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Don’t enroll at a street tent: Check around before you choose a free government cell phone company

We know it’s tempting to enroll with a street vendor when he says, “It’s free!” But the truth is that other companies probably offer other plans that are far better than the one that guy sitting in a booth is offering you.

All free government cell phone plans changed on December 2 thanks to new regulations issued by the Federal Communications Commission. It set minimum service levels that must be provided, but it didn’t set a maximum.

That means all sorts of plans are now available, so it’s more important than ever that you become an informed consumer. Check out all the plans available in your state to make sure you’re getting one that gives you the most, not the least.

So we’ve been updating everything here on FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net to make sure we’re giving you the latest, most up-to-date minutes/texts/data plans available. Our tech guru was recently reviewing plans in California and said:

One interesting thing with one of the companies I just reviewed, FeelSafe, is that California provides the worst data allowance (100 MB), where all the other states get 500 MB.

The plans vary so much that I think it’s fair to say that some companies’ plans are not up to par. Someone could really get stuck in a bad plan if they don’t check around. And I noticed that some companies only offer smartphones if you order online. Because of these two things, those people who get a phone from a street tent are locking themselves into what may be a very bad plan on a feature phone for a year.

It’s just another reason not to enroll for the program with a street vendor.

Our comments section is overflowing with questions from readers who want to enroll in the free government cell phone program with a vendor at a street tent or booth. Our answer is always the same:

Don’t do it. There have been too many cases of fraud and abuse originating at these locations.

But now our tech guru has given us another reason why you should shop for a Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone from the comfort of your home — it’s the only way you can compare and contrast different plans from different companies to make sure you’re getting the most minutes, texts and data.

Since our tech guru started this whole conversation while looking at plans available in California, let’s show you what we mean by taking a quick look at the basic plan from each Lifeline company offering plans in that state.

EDITOR’S NOTE: California offers freakishly good plans compared to other states, but the story is the same no matter which state you call home.

Access Wireless: Smartphone, 1000 minutes or texts, 500 MB data
Assurance Wireless: Smartphone, unlimited talk, unlimited texts, 500 MB data
Blue Jay Wireless: Smartphone, unlimited talk, unlimited texts
Budget Mobile: Smartphone, unlimited talk, unlimited texts, 500 MB data
EnTouch: Smartphone, unlimited talk, unlimited texts, 500 MB data
FeelSafe Wireless: Smartphone, unlimited talk, unlimited texts, 100MB data, plus 100 free international texts per month
Life Wireless: Smartphone, unlimited talk, unlimited texts, 500 MB data
Safelink Wireless: Smartphone, unlimited talk, unlimited texts, 500 MB data
SafetyNet Wireless: Smartphone, unlimited talk, unlimited texts, 100 MB data
Tag Mobile: Smartphone, unlimited talk, unlimited text, unlimited data
Total Call Mobile: Smartphone, 250 minutes, 250 texts, 500 MB data
TruConnect: Smartphone, unlimited talk, unlimited text, 100 MB data, plus 200 minutes of calling to Mexico

Wow! See what we mean? Even within one state, there a huge difference between the plans offered by different free government cell phone companies.

In other words, the plan that sounds so good when a street vendor tells you “It’s free!” may not be so good when you compare it to other plans for which you’re eligible.

Of course, each of these companies allows you to purchase additional minutes, texts, and data. Most of them at relatively reasonable prices, but there are deals to be had when you purchase the extras, too. Each company offers different packages at different prices, so if you think you’ll need more minutes, text or data, you need to check out the cost of each company’s top-up packages to determine which company and plan is best for you.

Be an informed consumer. Do not enroll with a street vendor no matter how tempting it may sound. Get the best plan possible by doing your homework. Compare and contrast all the plans in your state right here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net.

You can find all the companies in your state if you CLICK HERE.

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Comments

  1. I got my phone from a sidewalk booth (budget mobile) and it lasted several years. When it broke last week, it was alot of hassle, but I found out Entouch was my lifeline provider. They are listed as a place that provides free phones, but the heavily accented man on the phone said they would charge to replace it. I tried another provider on your list, truconnect, but all I could get was error messages that made it appear that I switched to them, but I did not have an account and there was nothing about getting the phone. Both of these places sent me a automated response to my customer service complaint which is insulting at best. Still phoneless. I will take a sidewalk vendor any day.

    Reply

    • “We” don’t activate anywhere because this is an independent informational website. You need to contact your chosen service provider to get that question answered.

      Reply

    • As of December 2017, new government regulations require that all phones given out are smart phones.

