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Companies dropping out: Trouble in the free government cell phone program?

Two of the top twenty LifeLine Assistance free government cell phone companies have now dropped out of the business. We’re not saying they cut back. We’re not saying they lost market share. We’re saying they packed their bags, closed up shop, and walked away from the entire business. And two others have merged into a single company.

When we last updated our list of leading Lifeline Assistance companies, ReachOut Wireless ranked number five, Care Wireless ranked number twelve, and number ten YourTel has merged with number eight TerraCom.

First, let’s review those three companies and then we’ll get into some of the reasons they may have exited the business.

Care Wireless is now Care lifeless

We were first alerted to the fact that Care Wireless was dropping out of the Lifeline Assistance business by a reader who sent us the following email on January 14, 2016:

“Got a text from Care Wireless today. They are shutting down as of January 31st 2016. Called and verified.” The company’s message to their customer also said, “Please contact the Care Wireless at 855-711-2222 for further information.”

We considered this potentially huge news, because according to our 2014 ranking of the top Lifeline Assistance companies, Care Wireless ranked #12 with approximately 91,000 customers in Illinois.

So we did what any self-respecting investigative reporter would do — we checked the company’s website and Facebook pages. Both efforts seem to confirm the reader’s email, because Care has not updated its Facebook page since December 7, 2015. And it’s website, CareWireless.com, is no longer up and running.

Do you need more evidence that the company is kaput? We contacted Care’s Customer Support to ask if it is, in fact, true that the company is dropping out of the Lifeline Wireless business. Here’s the response we received:

Unfortunately, yes. Care Wireless service will be discontinued on January 31st for all of our customers. We do apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused for you. However, please feel free to contact one of the other lifeline providers listed below.

Safelink Wireless (800-723-3546) www.SafelinkWireless.com
Life Wireless (888-543-3620) www.lifewireless.com
American Assistance (866-966-2628) www.americanassistance.com
Access Wireless (800-900-5899) www.accesswireless.com
YourTel Wireless (877-716-8880) www.yourtelwireless.com

We must give Care credit where credit is due for doing everything they could do to help their customers by listing the alternate Lifeline companies and giving complete contact information.

You’re a class act, Care and we’re sorry you will no longer be around to help America’s neediest citizens.

ReachOut Wireless has flamed out

Although ReachOut had become a shadow of its former self, it was still one of the ten largest Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone providers. According to our 2014 rankings, it was #5 and served nearly 700,000 customers in 30 states — Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

As we reported in an article titled, “The spectacular rise and fall of ReachOut Wireless,” the company was like a thoroughbred racehorse that broke a leg rounding the final turn. Euphemistically speaking, medics rush out onto the track and put the poor, suffering horse out of its misery.

What the hell happened to ReachOut Wireless? The company, which we once ranked as the third largest free government cell phone company, has seen its Lifeline Assistance income plummet in the last three years and, according to our sources and contacts from several of our readers, it is no longer enrolling new customers in the Lifeline cell phone program.

As we’ve noted several times in the last few months, the free government cell phone sections (“Lifeline” sections) of the company’s website have been “Under construction” for months now. If you attempt to go to one of those pages, here’s what you see:

Reachout Wireless out of business

Much to our delight, ReachOut finally did the right thing. As has been reported many times in our readers’ comments, ReachOut texted all its customers to announce the dates that it was ceasing service in each of the states it served. Its website also provided a state-by-state list of alternate service providers for its customers.

Perhaps the company would still be prospering if it had provided its customers with such excellent service for the last few years.

YourTel merges with Terracom

The merger of YourTel and Terracom is the least surprising development on this list. The two companies shared substantially identical ownership and management. their respective websites were virtually identical except for the names of the companies. And the only difference in the service was the states in which they did business.

So it comes as no surprise that they have finally ended the duplication of efforts and merged into one company.

Smaller companies also dropping out

The three companies mentioned above are far from being the only changes in the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone business. Here’s a quick summary of other changes we’ve noted in the last year:

  • Alaska Communications – Is no longer offering free government cell phones in Alaska
  • AmeriMex Wireless has changed its name to SafetyNet Wireless
  • Link-Up Telecom – no longer in business
  • nTelos Wireless – no longer offering Lifeline services
  • SureLink has changed its name to TruConnect
  • Conexion Wireless – no longer business

Which free government cell phone company will be next?

