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Is it true Safelink Wireless is owned by Mexican Carlos Slim, the world’s richest man?

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The answer to this question used to be an emphatic, “Yes!” But as of November 2021, the new answer is “No, Safelink is now owned by Verizon.”

The Mexican multi-billionaire sold this part of his telecommunications empire to American telecommunications conglomerate and then wrote a check to the Mexican government for $1.35 billion in back taxes.

Here’s how we answered this question before Safelink was acquired by Verizon:

Is it true.

Safelink Wireless is owned by Mexican Carlos Slim, the world’s richest man.

Yes, it is true.

SafeLink Wireless is run by a subsidiary of América Móvil, the world’s fourth largest wireless company in terms of subscribers. Another subsidiary of América Móvil is TracFone. The free phones from Safelink are actually given out by Tracfone and the airtime minutes are handled by Safelink.

Here’s how Forbes described him in the World’s Richest Man issue:

Telecom tycoon who pounced on privatization of Mexico’s national telephone company in the 1990s becomes world’s richest person for first time after coming in third place last year. Net worth up $18.5 billion in a year. Recently received regulatory approval to merge his fixed-line assets into American Movil, Latin America’s biggest mobile phone company. His construction conglomerate, Impulsora del Desarrollo y el Empleo, builds roads and energy infrastructure. Son of a Lebanese immigrant also owns stakes in financial group Inbursa, Bronco Drilling, Independent News & Media, Saks and New York Times Co. Newspaper outfit’s stock popped in early March on talk he might buy a controlling stake; he denies the rumor.

So now you know the truth. Next time you hear someone say, “Safelink is owned by a Mexican billionaire,” you can tell them the truth.

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Comments

  1. Amanda Nichols says

    March 2, 2022 at 7:39 pm

    It’s disgusting how SafeLink feels it is ok to control people’s government permitted access to communication. I’ve fought these incompetent uneducated idiots for weeks now. There are no “tools” they are just stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t give a f**k who owns that company. I’ve done my own research and there are 2 government agencies who deal with frauds like these. The FCC and the USAC. Email them both, send mass emails and call every consumer help line they provide on their website. These assholes can and will be shut down. After over 40 hours of being on hold, being hung up on when my infant daughter and I had covid and no other way of reaching out for help them begging these low life bottom feeding pieces of shit to release my number back to me, I’m fed up. I hope they all end up in the unemployment line….where they realize you can’t get unemployment if your business goes under for fraudulent practices!!!

    Reply
    • Joe blo says

      March 15, 2022 at 12:35 pm

      Love it when ‘we ‘ speak speak up and the truth comes out! No pun intended. So sorry for the bullshir you are going thru. Here is setting else I had all their free services , it’s obvious u ll never completely get away fr them…. It s been way over a year for me and slowly they, the free programs are catching back up to me, whats.. really fuked up is I got a paid service used a phone with minutes registered it under my deceased husband and God dam if they( free services ) catch BK up to me . It started bout a month ago . So I guess only way is not to receive any services gov offers including SSDI etc. I knew government was crooked for many many years but my God this is beyond what is right no wander this world is so fuked up!!!!!!

      Reply
  2. Asela Regis says

    August 22, 2020 at 8:49 pm

    Good Afternoon,

    I applied for Safelink because I am unemployed, and my unemployment benefits had exhausted so I was approved about a month ago. When I called Safelink they kept saying I did not qualify for a new phone (lots of mixed messages) I had dropped my phone on the concrete floor outside and shattered, so because they kept telling me i did not qualify for a devise, I had to buy a new phone. Everytime I called Safelink the reps would say they’re tools will not allow them to get to my account, this went on until the day before my service with Total Wireless would expire.
    I again called Safelink, the rep I spoke to said his name is Armando ID#51181.
    He said he could disconnect my service in the moment but I would have to have another available phone to complete the process.
    He was very inpatient and rude with me, I kept trying to explain to him that I did not have another phone present. I mean after all I live alone, who has two phones?
    He became so inpatient and rude and said to me in a very condescending tone “what else do you want from me”? rude, and disrespectful.
    I paused in shock and asked him why was he so rude to me? He got argumentative, I was appaulled.
    So, he hung up on me, I called AGAIN!!!
    When I called back I was informed by the customer rep that my application enrollment#41657322, had just been cancelled and that I would have to reapply!!!!
    So, this rep took it upon himself to cancel my application without any notice just out of spite!!
    Please forward this message to Safelink CEO as I am going to pursue this matter one way or another. I’m so sorry for the CEO of this company that he has people misrepresenting him in this manner.
    Please have someone from higher rank Safelink reach out to me about this .
    Respectfully,
    Asela Regis enrollment#41657322

