continue to operate on the Sprint network, which delivers consistent reliability, capacity and speed that customers can count on.”
This merger is just the latest in a wave of changes in the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone industry.
ReachOut Wireless, which we once ranked as the fifth largest Lifeline Assistance company, dropped out of the free government cell phone business, as did number twelve Care Wireless, and number fourteen Alaska Communications. Two other companies, number eleven Terracom Wireless and number fifteen YourTel Wireless, announced a merger earlier this year. And we expect number nine Total Call Mobile to drop out of the top ten Lifeline Assistance providers after being hit with massive fines by the Federal Communications Commission earlier this year.
* In its press release announcing the merger, Sprint refers to Access Wireless as the “fifth-largest provider” of wireless Lifeline services. However, our analysis of Lifeline subsidies leads us to believe that rapidly-growing Access Wireless ended 2015 as the third largest competitor.
LINDA WHITNEY says
KEEP HANGING UP WHEN SPEAKING WITH ONE OF YOUR REPS. WHAT GOING ON. SCOTT WHITNEY 29 NEWELL AVE NEW BRUNSWICK NJ 08901. LINDA WHITNEY POWER OF ATTY. GOING TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE bbb. ALSO WITH MY GOVE. REP. THIS IS NOT EFFECTIVE. ALSO YOUR CEO IG THIS IS NIT CORRECT WITHIN 24 HOURS.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Go ahead and file your complaint, Linda, but please be aware that we have NOTHING to do with your problems. This is an independent informational website, NOT your service provider’s site.
Alice says
Please call me Alice Bennett 904 250 **** regarding my call history from August 31,2018 . I cannot access it from my phone, it is imperitive that I get this days history as it will be used as evidence against a company who has victimized me.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not your service provider, Alice, so we cannot provide you with any info about your account.
Jeffrey Scott Walker says
I was approved by access wireless two months ago. A new phone was supposed to ship to me because the first phone that came here was sent to a neighbor by mistake, and they wrote “not here…return to sender”. Access said of course they’d send another phone since I was already approved. I have been trying for WEEKS to ask when the phone will ship. Now they tell me that I must contact a Colorado Access Wireless company, since they were in California !! Now I see that you have taken over Access Wireless as I-Wireless. Is the new 1-866-792-**** number correct now? PLEASE call me back on my assisted living center house phone at: 970-434-****. Thank you !!
Jeffrey Scott Walker
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Jeffrey, but we have no way of knowing the answer to your question. That’s a question that only your service provider can answer.
Debi Best says
Assurance wireless is the worst phone co. I had one of there piece of crap phones . A always dropping whatever I was doing .slow as a snail .phone full of glitzs. Then I lost it ,called them up they said if I pay 6 dollars they would send me another one within 10 days .so I paid .over 4 weeks later I call them back they say I went with another carrier and never sent my phone out .I never talked to another carrier so they lied. So I got no phone but they took my money . And I’m getting it back and going with another carrier .Completely different . Then one last thing all of their customer service reps can’t speak clear English so if your don’t like the service you certainly won’t like not understanding the guy who’s suppose to help you . This company free or not sucks bad .
Jeff Walker says
This is EXZACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME !! EXACTLY !! The Assurance phones are just like the ZTE china phones and are REALLY terrible phones.
Zora Burnett says
My name is Zora Lee Burnett, I have had 2 assurance wireless phones , both with the number 423-381-2510 , Both are messed up, it appears some one , jerked my info off it , under the settings on the phone , it says null. I am using the Wifi , here @ Mountain View motel , on my LTE Rebel 2 LG to text you. I was told , malware was found on my laptop and this phone. I am without a phone to make any calls, If you receive this message, please inform me on where I could apply for a phone that is in Cleveland, Tennessee. Sincerely, Zora Lee Burnett
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can enroll by phone or online, Zara.
CLORINDA Paparrlli says
I DEFINETLY WANT A smart phone. I WANT THE BEST free phone posdible. Which company do you recommrnd?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Impossible to answer that question because there are so many variables involved, Clorinda.