The free government cell phone program is under assault and we would not be at all surprised if additional companies go out of business in the not-to-distant future. If we had a crystal ball that could predict which companies will prosper and which will fail, we would take it to Wall Street and become richer than Warren Buffett.

Lacking that crystal ball, we are still able to make some reasonable guesses about the future.

The Federal Communications Commission is ruthlessly going after fraud, waste and abuse, and as a result, government subsidies have been slashed by billions of dollars in the last two years. In other words, there is less money to go around and that will undoubtedly force smaller, less profitable service providers out of the business.

In addition, more than 40 new service providers are awaiting FCC approval of their Lifeline Assistance applications. So an already fierce competitive situation is set to become even more fierce. Weaker companies may not survive.

But while competition may be bad for weaker free government cell phone companies, it is excellent for their customers. More competition will force the surviving companies to offer their customers more services and better service. The fight for customer acquisition will result in a better customer experience.

In the long run, this may be bad news for the companies that ultimately fail, but it is all good news for you, the free government cell phone customer.

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Comments

  1. karisma garcia says

    What if I don’t know what company my government phone service is with how can I go about that to repair service

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Is your phone still working? If so, just cal 9-1-1 and your service provider will answer.

  3. D says

    Hello, I was an agent for Safelink, and now with Assurance Wireless. I C first hand what my customers go thru,especially if u live in Rural areas, these phones don’t work. Some customers can’t even get a phone Cuz their Address has not been updated in the 911 system of the Apps we use. I see and hear all of you peoples Frustration!! What each company Needs is More Training for their Street people, And more TOWERS FOR SERVICE..Iam on the streets from Tupelo to Tunica MS every day, Just letting yall no..I’m frustrated too!!!

  4. Kerri says

    I have SafeLink, they are a joke!! It’s 9/20/22 and I decided I wanted to try and enroll with another company because I very much hate talking to the ppl there. So when applying for another company I was approved ( and have been approved for lifeline and ACP forever) and I go onto SafeLink because this new company needs my account number… Well it says I’ve been cancelled since May 1, 2022. I still can make calls I still call get data and texts. So I tried to call them to see what happened, you know what? I couldn’t talk to anyone, so I tried to do automated for an update on my service. It said they do not have service in my state yet!! WHAT?!?! I have de had service with them for about 4 years now. I don’t know what is going on but it’s rediculous!

  5. Jessica Schwartz says

    I live in Mississippi, 40 minutes north from the gulf Coast..
    The only company that doesn’t have service out here in “the sticks”, is T Mobile. Unfortunately, that is the major supplier to all ,of the low-income phone services.. Help! Any advice would be a blessing .
    I take care of my elderly parents full time up here , without any income..I rely on my phone guys.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Residents of rural areas have always run into this problem with the Lifeline program. The only thing we can suggest is that you contact each of the companies offering service in your state to find out which one may serve you better than T-Mobile.

      There are only six free government cell phone service providers in your state, so it should be relatively simple to contact each of them (we provide the contact info you need on each service provider’s page). You can find all the providers and plans available in your state here:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

  6. Zed says

    I don’t know who is writing these articles (especially this one) but they deserve a raise. I just actually read a whole bunch of information about government cell phones that I probably would not have read if it hadn’t been so fun and engaging and informative. Thank you whoever you are, I hope you have a good day. Be well.
    — free gov phone user : )

    • Shaunell G. says

      Awww! I know. Right? I agree with you Zed. I could not say it any better. I so enjoy reading these comments and replies. Whomever this – independent informational website that is NOT affiliated with any Lifeline free government cell phone service provider is has me intrigued. For reals.

      I mean whoever it is responding to the comments is a real, live person. Sounds like a real, person and not a bot giving generic responses. S/He had me floored when they told one guy, “Anger Management”. Hilarious. I’m still laughing about that one. Or, how about the one comment where a person said, they tried to get info on a gov program (I think it was the acp) at a table, and the pamphlet was right there. And the dude manning the gov phone table didn’t know anything about the program.

      I have my share with the Lifeline program and my experience with Access Wireless. At this time, I’m on a mission to find who can offer me a better Lifeline service. Access Wireless is not bad, they actually have real people answering their calls. Access Wireless service is decent. However, their re-filling plan is another. They do not take any of my charge cards. Not my Visa credit call, nor my Visa debit card. I tried adding my charge/debit cards onto their website. They wouldn’t go thru. I called their customer service, the rep kept saying the cards were declined.

