Obviously, it depends on which model of phone you get, but all those features and more are generally available from the major providers such as Safelink Wireless, Assurance Wireless and ReachOut Wireless.
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:
Carry Over Unused Minutes. When you have unused minutes left over at the end of the month, they will automatically roll over and be added to your minutes for the next month (with CarryOver, International Calling and Texting plans are chosen).
International Long Distance. If you make calls overseas, there’s good news: International Calling Plans offer the same low rates as nationwide plans.
911 Calls. Most people don’t know this, but all cell phones are capable of calling 911 even if you aren’t signed up with a service provicer. So, yes, all free government cell phones automatically allow you to make those important 911 calls.
Cindy says
October 27, 2017 at 1:24 pmDoes my phone work all over the U.S
Free Government Cell Phones says
October 29, 2017 at 2:16 amIf it is operating properly, it should operate everywhere in the USA (limited, of course, to areas covered by your service provider’s network).
Casey Peterson says
May 18, 2016 at 12:16 amI 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 amYou definitely need to contact your service provider to check on the status of your application.
lawrence wallace says
April 22, 2016 at 6:05 pmCan 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 pmFree 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.
amalia says
September 21, 2015 at 6:02 pmMy 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?
JoAnn says
June 30, 2015 at 8:56 amDaughter is in another country i was wondering if I could make international calls on my phone.Like can i call the country of India
BIANKA SAUER says
June 11, 2015 at 10:59 pmI CAN ONLY USE THE SPEAKER ON ANY PHONE
BIANKA SAUER says
June 11, 2015 at 10:52 pmI 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
Julie Receskey says
March 16, 2015 at 10:56 amI can’t find the paperwork that came worth my phone. Who doo I call for support. No one recognises my number for an account.
Lori Pratt says
December 27, 2014 at 12:25 pmThank you for my free cell it arrived within a weeks time.
Lori Pratt says
December 27, 2014 at 12:20 pmIs it possible for my cell to get voicemail? It’s a virgin mobile, if so, how ?
dianaoverman says
September 16, 2014 at 11:09 amhow do i set up my voicemail
roger peterson says
August 31, 2014 at 2:24 ami haven’t got my phone yet , ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
August 31, 2014 at 6:04 amHow long has it been?
Michael says
May 16, 2014 at 11:23 amCan you make long distance calls within the US
Penny says
September 19, 2013 at 6:32 pmDo 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.
Patricia Ann Coleman says
August 25, 2013 at 5:08 pmWhy isn’t there email?.if I go to unlimited can I get a new.phone mine is too small f for.The web
Ashley Moreno says
June 28, 2013 at 1:48 pmI was wondering if they have touchscreen Government Phones and Also , Do they have Unlimited Text Messaging??
Susan Bonner says
March 2, 2012 at 12:24 amCan I get 1000 text or unlimited texting with Safe link Wireless ?
Patricia Emerson says
January 21, 2012 at 12:27 amI 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 pm1. 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.
Mary Heffernan says
December 8, 2011 at 11:47 amI 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?
Tyrone Evans says
December 2, 2011 at 6:27 pmIm with assurance wireless and I had my phone about a year now. I was wondering how I could get an up grade?
BETTY JORDAN says
July 22, 2011 at 3:30 pmI 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 pmNexus 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.