Giselle Berreondo says
Need a phone for a soon to be released inmate Joseph Dean ******
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, you cannot enroll for him, Giselle. He will need to do the application himself.
Tracy says
How do people complain about a free phone & service. Unreal !
A says
Access wireless big joke I read other customers complain …I sent in my application on June 21 2018. Weeks go by they can’t find it unreal the govt should step in remove these unprofessional s … Problem is no one monitors these people just disgrace. They need to remove them from program find more reliable people????
SCOTT says
I HAVE HAD JUST ABOUT ALL THE “SAFE LINK FREE PHONES/PROVIDERS”. I THINK ITS NOTHING BUT A HUGE RIP OFF. ONE OF THE PHONES, WAS 3G NETWORK AND THE COMPANY TELLS ME THATS ALL THEY PROVIDE RIGHT NOW BUT ON THE WRITE UP ABOUT THE CEO, IT STATES PROVIDING THE MOST FASTEST UPDATE NETWORK. THE PHONE DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A SIM CARD AND STILL WORKS WHEN NOT ON WIFI. THAT JUST ODD TO ME, UNLESS ITS HACKED. I THINK SOME OF THE PROVIDERS, USE IT AS A COVER UP TO STALK PEOPLE. SOMETHING KNOWN AS GANG STALKING. IF THE LOCATION WAS NOT ON, THE PHONE WOULD NOT WORK. MY ADVICE IS TO STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM THIS AND PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND THE PEOPLE WHO ARE AROUND YOU. WENT OUT OF STATE ONE WEEKEND WHICH NO ONE KNEW I WAS GOING, THE SAME PEOPLE MY PI DISCOVER WAS AT EVERY PLACE I WENT. TELL ME THAT IS NOT WEIRD.
Allen says
I want unlimited talk text and lot more data for me to get this service thinks
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yoda, is that you?
vicki anderson says
I lost my government phone that i had with access wireless. How do i get another phone with my kroger number on it and my extra minutes
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Access customer service, Vicki. Depending on how long ago you lost it, your account may have been cancelled for non-usage.
Marc says
In 2016, I started seeing some people milling around giving away free cell phones and free service. I was already a long-time user of Assurance Wireless (since 2012 or 2013) and was satisfied with my service. I, however, wasn’t satisfied with the old phone Assurance had provided (having to press a number key several times for certain letters when sending texts). So, in March of 2017, I passed one of these little portable canopies and stopped to talk with the representative. She told me that Access Wireless was giving away smartphones and that Assurance was merging with or being bought out by Access. I figured that I’d get a little ahead of the curve and get the smartphone and have my number ported over. Simple enough, right? They’re doing this thousands of times a day. Well, this simple function turned out to be very difficult and it took eight months to accomplish. Access sent me an e-mail with the information they needed. Replyed to that e-mail, then nothing. Called and gave them all the same information verbally. Still nothing. I called Access at least five to six times, giving the information again and again. They claimed that Assurance wouldn’t reply to their request for porting information and the issue was in their “back office”, whatever a “back office’ is. I asked to speak with the “back office, was denied and subsequently found out that even these customer service reps couldn’t speak with the “back office”. It seemed to me that there was never really a “back office” to speak with or actually do anything to help me. Jump to November 2nd and viola; magiclly, somebody at Access is knowledgeable enough to get the old number ported over. Maybe it had something to do with going to the FCC website (listed on this page) and submitting a complaint. DON’T HESITATE! I submitted a complaint on FCC’s website (October 16 or 17) and received a call from Access very quickly (on October 18). The day after that, I called FCC to see what my next steps should be. FCC said I should receive acknowledgement of my complaint in writing within 30 days. It’s November 13 an I haven’t received anything from Access yet, but I got my number back. I suggest doing everything you can do, but don’t wait as long as I did. My stroke makes me lose track of time. Keep good notes and give them a week or two. Hope this helps somebody ou there dealing with horrible customer service issues. Good luck.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Glad to hear you were finally successful, Marc. And glad to know that we were able to help with that information on how to file a complaint.