      I had funds on these cards. I ended up buying a Kroger “Top-Up” (I think I’ll never get used to saying – Top Up?) card to add minutes using one of my charge cards. So, I got money on the cards. Anyways, as a result, I missed a court hearing due to not having minutes on my phone, because I could not call the courthouse to get the damn Zoom meeting info crap for the hearing. I’m kinda getting upset about that part. I thought for sure adding minutes would be easy, breezy. But, nope.

      I came across your website before to find helpful info on Lifeline carriers in Nevada. I never took the time to read the comment section until now. Your comment section helps me realize, I’m not alone in this gov’t communication program, and with the carriers’ issues it brings. Thank for taking my mind off my bad day and providing some useful info.

      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        How would you like to be president of our fan club, Shaunell? Seriously, glad we could help.

  7. Robin Jackson says

    I HAVE ASSURANCE WIRELESS AND I HEARD THERE GOING OUT OF BUISNESS NEXT MONTH SO NOW I NEED TO FIND ME A NEW PROVIDER FOR MY LIFELINE..

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Where did you hear this? We know nothing about Assurance exiting the Lifeline business.

    • Henry says

      Assurance Wireless was previously managed by Sprint. Sprint’s 3G and 4G service are scheduled to end at the end of March and June, respectively. T-Mobile will be taking over al previous services of Sprint. The Assurance website ,makes no mention about shutting down.

  8. Rosa M Flores says

    The person that I got the phone from forgot to let me know what the provider company is and I am also having issues with the phone tried calling 611 and couldn’t get through do to technical difficulties on their part what should I do now

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      When you say “the person I got the phone from” it sounds as if you got it at a street event. Correct? This is another reason we urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events. Just keep trying to call 6-1-1, Rosa. Not much else you can do.

  10. Teresa copeland says

    I was approved for qlink a month ago. Haven’t received phone and having trouble getting a hold of anyone there. Also I cannot get any other phone service because qlink has me listed as active customer with them. Extremely angry with situation

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Can’t blame you, Teresa. Many readers have complained about the inability to get a life customer service rep.

  11. Vincent horten says

    I have Sprint wireless thru the government Obama plan it’s a flip phone and trying to text or use data at 72years not easy

  12. Pancho Valdez says

    Last year I had QLink. I lost the phone and paid $25 to replace it, or so I thought. I was never given a new phone. I was told to re-apply which I did. This was three months ago and still haven’t received either my phone or new service.
    Are all these phone providers ratty?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Our readers report that some are better than others and some are outstanding.

    • MRoss says

      QLink keeps doing rotten things to my mom. They even disconnected her phone by error. When she called they said sorry, you must reapply & be without a phone for 2 weeks. Now she has a “new” phone which seems to have a bad wireless network card. She must go in to connect to my wireless network at least every 5 minutes. I’ve tried everything I can to try to fix it.

  13. Charlie says

    Too bad Reachout dropped out. They were a WHOLE lot better than the newer companies available now. Access stinks, life wireless stinks, safelink has changed for the worse and is rude and belligerent and disconnects service without notification or justification. Complaints to the FCC didn’t help. What the hell?!

  14. Tina says

    Not able to get safe link phone recertified. Try everything call numbers no luck. Any body else having trouble?

  15. Phyllis says

    Safelink refuse to replace my phone I had it less than 6mos they have me listed that I brought my own phone and had it turned on with safelink.

  16. Nicole Jenkins says

    My cell phone company qlink cut me off when they said that they didn’t have the right address for me and I changed it after I moved to another state and assurance said that my SS number and address didn’t come up in their system after they tried telling me that never received my application!!

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We’re not sure what you’re saying, Nicole. Did you move from one state to another? Did you attempt to switch from Q Link to Assurance?

  17. Pat Testa says

    Good afternoon, My name is Pat Testa. I am a Independent Living Advocate at Dakota Center for Independent Living based in Bismarck North Dakota. I recently spoke to one of our consumers who could barely afford his flip phone services. As a Power of Attorney for a sister in law who due to a stroke became disabled and received very little money and we were able to take advantage of the free government phone program I am curious if the program still exists and what the application process is. I will forward your response to our other advocates throughout our network. My phone number is 701-516-**** if you wish to contact me via phone. Thank you in advance for your efforts and programs.

  18. Randy says

    How do I file a compliant a against a govt sponsored wireless phone service,Assurance, that’s had me without phone service going on four weeks ?