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 23, 2020 at 8:26 am

      Sorry, Asela, but we have no connection to “someone from higher rank at Safelink.” You’ll need to call customer service and speak to a supervisor or contact Safelink corporate headquarters.

      Reply
      • X.X.X says

        September 12, 2022 at 10:09 pm

        Looks like they have tools all over this comments section further berating already abused customers.

        Reply
  3. Helene Gelber-Lehman says

    August 20, 2020 at 11:07 am

    THis is to CARLOS SLIM, OSTENSIBLY THE CEO OF SAFELINK WIRELES OR TRACPHONE WIRELESS.
    My phone service was disconnected after I re-applied for Safelink last month -though [AFTER i SPENT AN HOUR CONTACTING cALIFORNIA lIFELINE SEVERAL TIMES] I’M ADVISED THAT my Lifeline Service is good until Jan 2021- BUT I’m now advised by Safelink operators [who, by the way, refuse to provide me with contact info for you or the corporate offices which I was advised are in Miami Fla.] that I now am being required to re-apply for Safelink Telephone Sevrice, every month.
    This is outrageous and offensive!
    I’d like to know:
    a) why you have changed your policies-if you have?
    b) why your operators cannot and will not provide me -or any other customer- with your phone number and address.
    c) and what you plan to do about correcting this “so-called” policy.
    And if it is not a policy, kindly contact me ASAP and correct this issue because I am 73 years old; my home here in CA. burned down: I am disabled and… without my phone, I will not survive.
    I am borrowing a neighbors computer and without my phone also cannot access my email. You can call for me at 718-676-****. My name is Helene

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 20, 2020 at 1:25 pm

      We hope Carlos sees your comment, Helene.

      Reply
      • J W says

        January 6, 2021 at 9:15 pm

        Yes. Imagine that we spent our hard earned money on services, that say, where a negative encountered in the context of said service, someone…ANYONE…were in a position of accountability to whom we could voice the issue.

        Accountability.

        Call center associates act in place of a corporate board. I am 43. “It” will happen in my lifetime.

        Reply
  4. Josephine Webb says

    August 11, 2019 at 8:09 pm

    I have been trying to get phone for about year .Get different story each time I call safe link.First time fill application on line. Sent proof to lifeline.call safe link back Told them I was approve. They said I needed to reapply.fill out another application on line.they told me to always use new enrollment number and call them back in few days. Call backed ,they said I had to many applications.each one tells me a different story. What shall I do now?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 11, 2019 at 9:12 pm

      If we were you, we would enroll with a different company. Here’s where you can find all the plans offered in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply
  5. Andrea Martin says

    August 7, 2019 at 8:03 am

    My previous phone (which I still have) does not work now due to my having had a stroke in 2017 and now live in a rehab/health center. I have the phone # I was given, the date I registered for robo call disruptions, and the last several cards sent to me regarding changing my phone to larger number and screen as my stroke affected several parts of me. I am partially disabled and my entire SS and pension is used to pay for my living here as well as food, medical treatment and prescriptions. Please inform me what I need to do now. I am 79 years old.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 7, 2019 at 8:37 am

      It sounds as if you need to re-enroll to get new service, Andrea. The rules of the Lifeline program require that service providers cancel any account that goes unused for 30 days or longer, so we assume that’s what happened to you. Check out all the plans available in your state to find the one that fits your needs best:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Remember that only one free government cell phone is permitted per household and the rehab center in which you currently reside may be counted as one household. You may need to ask for an exemption due to the group home nature of that facility.