Sandra Skubik says
I live in california and an currently with Assurance Wireless – who is tops in my book. However my cell phone service is with Virgin – who I don’t like at all. Can you recommend a different carrier for this program in California please. Thank you
Sandra Skubik
Free Government Cell Phones says
We try to stay completely neutral in the “which is best” argument, Sandra. But feel free to read the comments left by readers at the end each service provider’s page. You might learn things that will answer your question.
Diane Duran says
I am with assurance wireless but used my own phone that was excepted to use with the assurance wireless company, Well my phone just stopped working and i need to get the new smart phone that assurance wireless offers, how can i sign up to get the Smart phone.
Thank you!
Free Government Cell Phones says
There are only a couple ways, Diane. (1) Call Assurance customer service and see if they’ll give you one. It’s doubtful that it will be free, but it can’t hurt to ask. (2) Purchase a smartphone upgrade from Assurance. (3) If you already happen to own a smartphone, speak to customer service to see if that phone is compatible with the Assurance network. If it is, you might be able to use it with your Assurance service. Finally (4), switch to a different free government cell phone company because all new customers are supposed to be given smartphones.
Here’s an article that tells you how to switch if you choose #4 (above).
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
And here’s where you can find complete info on all the free government cell phone companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Diana Martinez says
I’m reporting that I lost my cellphone.. I would like to know if I could get a new one or can I apply for a new one..
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you the lost/stolen/broken phone policies of all the major free government cell phone companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
MACMAN JAY says
any reason why the deal fell through?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not a clue, MacMan. We have close relationships with management at several of the free government cell phone companies, but not with Assurance nor Access.
MACMAN JAY says
ARE ASSURANCE WIRELESS AND ACCESS WIRELESS GOING TO MERGE TOGETHER?
I GOT A TEXT LAST YEAR SAYING THEY,RE GOING TO MERGE TOGETHER IS IT TO HAPPEN ? AND IT NEVER DID HAPPEN I,M WONDERING IF IT WILL HAPPEN
WHEN WILL IT HAPPEN ? I CALLED ASSURANCE WIRELESS AND ACCESS WIRELESS
AND THEY SAID THE MERGER DEAL FELL THROUGH ITS IT TRUE?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That is correct, MacMan. In May, the two companies announced that their merger had been called off.
Connie f Sampson says
I have a Assurance phone from your co, I purchased a phone a couple months ago due to me losing the one I had. Last year you provided me a phone in which I cud receive fotos of family an now it’s been gone your company has failed to provide me with proper phone. Also three days prior phone while in use completely shut down. Iam a 56yr disabeld woman in need of proper phone that don’t shut down then had no phone for 3days until I went to Doctors appt and they let me use office phone to call Assurance to turn back on why must ur company put me thru SO Much? All I want and need is a lifeline to apps an family who lives in other Co. And can receive Downloads to see photos of loved ones Ur really hurting an damiging my life
Free Government Cell Phones says
Let us correct one big error, Connie. “Our” company is not Assurance nor any other free government cell phone company. This is an independent informational website. Your beef is with Assurance, not us. You need to contact that company’s customer service team to correct your issues.
Here’s an article that may be interesting for you. It tells you how to file complaints with all the organizations that regulate the Lifeline free government cell phone companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service
Robert C. Manthey says
I greatly apologize. I was confused. All of my posts were about American Assistance. But while I’m at it, I recommend checking out their availability in your states and if available, go with them. 500 minutes AND 500 texts each month. I don’t know if this is a common practice with Lifeline phone companies, but one negative about American Assurance is that every incoming text is counted against your 500, and if you open the text it counts as another text, but to purchase another 100 texts is .99 + tax.
Robert C. Manthey says
I’ve had Safelink and now Assurance Wireless for about 2 years. My only dissatisfaction with Assurance Wireless is that I’ve had two phones in which the micro SD card slot broke and so I couldn’t listen to my music (which is about the largest use of my phone). While their replacements are very low cost, that would be my only complaint.
