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Will my free government cell phone include options like texting. Caller ID? Call Waiting? Voicemail?

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updated 01/27/23

Obviously, it depends on which model of phone you get, but all those features and more are generally available from every major Lifeline Assistance/Affordable Connectivity Program service provider.

What do we mean when we say “all those features and more?” Here are some of the other features you may be able to get with your free government cell phone:

Voicemail: Lets you record and listen to messages left by callers when you can’t answer your phone.

911 Calls: Most people don’t know this, but all cell phones are capable of calling 911 even if you don’t. So, yes, all free government cell phones automatically allow you to make those important 911 calls.

Text messaging: Allows you to send and receive text messages to and from other cell phone users. It’s a pretty convenient way to communicate with friends and family, especially if you are unable to talk on the phone. (And it you’re a teenager, it is apparently impossible to communicate any other way.)

Internet access: Every Lifeline/ACP plan now includes internet access, so you can browse the web, check email, and use social media and other online services on your phone.

International calling: Allow you to make calls to people in other countries without incurring additional charges. A few few free government cell phone service providers may offer it as part of their Lifeline/ACP plans, but in most cases you will need to purchase an additional package to get this service.

Roaming: All Lifeline/ACP plans will allow you to call anywhere in the United States. However, if you think you might want to use your cell phone while you are in other countries, your service provider will undoubtedly nail you with additional charges.

It’s very important for you to remember that calling features will vary depending on the company and plan you choose. So do your research up front and choose wisely to make sure your plan includes the features you want.

Comments

  1. Cindy says

    October 27, 2017 at 1:24 pm

    Does my phone work all over the U.S

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 29, 2017 at 2:16 am

      If it is operating properly, it should operate everywhere in the USA (limited, of course, to areas covered by your service provider’s network).

  2. Casey Peterson says

    May 18, 2016 at 12:16 am

    I have always applied for my Obama phone several months ago and have not received it yet

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 18, 2016 at 5:17 am

      You definitely need to contact your service provider to check on the status of your application.

  3. lawrence wallace says

    April 22, 2016 at 6:05 pm

    Can an obama phone receive a picture text message? Or any pictures sent to the phone at all?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 22, 2016 at 6:40 pm

      Free government cell phones can do anything other cell phones can do — because they are the same phones from the same manufacturers. The only difference is that they’re been refurbished.

  4. amalia says

    September 21, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    My mom forgot her pin number for her voicemail and she doesnt know the voicemail number, the number 1 comes out as the voicemail number what can she do?

  5. JoAnn says

    June 30, 2015 at 8:56 am

    Daughter is in another country i was wondering if I could make international calls on my phone.Like can i call the country of India

  6. BIANKA SAUER says

    June 11, 2015 at 10:59 pm

    I CAN ONLY USE THE SPEAKER ON ANY PHONE

  7. BIANKA SAUER says

    June 11, 2015 at 10:52 pm

    I NEED TO KNOW IF I CAN KEEP MY REGULAR PLUG IN THE WALL PHONE BY HAVING A BUDGET GOVERNMENT PHONE, BECAUSE I CAN NOT HOLD A PHONE TO MY EARS THERE FOR I HAVE TO USE THE SPEAKER ON THE PHONE

  8. Julie Receskey says

    March 16, 2015 at 10:56 am

    I can’t find the paperwork that came worth my phone. Who doo I call for support. No one recognises my number for an account.

  9. Lori Pratt says

    December 27, 2014 at 12:25 pm

    Thank you for my free cell it arrived within a weeks time.

  10. Lori Pratt says

    December 27, 2014 at 12:20 pm

    Is it possible for my cell to get voicemail? It’s a virgin mobile, if so, how ?

  11. dianaoverman says

    September 16, 2014 at 11:09 am

    how do i set up my voicemail

  12. roger peterson says

    August 31, 2014 at 2:24 am

    i haven’t got my phone yet , ?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 31, 2014 at 6:04 am

      How long has it been?

  13. Michael says

    May 16, 2014 at 11:23 am

    Can you make long distance calls within the US

  14. Penny says

    September 19, 2013 at 6:32 pm

    Do any of the free government cell phone companies provide a phone that can be used by a legally blind person? Both the keypad and the display screen would need to be larger than those on a “candy bar” phone. Thanks.

  15. Patricia Ann Coleman says

    August 25, 2013 at 5:08 pm

    Why isn’t there email?.if I go to unlimited can I get a new.phone mine is too small f for.The web

  16. Ashley Moreno says

    June 28, 2013 at 1:48 pm

    I was wondering if they have touchscreen Government Phones and Also , Do they have Unlimited Text Messaging??

  17. Susan Bonner says

    March 2, 2012 at 12:24 am

    Can I get 1000 text or unlimited texting with Safe link Wireless ?

  18. Patricia Emerson says

    January 21, 2012 at 12:27 am

    I actually have two questions:
    first question: If you are unhappy with the provider of your government provided cell phone, can you discontinue that one and sign up with another provider?
    second question: My older brother is in a nursing home. Would he be able to get one of the government phones?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 22, 2012 at 10:32 pm

      1. You have to finish up your current year.

      2. A nursing home is okay as long has no one else at that address already has a Lifeline phone. It’s a problem for many, and a stupid rule.

  19. Mary Heffernan says

    December 8, 2011 at 11:47 am

    I am writing for a Consumer. Her guardian signed her up for the free phone almost 2 months ago but hasnt’t received it yet. She can’t remember who she signed up with. Is there an 800 number she can call to find out who to contact?

  20. Tyrone Evans says

    December 2, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    Im with assurance wireless and I had my phone about a year now. I was wondering how I could get an up grade?

  21. BETTY JORDAN says

    July 22, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    I would like to know how to contact Lifeline via phone. I need to request a cancellation of Lifeline and a phone number assigned to me when I tried to request a cell phone. I originally applied with AT&T for Lifeline service on my home phone. After seeing the commercial advising Lifelife was offering free cell phone and service I applied for that service, not knowing only one service was allowed. I now have a phone number from Nexus Communication and was only made aware of this through a letter from Lifeline. I would like to cancel this Lan line number and reapply for the free cell phone and service. In looking though the providers I did not find one that serviced the Inglewood, California area. Please advise 1. how I can cancel the Nexus number 2. how/where to apply for the cell phone under the Lifeline plan that services California. I can be reached at xxx-xxx-xxxx.
    Thanks
    Betty Jordan

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 22, 2011 at 4:18 pm

      Nexus operates ReachOut Wireless, which is where you must have gotten the phone. Call them at 1-877-870-9222.

      As for California, it is not approved for the state yet.

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