      Reply
  6. Ann Williams says

    June 25, 2019 at 11:48 am

    Today I called to follow up with Safe Link Wireless Representative by the name of Maylyn at 11:31 am, Edward at 11:33 am John at 11:53 a,m, then to Rasmore ID#021515317 a Manager and last to Manager Louise Id#
    512499 and neither employee can tell me why my wireless phone is not been recertified even when I was told to go on line and fill out the application and attached my section 8 voucher information via e-mail. I use the e-mail address on line with the Subject # 40162828 on June 20, 2019. when I called today Tuesday June 25, 2019 to find out if my e-mail was received, and the first two employee said that it was received but was rejected but noone could not tell me why, because they do not have an e-mail address and they don’t have a department that could check and see what or where my e-mail was sent too. Please can someone tell me what or how I can get a proper answer, because I am disable and need my cell phone or my Section 8 letter expires on July 2, 2019. And my recertification was called over on the phone on April 1, 2019. and my Social Security number is on the document on that e-mail floating around somewhere and the last Manager stated that he is at the Corporal Office and don’t have anyway to track down my e-mail. And he refuses to look for it. I needs HELP, PLEASE OR I AM WITHOUT A CELLPHONE. CALL ME, E-MAIL ME OR JUST MAIL ME SOMETHING BEFORE JUNE 2, 2019. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH !!!

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 25, 2019 at 2:15 pm

      We can’t help you because we are not your service provider, Ann. However, it sounds like it’s time for you to start filing formal complaints. Here’s an article that tells you exactly how to do it:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service

      We’d suggest that you read the article carefully, then call your service provider to tell them that you intend to take the steps outlined in the article. That often gets their attention.

      Reply
  7. Doreen Mead says

    April 15, 2019 at 6:52 am

    i have had safelink for about 10 years.I got a new phone and when they set up phone the next day I couldn;t isget online I called and spoke to Simon 4-14-2019. He said its because I have a smart phoneI told him I had a smart phone before.He says don’t worry I’ll fix it.!!!! The langage berrier is alful. PLEASE HELP ME .Make it like it was before unlimited that my mobile Data will be unlimited like it was before!!! For 10 years I never had to turn off and on Mobile Data.My name is Doreen Mead cell # is 978-999-****. Thank you Doreen

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 15, 2019 at 1:52 pm

      We can’t help you with your service because we are not your service provider, Doreen. This is an independent informational website. If all else fails, though, here’s how to file a formal complaint about your service provider:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service

      Reply
  8. Katherine dickinson says

    February 15, 2019 at 3:33 am

    I am an certified nala agent id like to come on board with safe link can you recruite me

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 15, 2019 at 6:31 am

      We are not Safelink, Katherine. You need to contact the company directly.

      Reply
      • Lynn says

        March 7, 2019 at 6:33 am

        I have had problems with safelink for years. They are incompetent, unprofessional and not dependable. They keep you on the phone for hours and they never resolve the problem. I recently tried to reactivate my phone I did the application over the phone with a representative ten I emailed my proof of eligibility to them waits for months to activate my phon and they just told me I need to redo my application again. You can’t understand most of the representatives. Their phones and service is lousy. We need to notify the government about this company ripping off the customers so they can use another Company. I also live in Michigan and I got tired of tho company. I checked with Comcast and they offer free unlimited minutes and texting as long as you have their internet service you can buy your own iPhone or buy their phones they have phones as low as $5 dollars a month for $129 dollars its free but if you can get 1 gig of data for $12 a month or pay for more,but if you use internet at hotspots with Wi-Fi then its free. I use free internet at him on my old phone or laptop so I don’t need to use it outside. For seniors there are more companies to get a free phone and service just check.

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          March 7, 2019 at 11:05 am

          If you can afford a cable TV package, you might not have been right for the free government cell phone plan. We’re happy for you, but most of our readers are not in a position to make $129 payments.