Safelink only offered 500 minutes for the first 3 months (and I swear I only received 500 for 2 months but that was in the past so who cares.) I get my 500 minutes AND 500 texts and if I purchase extra minutes, they roll over. They are also reasonably priced. Safelink charges to purchase extra minutes were ridiculous. Unless for some unforeseen reason Assurance Wireless service went down the toilet, I’ll stick with them. Only one thing. When trying to contact a human, I’ve had pretty long wait times. The good part is that any calls or texts to them do not count against your allotment of minutes/texts.
Hopefully, with this merger, more styles of phones will be made available.
STUART HASSEL says
After all of this researching I was about to go with Assurance but now I’m confused and also am hesitant now if their customer service isn’t so good. Sounds like Richard is frustrated with them. I have found that customer service is a big deal and a lot of companies are mediocre at best in that department.
Robert C. Manthey says
I don’t know who your phone company is now, but I feel good about advising to go with Assurance. You can see in my previous post why I have been very satisfied with them.
STUART HASSEL says
I need to verify something. Linda said that Assurance Wireless became Access Wireless. Did she get that right or might she have been confusing something?
Free Government Cell Phones says
The two companies merged and announced that they would begin operating under the Access name, but so far that has not happened.
Richard young says
I’m Desperate! All the Assurance wireless sites don’t offer live help. I bought minutes and they haven’t given them to me for 3 days. I’m about to leave the country. I need to use my phone desperately NOW!
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s really unforgivable that so many of the Lifeline companies provide so little help to their customers. It shouldn’t be impossible to speak to a human being. Unfortunately, Richard, we don’t have any bright ideas for you.
Robert C. Manthey says
It can take some long wait time, often, to get through to a human but as I said in my previous comment, the time is not charged against your monthly allotment. I’m very satisfied. I have been for over two years now.
LINDA ALVAREZ says
I’ve had assurance wireless for years,now it is access wireless.i have begged for a phone on any site I could find of both companies,cuz I need one that will get calls without going dead cuz the battery is shot,had the ph since 2011,emailed&begged about six times now,¬ one answer back or info how to get a replacement ph.you have added mins.every mo I cannot use,for nearly three yrs,500 mins every 4th of mo.,&unlimited texting,&i am disabled&elderly&cannot call for help,if needed ,just text someone…what do I have to do to get a replacement phone,that makes calls without going dead in 2 seconds,please!?the ph #I cannot call from is 253-273-****. I have short term memory loss&would like to keep the same the number,or at least get an easy to remember number,with repetitive digits,if you can help me get a new ph.on $880 social security a mo.,I know I qualify for the free ph.please help me!thank you.linda alvarez. Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The simplest solution for you, Linda, is to switch service providers. The new service provider will give you a much newer smartphone because you are a new customer. Here’s where you can find a list of all the service providers in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Robert C. Manthey says
I’m a bit shocked. My experience has been the complete opposite. The company I don’t like is Safe Link. I don’t recall for sure but I think the minutes used calling them may have been deducted from your monthly allotment. Regardless, the extra minutes/texts cost a ridiculous amount and when you do (and easily, I will say) talk to a customer service representative they took far too long with their questions for verifying your account. Assurance knows the number calling and asks one or 2 questions to make sure they are talking to the account owner.
Like I said, it’s been my experience with Assurance that has kept me with them. The complete opposite can be said about Safe Link.
carlisa f jones says
My name is Carlisa Jones access #302 377-**** and I have been trying to reach Access to disconnect my phone in order to get Assurance wireless phone. I went to my local community center Delaware Community Center in New Castle, DE and the Assurance agent told me that you merged and until I was disconnect I could not obtain assurance phone. I have been without a cell phone for two months unable to use my coolpad phone because it was not working. Can someone please reach out to me or gave information to a supervisor on site because this is urgent. My email *****@yahoo.com is my only contact because I have no cell phone.
carlisa f jones says
Urgent!!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Many of our readers tell us that this merger between Access and Assurance is a bit funky. Unfortunately, Carlisa, we cannot give your info to a supervisor because we are an independent website and completely unaffiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies.