  19. D says

    Qlink will be next, those people are psycho trying to make me lose my mind by not answering my simple questions, saying sorry doesn’t make it ok

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Chad from enTouch will answer your question right here, Patricia. Check back to see what he has to say.

  20. Darin Mcclenny says

    Hello is safelink going out of business,I’m currently a customer thank you.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      There has been no indication that Safelink is going out of business, Darin.

      • John says

        On 3/13/2023 I heard that SafeLink wireless is going out of business is this true I live in Tampa Florida

        • John says

          The last reply I wrote asking if SafeLink wireless is going out of business I live in Tampa Florida and was told this by an assurance wireless agent

          • Free Government Cell Phones says

            Safelink is not going out of business. You don’t think, perhaps, the Assurance agent had an ulterior motive, do you?

  21. Rene Wood says

    We were informed by Assurance wireless that SafeLink was going out of business, we have not been able to get in touch with SafeLink to confirm, but our phone keeps telling us we only have 4 days of service even after renewal.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We’d be shocked if Safelink drops out. It is by far the largest Lifeline company. Please keep us posted on anything else you hear, Rene.

  23. Neena says

    It seems like Safelink Wireless may be abandoning ship too. They’re dropping people from the free cell program left and right. It started in December 2017 and they will not be honest with clients about why they’re dropping them.

    Many of the people being dropped are poor, elderly, disabled, low income and receiving food assistance and SSI.

    These are not dishonest people who don’t actually need the service and just don’t wanna pay a cell bill. These are people who desperately NEED the free service and are in no position financially to pay a cell bill. Not sure how anyone can be this hearltess. God forgive them. To mock the poor is to insult God.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Numerous readers have told us that Safelink has indeed discontinued service in Oregon.

      • Mark says

        Thank you for the response. It is not the news that I wanted to hear but, it also means that I am not going nuts. 🙂

  25. Sallie Smith says

    Safelink wireless servicing Maryland no longer accepts Medicaid as financial basis for eligibility?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      The individual cell phone companies have no ability to change eligibility requirements, Sallie. The rules are established by the Federal Communications Commission.

  28. Alice Evans says

    For some reason, I cannot re-verify my phone…don’t know what I am doing wrong….it says I must use the phone at least one time a month to keep it active…my phone is used everyday…. I verified it, w/o knowing my ID number…but it would not accept my info…help, thanks…I am 70 and rely on my phone for outside news, as well as the internet…. ********@yahoo.com 10-5-2017.it is an LG PHONE NO 205 317 ****

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You don’t mention who your service provider is, Alice, but we’d suggest that you call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. That will connnect you directly to that company’s customer service team.

      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        An excellent idea, Tina. We’re pretty sure that he’ll tackle your issue as soon as he’s won the trade war with China, made North Korea his whimpering bitch, forced Europe to cough up their fair share of NATO funding, helped the Iranian people overthrow their corrupt government, signed an infrastructure bill, shut down Mueller’s investigation, and a few other items on his agenda. Soon as he gets those things done, he can turun his full attention to your recertification.

        • SherrieMellessia Jarrell says

          Who wrote this? I’m pretty sure this person didn’t actually mean “The President ” There’s such a thing as a President of a company. Even so, or, If This person had meant the President of the United States, it is not your place to publicly humiliate them or joke or make fun. Your job is to offer help to those in need. You work for a Government company that provides less fortunate people, some sick and dying, who are on many medications who doesn’t have the ability to comprehend the virtual world sometimes. Many Cancer drugs can make people say silly things. I know this first hand. You should be ashamed of yourself and apologize to this person for trying to make them feel like they were less than a person. No one is better than anyone else. By the way, you don’t know if the President would care … do you?

          • Free Government Cell Phones says

            Here’s where you’re wrong, Sherrie Mellessia: It is our place to publicly humiliate them or joke or make fun. It’s in our job description.

  29. Ann Merrill says

    Which companies in Texas use ATT towers? Where we live, no other towers are available. Due to health reasons, I have medicaid and cannot pay for my current cell phone any longer.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We have not heard any reports that Q Link is dropping out. In fact, the company has grown rapidly in the last few years. If we hear any news to the contrary, we will update our readers immediately.