          You might also consider enrolling in one of the other free government cell phone plans in your state. One of them might fit your needs better. You can find them all at this link:

          https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

          Reply
          • Joe Suck U says

            April 4, 2019 at 9:23 am

            you know it dont matter what she makes it none of your business you get these phone on goverment programs like medicaid are others i have had the same problem half the peaple cant do there damn job at safelink one will tell you one thing and call back and somebody else will tell something else you need to hire people who can speak english and not this bull shit where you cant understad what they say i been with them for 6 years i had to get a new phone cause of problems with the other one its been a damn nightmare trying to get my minutes i never had a problem till now nobody told i had to recertify i have been trying to get my minutes for three weeks now and now i have to wait another ten days to get where i can call a damn ambulance if i need one im a high risk patient and they dont give a shit where you live are die and they act like they own the damn phone and the minutes the United States Goverment owns this program and its about time the Goverment finds a new provider yeah the United States Goverment made that mexican a billonare its bout time they make him payback some of that money for the piss poor service hes providing and fid some one else im not thru with this im going higher up the ladder to talk to my state senator and everybody else needs to do the same thing and let Washington know whats going on thats the only way they gone find out CALL your SENATOR cAUSE THEY DONT READ THESE COMMENTS SO call TODAY.so know i see at the bottom they monitor our comments and approve the ones they want people to see hey have yall heard of free speech so know yall gone trample on my rights.

          • Free Government Cell Phones says

            April 4, 2019 at 12:11 pm

            We’d like to introduce you to an interesting new concept called “punctuation,” Joe. You know, periods and commas and that kind of stuff. But enough of this fiddle fiddle. How can you have been part of the program for six years and know nothing about recertification? It’s an annual process. There are plenty of providers other than Safelink, so if your problems with them seem insurmountable, PLEASE switch to a different company ASAP.

  9. Penny Hamilton says

    January 14, 2019 at 5:02 pm

    I cannot tell you the months of frustration they have out me through. This time it has been. 2 1/2 months of deal I g with them over and over and I still don’t have a working phone in my home. They never know my history with the phone and tell me to do the same things I’ve done over and over and over. I am seriously traumatized by dealing with them it is so crazy making. I am a 72 year old senior who lives alone. I NEED a working phone! I told my son if I died now to sue them because I have no way to call for help in an emergency!

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 14, 2019 at 9:46 pm

      So sorry to hear about your ongoing problems, Penny. Have you tried enrolling with a different service provider?

      Reply
  10. Pat Kuthrapoli says

    December 10, 2018 at 2:23 pm

    STAY AWAY FROM SAFELINK!! HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND STAFF CAN NOT UNDERSTAND ENGLISH…TERRIBLE COMPANY!!! 8 PHONE CALLS AND STILL NO RESOLVE–STAY AWAY AND SAVE YOURSELVES FRUSTRATION, AGGRAVATION AND STOMACH ISSUES!!

    Reply
  11. Pat Kuthrapoli says

    December 10, 2018 at 6:28 am

    STAY AWAY FROM SAFELINK/TRACPHONE!! THE ABSOLUTE WORST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE…CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSONNEL HAVE A VERY POOR COMMAND OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND CAN NOT DEVIATE FROM READING THEIR CUE CARDS!! HOW TRUE IT IS WITH THIS OUTFIT THAT ‘YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR’…THE STAFF EPITOMIZES THE DESCRIPTIVE WORD, ‘INCOMPETENCE’…STAY AWAY–SAVE YOURSELVES FROM AGGRAVATION, FRUSTRATION AND OUT AND OUT ANGER!!

    Reply
  12. Willy-Ann Hoff says

    November 16, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    I would like to change my phone number please due to court order of protection filed.
    Not only that, too many harassing tele marketing calls.
    I can provide serial number and sim number and address as proof

    Thank you,
    Willy-Ann Hoff

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 16, 2018 at 2:25 pm

      You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.

      Reply
  13. Dr. Levinstein says

    November 8, 2018 at 10:30 am

    Safelink has cancelled my ph service now 8 times (they work on commission so for each enrollment number they make more money ) always for bogus reasons.. (First they told me I did not make my one required ph call per mo (I did), then they insisted I had used over my 350 min per month (I did not and had them look into my account to prove this), then they told me it was a “glitch” in the system and that I would have to enroll all over again. I am blind and terminally ill and live in a rural area. I need to walk one mile to my neighbors house to use their ph each time I have to spend 3 hours on the phone with Safelink . anfd then walk home I live in Mi and it is getting very cold to do this each and every friggin day.. Not how i want to spend my last days on earth… (It is true by the way .. the customer service agents are all outsourced to the Philippines and speak very little English.. they continue to recite the script over and over and have no true understanding of what I am saying.. not really their fault -they are also victims of this corporate money grab torturing the disabled . I also filed a complaint with the FCC and BBB. I urge everyone to do so so that they lose this govt contract. ( Why not give it to a company operating in the US ???)