Since you have no phone, you’ll need to contact Assurance by email. Go to the Assurance website, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Contact Us.” That will allow you to communicate to customer service by email.
Jesus Tellez says
When will I be notified that my Assurance account is now part of Access Wireless?
Can I buy extra data from Kroger’s by buying a card there?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That is the great mystery, Jesus. We all expected the merger to be completed by now, but nothing has been publicized.
Liz says
What prepaid smart phone company do i buy when i want i purchase a better phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
All the Lifeline free government cell phone companies allow you to upgrade to a smartphone for a small fee, Liz. The real question you should be asking yourself is, “Do I think I’ll be better off with one of their refurbished upgrades or with a phone I buy for myself from somewhere else?” The problem is that not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks, so before you buy any cell phone you need to check with your service provider’s customer service team to find out if the phone you want to buy is compatible with its cell network.
Robert C. Manthey says
If I understand your question correctly, Assurance offers two phone models. One is your basic non-Android. The other is the android smart phone. I signed up via one of those tents set up outside of the DHS office (LOL, how convenient a location) and my first phone was the smart phone. I did have to replace it once, all I was charged was shipping and handling ($5 and some change) and received the phone within 2 weeks.
I always keep a tracfone at the ready in case I should find myself in an emergency and the Assurance wouldn’t work or I’d be out of minutes, neither of which has ever happened.
michele says
i just got a text saying we have upgraded your data from 250 to 500. i also went to access wireless and there was no information about assurance wireless on there about the merger. there was before but its gone. so i would like to know if anyone has heard anything about the merger or if its going to happen at all.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’ve heard nothing to indicate that the merger is not moving forward, Michele. We’ll update things as soon as there is some news.
Me says
It happened. assurance merged with access wireless who is owned by sprint.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It may have happened, but the rest of your facts are wrong. Assurance is owned by Virgin. Access is owned by i-Wireless which is owned by the Kroger grocery store conglomerate.
Robert C. Manthey says
Not really related to your ‘question’ I’ve had Assurance for about 2 years and have always received 500 mbs monthly. Enough to access internet, but not enough to do so in a prompt fashion.
Sandra Griffin says
How do we find out how many minutes we will get each month, and will they offer new phones?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Oddly enough, no information has yet been released. We expected more by now. Try calling your service provider’s customer service team to see if they have any info they can release. (If they do, please let us know.)
Jeff says
Prior to Dec 2 AW offered 350 minutes and unlimited texting in Tennessee. All carriers must provide certain benefits for each customer enrolled. I am not currently certain what these benefits are even though I am a field agent for AW. More information can be found here: http://www.icontact-archive.com/TfWiFvrku1_Lm6RfjSlRPj_sdOo1COaM?w=4
Hope that helps
Jeff
Jeff says
more than likely the phones will be the ZTE wellington phones.
michele says
when are we suppose to hear from assurance wireless. about the changes of moving to access wireless. it’s been some time now and haven’t heard a thing.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Well said, Michele. We’re all waiting for some kind of announcement.
Marcellus Johnson says
Will android phones be the standard lifeline issue?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Probably not, Marcellus. Some companies already offer iPhones.
Angela Mccleary says
How many more minutes will get since the switch of companies.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Impossible to say, Angela. We’ll all just need to wait to see how it all shakes out.
GL says
350 talk, unlimited text, 500 MB data
k. s. says
I just got a txt saying assurance will become access on 11/30
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks for the update, KS.
Michelle A. says
Any update on the exact date and/or day access wireless will take over assurance wireless? Last I know was when I got a text from assurance wireless in early September.
Await your response.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s the latest info from Assurance, Michelle:
“Beginning on or after October 3, 2016, and once regulatory approval is obtained, Access Wireless will provide your wireless Lifeline phone service. Just like Assurance Wireless, Access uses the Sprint® Nationwide Network.”
Bree says
I have an assurance wireless that converted on oct. 3 to access. I cannot go on the web at all and it wont show how many minutes i have? It does call out and recieve calls.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you switch service providers? If not, why was your service converted from one to the other?
