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.
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.
Asteria Moore says
Kiddos to you. You’ve put together a well informed, party nuetral, and business nuetral website for the most vulnerable of consumers. If there is a heaven your truly good natured and caring efforts would surely be recognized.
I would like to offer one criticism (sounds wrong) critique. Throughout your articles I notice a theme of advocacy in becoming an informed consumer. What I have experienced during covid is a complete technology blackout. Without a smartphone or wifi cable device there has been no way to access the internet as library’s are closed and I am sure there are many individuals across our nation that even outside of Covid have this same issue. I’m not sure if there are barriers to library computer access or maybe just transportation to the library, but I could envision plenty of barriers that a person could have in getting the free tech access needed to be a good informed consumer prior to receiving your lifeline phone.
To this I ask you, have you considered advocacy work via print/mail/county aid offices. So many people could benefit from the knowledge you provide but will never get to see it due to lack of access or education on being an informed consumer, or even searching the internet. Nonetheless, great work and thank you.
Asteria Moore says
*kuddos **internet capable device ***their lifeline phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’d love to do more, but there are a limited number of hours in the day, Asteria.
Asteria Moore says
I understand, and forgive me for coming off as negative as I truly commend the work that you have done and continue to do when can we see an article about the new e b b benefits.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check the USAC website (https://www.usac.org/about/emergency-broadband-benefit-program/) or EveryoneOn.org. Both are government sites that do a great job telling you what’s available in your area.
Leroy says
What’s the government phone number for free government phones
Free Government Cell Phones says
Each service provider has a different phone number. Just click on “Providers” up on the navigation bar and then click on any of the providers. We provide the phone number (and other contact info) on each provider’s page.
Esmeralda Martinez says
It says that you get a free cell phone from the government but it changes to only services but no cell phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
What is “it,” Esmeralda?
Loretta Young says
I would like to refer individuals who need free phones and would like an application sent to me please and thank you via email.
Thanks in Advance!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s very kind of you, Loretta, but we have no idea who you are, so we cannot forward any of our reader’s information to you.
Tiffany Rock says
I live with a family member can I get a government cell phone please
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you live with a family member, but you all pay for your own expenses, you may be able to qualify for your own free government cell phone. Call your chosen service provider and tell them you want to find out if you qualify for the one per family workaround.
Crystal Brown says
Need a small laptop to go to school on line and maybe a bessness on line.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We should be reading our other website, CheapInternet.com, Crystal. It will give you all the info you need to accomplish your goals.
Coleen says
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.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Most companies charge for replacement phones, Coleen, except under exceptional circumstances. If you enroll with one of the other companies, you’ll be given a smartphone because you qualify as a new customer. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Sandie says
Need more Data
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check your service provider’s website to see what options it offers.
Jessica Cruz says
Need one in Arizona
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then you need to apply for one in Arizona.
Jerome says
Do you activate in Georgia yet
Free Government Cell Phones says
“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.
Solomon says
Why doesn’t everyone said they would give you a SMARTPHONE When it’s not a smartphone it’s a cheaper phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
As of December 2017, new government regulations require that all phones given out are smart phones.
billybob says
i dont like the goverment
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’re part of a very large club, Billybob.
yolanda says
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
Luisa says
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.
Free Government Cell Phones says
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.
Amber Lowe says
I would like to receive a phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to apply for a phone.
Chrystal Owens says
I need to appy for free phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then that’s exactly what you should do.
SHANNON BRETT HOWARD says
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.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Simple, Shannon. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
ALAzzawi says
I am a senior widow. 81 years old I need a free cell phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where you can find all the free government cell phone companies and plans in your state, Alazzawi.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Deb says
I need a cell phone I am homeless
Free Government Cell Phones says
Best of luck to you.
James Prince says
I need another bad somebody stole my phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team, James.
Ashley says
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 ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
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.
Kari mcdade says
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
Free Government Cell Phones says
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.
Sueann says
I live in Columbus, Ohio. I am trying to find a location to apply and receive a phone same day
Free Government Cell Phones says
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.
MACMAN JAY says
hows can i switch from assurance wireless to access wireless asap?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you exactly how to do it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Charles says
For safelink wirelles how many is eligible per household?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only one free government cell phone is allowed per household, Charles.
Joshua C says
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”?
Free Government Cell Phones says
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?
charles pruitt says
lost my phone. can I get a replacement without resending my medicare or section 8 proof I had assurance
Free Government Cell Phones says
Probably. But you need to contact your service provider’s customer service team directly, Charles.
SanLu says
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.
Free Government Cell Phones says
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.
Missy says
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.
carlos says
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.
Fay says
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.
Fay says
Do not want my phone number showing – delete the # shown in last message. Did not know it was going public.
Free Government Cell Phones says
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.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Google the make and model of your phone along with the words “user manual.” You’ll find it easily.
MRS VALARIE B HALL says
Can I switch my life line provider.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can switch only if you’ve been with your current service provider for at least 12 months, Valarie. Here’s an article that tells you how to switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Dianna says
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.
Free Government Cell Phones says
What do you mean when you say, “Budget mobile does not recognize my account?”
todd says
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 !!
Free Government Cell Phones says
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.
Anna Johnson says
I’ve tried everything to get a phone please help I have no money and I have kids
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you contacted all the Lifeline free government cell phone companies in your state? The application process is really pretty simple. Here’s where you can find a list of those companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
nobody says
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
nobody says
oh, i think i just found my answer in the comments, lol sorry
Free Government Cell Phones says
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.
Steve says
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
Steve says
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
Sarah a taylor says
I love to have that phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’d love to have you apply for that phone.
Maria A King says
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
Free Government Cell Phones says
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?
IW Wireless says
You can apply with a street address and have the “mailing address” utilize the P O Box number which will work.