    Reply
  14. Rmmadd says

    May 16, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    Too all that leave comments… Please write in complete sentences, don’t use slang or shorts to replace whole words, tell us when and what state your having these issues in, type and model of phone. Please if you want to help others and want to try and work together towards some sort of a resolution. I have read so many reviews over the last year on multiple sites about a few of these lifeline companies, and there are not too many positive one’s. I myself have assurance wireless and have had nothing but problems, signed up 02-02-17 and started having multiple phone issues (ZTE N817) just 60 days in, then the problems with customer service/supervisors/technical support/ and back office head management – phone problems including but not limited to freezing up, help prompts constantly popping up even after setting up phone, bad reception, not able to make or receive calls, I’ve had 18 replacement phones in 1 year and in that 18 i had 4 different brands – service issues include constantly getting hung up on, transferred to departments that have nothing to do with my issue, given numbers to call that are null/void, denied supervisors/managers, i was even lied to 4 months in..
    guy told me since i was having so many issues he could cancel my account and i could set up with a new lifeline service in 48hrs but could not so had to spend 2 weeks resigning up with the back office, constant deception. My service is in Iowa, every state has different availability, including phone models and providers
    Having alot of trouble deciding wich lifeline service to go with….

    Reply
    • Annie E. McDaniel says

      August 1, 2018 at 8:21 am

      Your customer service is horrable. You must be rich because you not hire persons who are compentent and knows how to resolbe problems. With all the negative comments I am reading, either you do not care about seniors who use this service through individuals who have paid for them to have the service or you are just hearless.

      I will be contacting American law makers to have this contract reviewed and hopefully givern to a vendor who cares about American Senior Citizens. I shall advocate on their behalf.

      I pray you do a better job of showing you have a heart to those who brought you into this world and nutured you.

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        August 1, 2018 at 2:15 pm

        It’s NOT our service, Annie. This is an independent informational website. Send your complaints to the company you have the problem with.

        Reply
    • Pat says

      December 9, 2018 at 1:11 pm

      This is the lousiest service ever! Customer service reps can NOT deviate from reading their cue cards–if you ask a question you will get ten different answers….My friend is elderly and sickly and has had nothing but frustration from these people!! A FREE phone is not worth the aggrivation that comes with it–there are other companies who truly care about senior citizens–like Assurance….You will pay a little bit–but, is so worth it–stay away from safelink!! Nothing but continuous frustration!

      Reply
  15. PATRICIA DITTO says

    March 14, 2018 at 11:49 am

    CARLOS SLIM I’M SUE UR ASS FOR MENTAL DESTRESS. CAUSE OF UR CUSTOMER SERVICE CALL CENTER PUT ME THOUGH FOR A MONTH WITH MY PHONE.,. I WILL GET MONEY OUT OF UR RICH ASS… TRUST ME ON THIS UR MANGERS/SUPERVISORS. AGENTS DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY R DOING THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW ENGLISH.. AND BTW U SHOULD GO BACK MEXICO AND LEAVE OUR MONEY HERE… OR GET A CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT’S AMERICAN.. STILL SUING U……

    Reply
  16. Just Nana says

    January 1, 2018 at 3:44 pm

    I’m am a disabled and also have had the flu. It took me 3different days and had to speak to 5 different people to renew my free safelink track phone. It wasn’t a easy experience but after all of the time and questions (having to be repeated). I’m still appreciate (more than words can say) and I’m very thankful for those who make this opportunity available to me and others. THANK YOU

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 2, 2018 at 1:00 pm

      Great to hear that you were finally successful, Nana.

      Reply
  17. Just Nana says

    January 1, 2018 at 12:23 pm

    Can someone please help a disabled grandmother with an answer how to get her free safelink phone renewed. My daughter tried to do it over the Internet and it would not let her I’m not well and I have spent hours on the phone with safe link representatives and have even spoke to supervisors I was told December 5 ,2017they would send me papers in the mail to fill out and return Today is January 1, 2018and I still have not received my papers I had to purchase minutes last month when this cell phone said I have 58 service days left. My plan runs out on January 8, 2018 I’d appreciate someone’s help ……THANK YOU…..