  31. Carl Christy says

    SafeLink is pulling out of Oregon on April 1st. We got email from them to this effect, and I called support to verify. They said they are, however, staying alive in Arizona, where I recently moved, so hopefully it’s just one state that they are leaving.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Several readers have left comments saying the same thing, Carl. One thing to keep in mind is that your Oregon account will not be valid in Arizona. You’ll need to enroll with another company (or notify Safelink about the move. They may still require you to re-enroll.) Here’s where you can find a complete list of free government cell phone companies offering Lifeline plans in Arizona:

      There are a number of low-income service providers, Amie. You can check them all out, see the qualification requirements, costs, where they are available, and contact info at the following link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

    • Michelle Dandurand says

      Shouldnt current Safelink customers have been sent notification informing them of the demise of Safelink lifeline program on Oregon at least 30 days in advance? The program was named lifeline for a reason. I received an email dated April 25th informing me that the number of free minutees was dropping from 500 to 350, but nothing about canceling the program. Safelink should, at the very least, have to honor their offer of 350 mi ites for this month!@!!!!

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Highly unlikely. Safelink is the largest company in the Lifeline free government cell phone business and is owned by the world’s second richest man.

  34. Mary Jackson says

    I had a so called free goverment phone from a company. I was told by Assurance Wireless their name Was NLAD who will not let me go. they are Burning up minutes then trying to charge $45 for service. If you can call it that. I’ve complained to FCC and BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU WITH NO RESPONCE. THIS IS A BAD so called Company that NEEDS TO BE SLAMED DOWN!!! AND CANCEL MY PHONE SO I CAN GET A SOMEWHAT BETTER PROVIDED!!!!!

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We think you might have a few facts wrong, Mary. NLAD is not a free government cell phone provider. NLAD stands for National Lifeline Assistance Database. It is just a list of everyone who has a free phone. And there’s no way you could “burn up minutes” and end up with a $45 bill if you have a free government cell phone, because the plans are definitely free. In other words, we cannot figure out what your real issue is from the facts you’ve provided us.

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          Some people would say yes, but others would say no. It’s definitely an individual matter and everyone has a different opinion.

  35. Teresa says

    My husband called U S Connect to get recertified for his phone. He was told to send a copy of his medicare card via email. I feel uncomfortable with sending this info in an email. I can not find any U S Connect offices or booths in stores or malls in our city to recertify in person.. Does anyone know if “USConnect@V,careMail.com” is really U S Connect’s email address?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You can go to the US Connect website to take care of your problem, Teresa. You can recertify online or you can get some reassurance on that email address by using the site’s Live Chat feature.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We can’t troubleshoot your phone through the comments section, Doug, so we’d recommend that you contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team.

  37. Chwryl says

    Cold you please post which cell phone provider is providing service to each CA Lifeline Mobile Virtual Network/company. They all seem to hide this info. They don’t want you to know if the cell servicer provider is Sprint PCS, T Mobile or Verizon. Why does it matter you ask?

    Where I live Sprint only gets 1 signal bar at best. AT&T, T Mobile and Verizon is fine. and so is Verizon out of these I have no preference. I just know from a really bad experience that Sprint PCS will not work where I live.

    I know for a fact Sprint gives all Lifeline M.V.N (Mobile Virtual Networks) the best deal/rates as a service provider. Thus %80 the phone’s (specific models) issued from Lifeline Mobile Virtual Networks only connect to Sprint PCS as it’s “preferred/primary” service provider. What good is a phone if you cannot get a reliable cell phone single to make and receive calls?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We’re working on an article on that exact subject, Cheryl. Keep an eye out for it.

  38. Daniel says

    I got a text that my provider Assurance will be merging with Access wireless and Access wireless will be my new provider.

  39. Tracy says

    We have a phone through qlink. The plan is great with unlimited minutes and texting but the phone they sent is kinda crappy and the battery dies like 8 to 10 hours after charging literally all night every night. I need to find an actual number that I can call where I can talk to someone in person. I have tried several different numbers and still no option to talk to a human. If I can get some help with that it would be great. Again it’s qlink in Missouri. Thanks.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Many readers report how difficult it is to reach a live person at Q Link. But the company’s website does provide a couple ways to do it. Click on “Help Center” and then click on “Contact us/Live Chat.”

  40. Tracy says

    We got a phone through qlink about 2 months ago and we live in Missouri. I would recommend it. It did take about a week and a half to two weeks to get here but they gave us free minutes with unlimited texting. The only problem I am having is that the battery dies really quick. I can have it charging all night and have it die like 10 hours later and then charge it again all night and it do it again. So now I have found it easier to keep it plugged in charging all the time if I’m at home. I am not sure if they would send me a new phone or battery or what but I need to do something.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We’d be thrilled if our non-Lifeline phone’s battery lasted for 10 hours, Tracy. Even though we pay a hefty sum every month, we’ve always had to charge our phone every night.