      Reply

  7. I first applied for a free phone through Safe link website uploaded my documents. But I was rejected. After calling Safe link customer service and each time I was told something different, I also called the State of California lifeline office and I was told that Safe link did not supply them all of my documents and that I need to apply directly through their office. I was so tired of applying on line I found an agent at a tent through safe link in person. My application was rejected but I applied through Safety net wireless, got my phone a text from office telling me that they have applied for lifeline. Received a letter from CA lifeline that my application was approved. I did compare the plan before I signed up for safety net wireless. I had no problems and the agent was nice. I am temporary disabled because I had surgery and I needed a cell phone to make calls when I need to use the internet I use my home Wi-Fi for my tablet and my home computer. I also have a house phone. I am grateful for having a free phone. I know that there are scams with getting a free phone through a tent but it can happen on line as well

    Reply

  8. Hi! I don’t know if this is the right place to ask this, but I just had a “job interview” with a company that provides these phones in places like WalMart, the dollar store, etc. here in the Coachella Valley supposedly with Sprint. They tell you it is a “management trainee program” so the first couple of months you’re on the “field” being trained on how to “approach the customer” and “create a relationship with them”. Which means you’re getting people to register into the program, but ok. The weird part is, that training is not paid (at least from what I understood at the interview), but the people above you (the “assistant managers” or “marketing directors”) make 1 to 8 dollars for every person you get to register. There’s of course no base salary, because “they only pay the people that really want to work”. And they told me that after you go through the 4 steps of training and become a “Marketing Director” you can pick your own territory and start a new office with a FAKE NAME (they literally used the word FAKE) and start the process all over again. It was just SO SHADY, closest thing to a pyramid scheme I’ve seen in a while. I’m writing this because I don’t know if I should report it or if there’s an agency or somewhere that I can report this to. I just feel like they’re scamming both the people that “subscribe to the program” AND the people that work for them, which are mostly latinos, at least in this area. I’m using a fake name because they have all my info and I’m afraid they’ll get me in trouble, but everything I just wrote is 100% true.

    Reply

    • Thanks for the story, Luisa. We consider it just another reason no one should enroll at street events. Too much fraud, too much abuse. We’re not saying all the street events are phony baloney, but too many of them are.

      Reply

  10. Someone stole my phone I have called it many times. All I get is no answer. my phone number was 205 – 747 – ****. MY name is Shannon Brett Howard. What can I do to get another phone.. I know it seems suspension, but I never liked that phone because, I could never it ring and i was always pushing numbers on the phone when I talked. Please help ASAP thanks

    IS THERE ANOTHER PHONE THAT I CAL CALL TO TALK WITH SOMEONE. I HOPE YOU CAN FIND THE MAKE OF MY PHONE BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER LIKE THE ONE I HAD.

    Reply

  14. Hello. It’s too late. I already enrolled from a street vendor because i needed a phone right away. What can I do next to fix this ?

    Reply

    • There may be nothing to fix, Ashley. Do you know who the service provider is? If so, contact that company’s customer service team to find out if your order was actually placed. If it has been placed, then you can probably figure that the street event was legitimate.

      Reply

  15. I want to know the locations of SafeLink free phone event tents are in salt lake City.. I’ve seen them here and now I can’t find one

    Reply

    • We strongly urge you NOT to enroll at a street event. They have been the scenes of too much fraud and abuse. You’re much better off enrolling online or by phone.

      Reply

    • We strongly urge our readers not to enroll at street events, Sueann. They have been the source of too many cases of fraud and abuse. Instead, sign up online or by phone.

      Reply

  19. My aunt and uncle just signed up for their free phones at a booth inside of a Walmart, in NM. Is that considered a “street booth”?

    Reply

    • Impossible to tell, Joshua. We’d tend to trust the people inside a Walmart more than the ones on the street, but there’s no way to tell if the people were representatives of the actual free government cell phone company or a subcontractor.

      Have your aunt and uncle received their phone yet?

      Reply

  20. lost my phone. can I get a replacement without resending my medicare or section 8 proof I had assurance

    Reply

    • Probably. But you need to contact your service provider’s customer service team directly, Charles.

      Reply

  21. Do you know which one of these companies provide SIM cards with their phones?
    I ask because in the past I was enrolled with a company that provided very good services but the phone I received was damaged. I had an old T-Mobile phone slipped in the SIM and was good to go.

    Reply

    • You got lucky on that one, SanLu. Not all phones are compatible with all cell phone networks, so for a SIM card to work, the phone itself must be compatible.

      Reply

    • Life wireless has sim card you just have to have a phone that’s unlock, in other words you must have bought that phone from a dealer in the phone belongs to you.

      Reply

  22. i wish i could find where those tents are. i know that there are many free gov. phone co. i have this gut feeling that LIFE wireless is for me. but unfortunately they don’t accept online application in CALIFORNIA . still in search where to sign up and still having difficulty contacting them. i will give it one try and go from there.

    Reply

  23. How do I get a manual for the Lifeline phone Android Cool Pad with Access Wireless ? I signed up at Kroger Payless store and was told I could use both phones: The Access Wireless Android and my current phone with Assurance Wireless since 2008. This was wrong info given to me; my phone was shut off with Assurance Wireless. I am struggling with how o use the Android. Can I get the old number 765-278-9042 with local area code back? Now have 317 # Please help by answering both questions or directing me to whom can help me.