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 1, 2018 at 1:11 pm

      Have you tried to recertify online? If not, visit the Safelink website, click on “Account” and then click on “Re-certify.”

      Reply
      • Just Nana says

        January 1, 2018 at 2:35 pm

        I tryed that Not working for me My phone is a free flip phone Daughter unavailable. I have a piece of paper here that say the enrollment is a ticket # and I have it has my cell phone number on it. I don’t have internet so I’m using my fiancé phone to try and do this. Any other suggestions?

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          January 2, 2018 at 12:59 pm

          If you were unable to recertify online, you only other option is to do it by phone, Nana. Keep trying.

          Reply
  18. Anita Moles says

    December 18, 2017 at 7:18 am

    My husbands phone was not lost or stolen, it just quit working. Have called the company since October 27th and keep getting the run around. I just want answers.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 18, 2017 at 7:59 am

      You probably have a couple options, Anita. (1) See if your service provider will provide you with a free replacement. They probably will not, but it can’t hurt to ask. (2) If they will not, you can pay a relatively small fee for a replacement. (3) You have the option of switching to a new service provider. All the Lifeline companies are required to provide free smartphones to all new customers. Here’s where you can find an article that tells you exactly how to switch service providers:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers

      Reply
  19. SafeLink member says

    November 28, 2017 at 6:38 pm

    F*** Carlos Slim for creating the world’s lousiest call center customer service policy at SafeLink Wireless.

    Hey Carlos!!! Step your f***ing game up and hire educated employees to work your call center, not these incompetent Philippino kids. And get that computer system they work with to provide real solutions to prevent your members from continually being screwed over by your shoddy service.

    SafeLink Wireless is a joke!!!

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 28, 2017 at 7:22 pm

      Ouch.

      Reply
    • Jean says

      November 28, 2017 at 9:57 pm

      I agree 100%. I have been through hell with safesuck wireless customer service. They need to get their unknowledgeable asses another job in a sewing factory down in the boondocks somewhere..safesuck company is loaded with bullshit to the core..

      Reply
    • Just Nana says

      January 1, 2018 at 12:10 pm

      Hey Mr thinks he’s perfect I’m letting you know you’re not I have trouble with my phone too but appreciate it’s free if you don’t like this service you’re getting take and spend your money and buy one somewhere else and quit spreading hatred about children of any race. How old are you. Probably not a child and apparently nobody ever told you to act your age. People like you expect children to be adults so you can act like some spoiled brat……
      I’m just one handicapped grandma

      Reply
      • Joe Suck U says

        April 4, 2019 at 9:40 am

        go some where else and get away from safelink

        Reply
    • PATRICIA DITTO says

      March 14, 2018 at 11:38 am

      THANK GOD THERE’S SOME ONE ELSE OUT THERE WHO IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING AS I AM. IT’S TAKING ME A F***ING MONTH TO GET MY REPLACEMENT PHONE UP & RUNNING. JUST GOT ENROLLED IN TO SAFELINK ON 2/1 AND DIDN’T HAVE THE 1ST PHONE 2 WEEKS AND IT STOPPED WORKING. CALLED ON 2/16. THEY COULDN’T OVER NIGHT IT. BUT WHEN I GOT IT. THE DIDN’T SEND IT PUT TILL 2/26. GOT IT ON 2/27.. F***ING A*****S. BOTTOM LINE I TOLD THEM I WANTED THE SAME # THEY SAID YES U CAN. AFTER 3 SIM CARD THE FINALLY GOT IT STILL DEALING WITH THE POOR SERVICE AT THE CALL CENTER, GETTING HUNG UP ON. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THE HELL THEY R DOING. THEY NEED TO GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER. OR GET THE F*** OUT AND GET ANOTHER JOB. NOW I HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 24 HOURS FOR MY PHONE TO GO BACK ON.AND I’M GOING SUE UR ASS MR CARLOS SLIM RICH OR NOT…..

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        March 14, 2018 at 9:17 pm

        We’re confident that your threats have Carlos Slim shaking in his boots, Patricia. By the way, nice language.