T.Getz says
I applied and was approved for access wireless Aug.18,2016 I made the switch from assurance wireless. My assurance account/phone was disconnected Sept.3,2016 Has of yet Oct3.,2016 I have not received a phone or number from access wireless. I have a account with a pin#. I have emailed back and forth several times with the supervisor, only to be told my phone is lost in a warehouse. That they have not heard back from the warehouse. That they could not send me a replacement of the original lost in a warehouse. I have turned them in to the government tipline . I feel they have no intention on sending me a phone that they are using my info illegally. Is there anyway to get the C.E.O of access wireless contact number for help with this matter?? It’s been from Aug.18,2016 to Oct.3,2016 with no phone service. I’m not well and need contact with my docters. Any help would be appreciated.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We doubt that they want to use your information illegally, T, but that really is a story of remarkable incompetence. We don’t blame you for complaining about it.
It’s actually not a bad idea to contact the CEO. Many years ago we had a horrible problem with DirecTV, which was the only cable and service provider available in our rural location. After two years of no cable, despite numerous visits by DirecTV technicians, we finally wrote a letter to the CEO and detailed our ongoing list of problems. One week later we got a phone call from his assistant telling us that our problem would be taken care of immediately. And it was.
We do not have the name or contact info for the Access CEO, but you should be able to get that info with a little Googling. Please let us know what happens.
Carmen Jones says
To T. Getz
Contact the FCC. Please read on…
The Federal Communications Commission gives consumers the opportunity to file informal complaints about problems with the communications services that the FCC regulates. Complaints can be filed through the FCC’s Consumer Complaint Center, which educates consumers about communications issues and guides them through the complaint process.
Filing a complaint
You have multiple options for filing a complaint with the FCC:
To File a complaint online copy this link into your browser
https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us
By phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
The EXACT same thing happened to me, but take comfort the FCC will work with you to see to it that the provider follows up and straightens out whatever problems you’re having with getting your phone and service set-up properly.
Best of Luck!
Michele rogers says
i have assurance wireless right now. i live in california. i get unlimited talk text and 250 data. so the question i have is. so is it going to stay the same with the unlimited as it is now. or are we having to go by the minute for talk and text like access wireless shows on there website. i hope we stay the same as what we get now from assurance wireless.
Free Government Cell Phones says
No details have been released yet, Michele, but California is an incredibly competitive Lifeline state with numerous companies offering incredible unlimited deals, so we doubt that your plan with get worse.
mohamed abdellatif says
i am assurance wirelless clint i want to get samrtphone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check all the smartphone/upgrade policies of all the major free government cell phone companies in this article, Mohamed. Then do what your service provider requires. Easy peasy.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
LScott says
Hi Guys.
Will I-Wireless be offering 500 minuets by Dec. 1. 2016 also.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Much to our surprise, not a single company has yet announced Lifeline Internet plans. We’ll report it as soon as news happens.
GL says
500 MB of data and 350 talk (non California states)
Harriett Thornton says
This month I did not receive my minutes from Access Wireless. I tried to contact them. Totally impossible ! I even tried to contact them by email. The Contact Form to email them, would not accept my phone number ! Is it because of the merger, that I did not get my minutes ? Help !
Free Government Cell Phones says
Trying calling the company’s customer service line at 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
jane smith says
There is no customer service. These lifeline wireless companies are corruptly awsrded to private companies by elected and or appointed corrupt government lackies(are there any other kind?). Then these companies are poorly run with no oversight.
Lydiaalvarez says
OK Assurance gives 500 data and Acsess 200, I know because I have assurance because I had been a Virgin Mobile customer. My friend he has Acess Kroger. Who’s plan are they going to use? .
Free Government Cell Phones says
That has not yet been announced, Lydia, but we’ll bring you the news as soon as it’s revealed.
Laura Ann Joshua-Watson says
Do the new customers coming over from Assurance Wireless receive a free Android cell phone to go with the new service as well the ones who are able to sign up with Access Wireless directly?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Very good question, Laura Ann. No one’s asked that before. Details of the merger are still pretty sketchy, but our guess would be that the answer is no — that Assurance Wireless customers will keep their current phones. But we’ll let you know if we hear otherwise.