      Hey, readers, how often do you need to charge your phones?

  41. Jayne North says

    Budget seems to be gone. Switched to safelink without my permission or any notice. I do not have a working phone and cannot get one from them without charge. They said that I was switched on a” take my phone with m”e basis. How did this happen? I have no phone. Web site refers me to phone help line. Help line says check their website. What a scam. Where do I get help?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Very bizarre situation, Jayne. Budget has certainly not gone out of business, so we have no idea why you were switched to a different company. Try calling tech support just to see if you can get connected to a live person. That number is 1-800-378-1684.

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          That’s not quite true, Baby. Some customers have gone over to Safelink, others have gone over to enTouch, and some may have gone to other companies. Something big is going on with Budget, but none of the players have yet revealed exactly what it is.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Nice to hear, Sandra. Glad you are happy with your service provider.

      • Daniel M. says

        They’re not wonderful for me! I can’t even sign up! I’ve tried 3 different browsers on my phone and 2 different browsers on desktop computer. All fail at Step 4 after submitting signature. A spinning wheel says “Processing” and never goes anywhere. Called the company all the thickly accented agent said is keep trying. Emailed them as well, no reply. Do they not want new customers?

    • AJ says

      I understand that Stand Up is new to Calif. Can you use your own cell phone and keep your current number. I can’t see to find a provider who offers this except SafeLink, not real happy with them.

      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        You can keep your current phone number, but whether or not you can keep your own phone depends on the make and model. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. So you need to confirm IN ADVANCE that your make and model will work with your prospective service provider’s network. Make sense?

  43. MDH says

    My parents are senior citizens who had care wireless. They then tried to switch to terracom. Terracom told them they would have to wait 30 days before applying for a new one. So they waited then they called for a new one. They told them that they would have to wait two weeks for it to come. Then when they received it, it didn’t work. So they told them that the sim card was bad, so they would send a new one. That would also take two weeks. The new one came and it didn’t work. I talked to customer service for them and they would not explain why it wasn’t working and why it was going to take two more weeks to get a new one. And yet you can call customer service from the cell phone. The new one just came and it doesn’t work. My parents have been without a cell phone for 3 months now. They are so upset and don’t know what else to do. the customer service agents don’t talk english well and the connections are horrible. They are not helpful at all.
    PLease advise us on what to do next.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      That is what’s known as horrible customer service, MDH. If we were you, we would apply with a different free government cell phone company. You can find a complete list of your state’s service providers by clicking on the “States” link at the top of this page. Check out all the companies listed and find one that sounds best for your parents. Good luck.

  44. BostonHolly says

    It’s too bad but it’s not surprising, Here in MA we are so limited , so boxed in by limitations tat i don’t know anyone who uses the service but on the other hand I don’t know anyone on welfare. I barely use my phone because it’s so technologically limited it’s been useless in emergency situations. If customers aren’t using the phones, the providers will fizzle out. Before the royal flamers begin flaming me, I am a disabled senior who worked hard my entire life, paid into the system and saved in IRA’s and privately- I am living off what wasn’t stolen by the banks during the economic collapse in 2007 which I also paid to bail out those thieves (a.k.a.Republicans), and SSDI which I also paid into paid into for 40 years. I’m going broke paying for Medicare which was supposed to be free but it hasn’t been free since the Republican’s found another way to rob the poor and give it to the rich. . So, If you think we are living large, once again, you are not thinking. Gee, yet another surprise.

    • lynn Beaver says

      Sir , I do understand that there are many republican and democrats that are crooks in politics. I personally lost a lot of money in the bank crash . neither the republican or democrat candidates of today mirror what we admired in the parties in years gone by.. I live in North Carolina , and we have the same problems here that you have. the two choices in upcoming election are both shameful.

      • Rob Guthm says

        You win the internet! Your partisan correction was pretty funny but calling Holly “Sir” is what tipped the scale.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Watch out for the black helicopters. They’re coming to get you.

      we think the government has much better things to do than spy on millions of low-income Americans.

    • Tracy says

      How did this website turn into a debate when it’s suppose to be for those needing help with a phone.

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