        Reply
  20. Deel says

    October 22, 2017 at 9:13 am

    1011/17 I print my problem with Q link wireless. It is good my account cancel with them, but now have not clear problem with Safe link, my previous company. I restore my old account with Safe link but cell phone blocked. Many times called to them. First time they ask me 2-3 days to connect. When I check my status once on the screen appeared: “, you need to wait four more months because with previous company you have only 8 months. We inform you when this time appears.” Last several calls ends very strange. Person with I talked ask wait to investigate problem, after 20-25 minutes phone disconnect. That repeat several times. Before they ask me buy air minutes, but I have rights to have free one or maybe I do not know something?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 22, 2017 at 9:43 pm

      Since we do not know the specifics of your situation, there’s no way for us to answer your questions with any degree of accuracy, Deel. But we can make some guesses. Sounds like your current plan includes data, which means you do, in fact, need to wait one full year to switch service providers. We would also guess that your service provider is saying that you can use your phone as long as you purchase minutes, but that you can’t get free minutes until that year expires. Contact customer service to ask if our guesses are correct.

      Reply
  21. Aerial Fuqua says

    October 16, 2017 at 8:11 am

    I worked for Edward Scott and John but did not get paid I worked on the Street team signing ppl up for phones and they are holding 3 checks that belongs to me this is a unprofessional company

    Reply
  22. Erwin J Crawford says

    March 16, 2017 at 1:34 pm

    I have attempted to re-activate my cell phone for since Jan. I have made five calls to Safelink and out of the calls when a transfer was supposed to occur to the re-enrollment unit I was DISCONNECTED. I have migraines and under doctor’s orders I am not supposed to make any calls that I have to push this/that to reach live person. At the moment my head is pounding. I did speak with a supervisor yesterday who told me to go on line and fill out a new application, sign it and return it. He said everything was in place once that was received my phone would be activated. I have 2546 minutes on my phone that I do not want to lose. When I tried to do what he said I reach page 2 of the application and was advised the following “you do not have to continue as you have a pending application.” I could not go any further. I made the fifth call just a few minutes ago and when I asked for a supervisor in that department I was told they had their own line. I asked to be parked on their line and was disconnected. I cannot continue like this.

    Reply
  23. Julie says

    January 21, 2017 at 10:00 pm

    I was reinstated Oct 2016 with California safe link/tract one.
    It has been a nightmare 3 sims card on my 2nd phone that doesn’t work
    There employees won’t give you a supervisor at all and they won’t give you there name.

    Reply
    • oem meo says

      June 5, 2019 at 1:00 pm

      Tell them you’ll report them to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). After that, they transferred me to Corporate where I actually spoke to a non-ROBOT who actually solved my problem!

      Reply
  24. Nonie says

    July 17, 2016 at 7:24 pm

    Hi yes my name is nonie and i have 4 kids and work 2 Jobs 7 days a week. I Dont get to spend much time with them so when I was told I could get a hold of them any time I need to wow is all. I could say and how blessed I am but no. its been about 3 weeks now and I Cant even check when its coming. please help me stay close to my kids please. nonie

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 18, 2016 at 4:20 am

      It’s not unusual for delivery to take three weeks or more, Nonie. But there are a couple ways for you to check the status of your phone. First, go to the website of the company you enrolled with. Many of them allow customers to check the status of their orders right on the website. If your company does not allow you to check your status online, try calling customer service. If you can’t get a live customer service agent, see if the website has an email form for questions. If so, submit your question.

      Reply
  25. Ronni Reed says

    July 12, 2016 at 11:32 am

    I have a brand new phone and have this service. I do not get signal if I leave my house. I randomly get text messages and they are supposed to be free. It is not a reliable service at all. I hardly get any of my phone calls either. I have tried getting in touch with safelink and it is to no avail and more stress.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 12, 2016 at 3:08 pm

      You definitely need to contact Safelink customer service to complain that you received a defective phone. It should be replaced.

      Reply
  26. Olivia says

    March 14, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    After reading the many abuses of the cell phone providers of Lifeline, and experiencing my own problems with Budget, I emailed the FCC , BBB and Consumer affairs about the gov’ts wasted money on these Co.’s. I attempted to find another Co. to switch to, but they all have the same issues. I have not heard anything back from anyone so I guess they don”t care, I have to say, Safelink sounds like the worst one, and now they have commercials on TV.