    Reply

    • Do not want my phone number showing – delete the # shown in last message. Did not know it was going public.

      Reply

      • We’d love to do that for you, Fay, but we can’t. Because we’re not your service provider. We’re an independent website. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.

        Reply

    • Google the make and model of your phone along with the words “user manual.” You’ll find it easily.

      Reply

  25. So my battery died last night. Then it asked for the PUK code which we couldnt remember what it was until it was too late. Now I am locked out and Budget mobile does not recongnize my account. Do I just try to get a new provider?Thank you.

    Reply

  26. well thats not always the case
    when u want to switch from a truly horrible company its very hard to wait six weeks for the mailman, i got tired of that dumb game and got a new free phone from the burger king tent people today , instant service ON and no waiting six weeks , it should take no longer than one week to process and mail a phone to someone

    thats why the tents work !!

    Reply

    • We’re glad it worked for you, Todd, but you should sit where we do and read all the readers’ comments about problems they’ve had with the tents.

      Reply

  28. locked in a plan for a year? is that a new thing? i never signed any sort of contract for any period of time, and i’ve switched providers before too. i was under the impression you could go from company to company as you wished, the only possible problem being the same company might not send you a free phone

    Reply

      • For those who don’t scroll down to find the answer, yes, it’s a new thing. As of December 2, 2016 you can only switch service providers after you have been with your service provider for one year or longer.

        Reply

  29. Dear FGCP and company,

    That’s sound advice – “Be an informed consumer. Do not enroll with a street vendor no matter how tempting it may sound !”

    One reason is that street vendor is most likely contracted to do just that job and has no other affiliation with that Lifeline company, is not a full/part time employee and other than by a contract to that Lifeline Company – to possibly misrepresent any statement to a would-be Lifeline consumer, in all the pro’s and con’s of the Lifeline Company they represent by a contract.

    (aka – fly by night person (1099 contracted) who has your personal information – would be something else altogether if they were required to be bonded, to work as a contractor in representing a Lifeline company.)

    Next reason is that – this contractor is probably making more from signing someone up with that Lifeline company – then that phone handed out to you – costs the Lifeline Company in the first place.

    Steve

    Reply

    • Dear All,
      Something’s also to know-

      FACTs:
      These additional facts are to everyone currently enrolled or thinking of signing up with a Lifeline provider company.

      There was a small grace period window to opt-out of broadband being added to your Life Wireless plan (one week from Dec. 2-2016), although not confirmed – I believe any New sign-ups could benefit from that same opt-out time frame of a week, which is then a Opt-In to a VOICE ONLY plan with Lifeline provider company.

      If you don’t want broadband on your Lifeline benefits plan and then the required 12 month port freeze that comes with it – you must Opt-In to a VOICE ONLY Lifeline plan within a given time frame or possibly by starting out that way in clearly stating it when you sign up.
      [Keep records of a ticket number if generated and/or who you’ve spoken to about this (name-time-date) – understanding what’s possible before a remittance of your application – and in recertifying too]. Ask for any information in writing by an email sent to your Lifeline providers customer service team is really good too…

      LIFELINE PROVIDERS PLANS with-
      Voice Only = 60 days – port freeze
      Broadband added and standard now = 12 months – port freeze
      Mobile Broadband = 500MB usage on cell networks

      Port Freeze = Locking in your Lifeline Benefits for a time period to a current Lifeline service provider, before your benefits can be moved to another Lifeline service provider, via a Lifeline Benefits transfer.
      Port Freeze is in the meaning of your Lifeline Benefits as a Whole moving from one Lifeline provider to another Lifeline provider.

      What this means if your not happy with Lifeline provider anymore in 60 days (2-Months) with a VOICE Only plan, you can change to another Lifeline Service Provider instead of waiting a whole year then while being on the broadband plan with them.

      Once you do serve your locked-in Port freeze time period (60day-12month), your then on a month-to-month basis with them the (Lifeline service provider) and can transfer your Lifeline Benefits at anytime.
      After this first port freeze time period with your current Lifeline provider, in which ever case of your prior port freeze was the 60 days or 12 months period you can transfer your Lifeline benefits over to another Lifeline provider of your choosing that offers Lifeline in your State of residence.
      Of course this will mean a new time period for a locking of the “Port Freeze” term and having to expire first again before being in a status of a month-to-month is reached again. So a VOICE ONLY plan is advisable to even know if your able to make and receive calls from the new Lifeline provider.

      Hope this helps at least a few understand their options and has
      been of a service to them.
      Steve

      Reply

      • i have had such a bad issue getting the phone delivered because they dont send to po box. can you help me? i need a phone so bad with all the fires and now storms. i have no way of getting help ty

        Reply

        • The free government cell phone will not allow you to enroll if you only have a PO Box, Maria. Is it impossible for you to provide a street address?

          Reply

          • You can apply with a street address and have the “mailing address” utilize the P O Box number which will work.

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