ASW agent says
So Assurance wireless is going to be call Access wireless, when is this going to be affected and so they are still going to use Sprint service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Full details have no yet been announced, ASW. When they are released, we’ll report there right here at good ol’ FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net.
Susan D. Frost says
I applied for a gov phone thru Safelink in June and was led to believe that I could still use my service provider, AT&T, on the bring your own phone program which was not so. Then they told me I needed to purchase a tracfone sim card for my phone insisting that I would still retain my current service provider. I asked them a month ago to cancel my enrollment and still am not receiving services thru safelink. Today I asked their cancellation department once more to cancel the application enrollment so that I could seek another Lifeline program as it is preventing me from doing so. They told me they cannot do that, and yet it prevents me from acquiring a free phone service.
I have had numerous problems with tracfone, and purchased a tracfone and $20 card so that I would have a phone some time back, the phone worked long enough to make one phone call then it quit. They sent me a replacement phone after several days of going back and forth on the phone trying to get the new phone to work. The replacement phone has never worked and they have not reimbursed me for the $60 I am out for purchasing the phone and card. The Dollar Store I purchased the phone and card at does not do refunds at all on cell phones or cards. I spent hours on the phone with those people to no resolve. I prefer to use another service provider other than safelink and tracfone as I told them a month ago! It’s CRAZY that they are now preventing me from seeking out another free phone service which I desperately need, and yes I qualified.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a very disturbing story, Susan. We’re sorry you were put through so much hassle. We don’t say this often, but it sounds like it’s time for you to submit an official complaint — to the Federal Communications Commission, the USAC, and your state public utility commission. Here’s an article that tells you how to make those complaints:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-lifeline-service-complaint
jane smith says
No, it’s past time for a total revolution against a 100% corrupt, totalitarian, police-state, by guerilla warfare!
Dan C says
Susan u live in california maybe your close to me rmail me and i can you a working theres alot of things about dealing with online application the company safelink that i work for has ever told me or the people they have to purchase a phone of any sort you can upgrade via sim card i no we give out trac phone that runs on tmobil so i no that you can take the sim card put it on a tmobil or trac phone on the tmobil network r any unlocked device and it will work i dont personally encourage anyone to mess with the sim card or the phone what so ever however ive seen it done multiple times right in front of me and it works u cant run a tmobil on att device and so on it seams odd that she had that problem if u r close to me in my city il have u a working phone as long your credentials check out thank you again
Free Government Cell Phones says
We will post your comment, Dan, but we take care to protect our readers personal information, so we cannot post your email address for Susan.
Anthony Charles Tabone says
Where may I find an old large print IPHONE
Free Government Cell Phones says
Try eBay or Amazon. You can find almost anything there.
diana says
hi. which lifeline companies are available in broward county, florida?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Diana, but we are unable to track the companies down to such a local level. However, here’s an article that gives you a list of all free goveernment cell phone companies that do business in Florida:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states/florida-government-cell-phone-providers
patricemoynihan says
Still waiting to hear if Safelink is offering free/low cost internet service. I would appreciate any updated information you may have.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s part of what Safelink’s website says about data services:
17. DATA SERVICES.
Accessing and Purchasing Data Services. In order to purchase, download or access Data Services, your handset must have active service and su cient available airtime minutes. Your handset will not let you open the WAP browser without an airtime balance of at least 10 minutes. Each time you access our Wireless WAP with your handset’s browser, 0.5 units per minute will be deducted from your handset (“Access Charges”). Access Charges are deducted in full minute increments. WAP access of less than 60 seconds is rounded up to the next full minute. Access Charges begin when your handset makes a data connection. This should occur shortly after you open your browser, send or receive a multi-media message (e.g., a picture), initiate a content download, view subscribed Information Services or if WAP access is initiated for any other purpose. Access Charges end when the data connection terminates. This should occur shortly after you close your browser, successfully receive or send a multi-media message (e.g., a picture), after a successful content download or after any other closure of a WAP session. The WAP access duration and the related Access Charges are NOT determined from the exact moment you press a button on your handset to open or close the browser.