    Reply
  27. Susan Reid says

    January 26, 2016 at 7:27 am

    You people are a walking nightmare. My mom is 70 years old and had her phone for 5 years then you shut her service off. We have sent in her required information 16 times and this morning they canceled her application. You are government funding and doing absolutely nothing to help the elderly. You people need to be reported to the government of your lack of service. Your staff can not speak English nor are they educated in the cell phone business. This is a joke.

    Reply
    • Mrs.Denard says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:19 pm

      Hello Mrs.Reid ,

      I am sorry for your concern and problem. Please call me so that I can address your concerns and probably send you a phone out to your home

      Safelink Wireless
      Authorized Agent
      Enrollment Coordinator
      Mrs.Denard
      9700 NW 112th Ave
      Medley, FL 33178
      Office: 1(800) 378-1684
      Mobile: (404) 216-7178
      Hours M-Friday 8AM–10PM

      Reply
      • tim says

        August 8, 2016 at 7:41 pm

        safelink is a very strange oddly run lifeline service and do not help or care about anyone,i had service about a year and all sudden cancelled said i did and i didnt so i re-enrolled 45th auguest was preappoved and approve on the august 5th and they mailed me out a new sim card so i keep my safe safelink phone and number well i got sim card on the 8th today fedex and now they cant help me get it activated instead now my enrollemnt says cancelled again,how stupid is that applied approved on 5th and cancelled on the 8th someone not doing theiur jobs right and i have to suffer no phone for emergencies or anything and the government pays you for the lifeline serives that you are not providing to me. why cant they get things right id sure appreciate if youd look into this matter see what their problem is and send me a freakin phone that works with my minutes on it and no more problems. id sure apprteciate some help and hope the gov tracks ways these accts get cancelled so fast after approved for no reason,you are the only service i had and the worsest i ever had. my safelink enrollent id # 28411525 there you can look all my info and see the problems im encountering. ,if you cant provide proper lifeline service the the lifeline government should not pay safelink no more,i depend on this phone and no one will help meand when they do my service changes to cancelled over and over again.

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          August 9, 2016 at 3:29 am

          Sounds like it might be time for you to solve your Safelink problem by switching service providers. Here’s where you can find a list of all the service providers in your state:

          https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

          Reply
  28. marci says

    January 17, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    You collect funds for your government service of safelink
    And it’s not worth crap. All of your call center reps are foreigners that don’t understand very little English they don’t know how to help your situations. And they will call you a liar and hang up on you.

    Reply
  29. heather carter says

    March 26, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    So, what you are stating is that carlos slim stole my money while pushing me in the dirt?? Via passalaqua and kaiser….nice.

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      March 28, 2015 at 8:09 am

      Uh, no….that’s not what we’re telling you. How did the owner of a phone company push you in the dirt?

      Reply
  30. Sharon says

    July 24, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    How do I physically contact someone IN the USA regarding a Safelink problem?

    Reply
    • CARMEN PEDROZA SELF says

      December 5, 2015 at 1:28 pm

      since you are the owner would you do us all a favor and actually make all reps. responsible for untruths told to customers who are really in need by disabilities and would never take free entitlements — but since my husband who is 59 yrs. old and filing for disability – I have an illness that most persons have never heard of SYSTEMIC and DISCOID LUPUS plus every disorder and syndrome and fibromyalgia. I have been dealing with safelink since 11-13-15 today is 12-5-15 and it has been a true nightmare aside from transposing #s and never delivering 1st cell they sent another one and I tracked it down to Florida where I was nicely told you will get it when you see it from FedEx I just lost my sister in Texas 11-1-15 and my thoughts were not on making calls but to be by her side. Needless to say your company can’t get anything right for the persons who are truly in need of being able to contact help if they drop dead so all I can say is mismanagement safelink should be the name for the service. I hope someone in management really reads this because you can hear the joking around in Spanish I know because I speak it fluently. If your reps make more then 8 $ an hour they are overpaid
      and need to be truthful with customers.

      Reply

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