In addition to the Access Charges, there will be an additional one-time charge for any content you select to download (“Content Charge”). The Content Charges vary depending on the type of content. You will be advised of the Content Charges prior to nalizing your purchase. The Data Services you purchase and download may only be used or viewed on the handset for which they were purchased and cannot be transferred to any other device, including a new or replacement handset. Data Services are non-refundable and non-transferable. Purchase Options for Data Services: You may purchase Data Services either through your handset’s WAP browser or through the Internet (accessed with a personal computer) at tracfone.com.
When you purchase Data Services from the Internet at tracfone.com, the Content Charge will be shown in both U.S. Dollars and in minutes. You will have the opportunity to select one of two payment options: (1) using a credit card to pay the purchase price shown, or (2) a direct deduction of minutes from your SafeLink Wireless handset. If you buy a TracFone card the number of minutes to be charged is based on the last airtime card added to your handset. See Purchasing Data Services With Airtime Minutes below.
How to Purchase From the Internet: Go to “Downloads and More” at tracfone.com and enter your SafeLink Wireless serial number (ESN /IMEI) and SafeLink Wireless Number. This will take you to the Wireless Data Services content catalog where you can browse, sample and purchase ringtones and/or graphics. After you nd a title and select “Buy,” you will be presented with the two purchase options described above.
There’s a lot more in the Terms & Conditions section of the Safelink website. Check it out in order to answer your questions.
jane smith says
Safelink is a joke on a good day!
Tony says
Dear Free Government Cell Phones,
First… Thank you for all of the helpful information you have provided over the years. I think I stumbled across you guys on the internet a number of years ago. I signed up for email updates and received alot of helpful information. Thank you for your help and guidance over the years.
I want to inform you of something I found recently.
Reading the comments in your email updates I kept coming accross the question, “How can I get an Android phone?” I got the idea to keep searching until I find a company that actually does provide Android phones as Free Government Cell Phones to the general public. I knew then I would seem like some nutcase to many. So I kept this search to myself.
Anyway, I found a free government phone provider that gives Android phones! I am not crazy, either. In fact, I have an Android phone. It is a free government phone.
Somehow, during my frequent searches, I stumbled upon a company calles Q-Link Wireless webpage. I was confused at first, believing it was for monthly contract service. But a few days later I decided to read every word on the web page. Yes, they do provide free Android phones. Mine is used, in excellent condition and not a single scratch on it. It is certainly not a recent phone. But it has a 1 GHz processor. It’s an HTC Desire phone with a front and rear camera (It’s not THAT OLD!!).
I purchased a memory card & installed it in the phone.
The way it works is… You get 500 minutes plus 2000 text messages for the first 4 months. After that, I think it changes to 250 minutes and 1000 text messages per month.
It is important to note that on their website Q-Link Wireless states, We try our best to offer Android phones. However, we cannot guarantee it. Please keep this in mind. They did come through for me! And I am thankful.
Now. You get internet service ONLY VIA WIFI. You must have wifi available to have any data or internet services.
You can Google, Q-Link Wireless for information. I don’t know which or how many states they provide their services to. I live in Arizona.
Thanks again, Free Government Cell Phones, for the important information you have shared with me over the years. And, by the way, this is by no means my way of saying goodbye. I intend to follow you guys, in case you come up with somet better.
Tony says
Here is more info for
Q-Link Wireless:
https://qlinkwireless.com/register/?
Q Link Wireless, Toll-Free at 1-855-754-6543.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks for the kind words and advice for our readers, Tony. Have you visited our other website, CheapInternet.com? It features lots of info on low-income Internet plans “similar” to the free government cell phone program except that they provide Internet service for just a few bucks per month. Here’s a link. Check it out:
http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Ronda Paulson says
this is cool. i use safe link . i recenly lost my phone and or it got stolen. i want to switch to qlink. how doni do this.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s really pretty easy to switch from one company to another. If you have an account now, the switch is handled by your new company. Here’s an article that tells you all about it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers