IMPORTANT NOTICE: This was always the most confusing company on our pages, due to multiple, unrelated services and companies with the same name. Now, there is no web page on the company website that refers to the Lifeline program, so we removing it from our list of active free government cell phone companies.
I-Wireless is a company of Cincinnati Bell (not to be confused with national prepaid carrier I-Wireless), and sells phones only in parts of Ohio. So why list such a small player even listed on our site, which otherwise has only multi-state vendors? Because they are backed by a solid company, they provide 250 free minutes each month, and their website clearly describes their plan.
Lifeline Wireless is available throughout the i-wireless home network area in Ohio which includes the following areas:
- The Greater Cincinnati Area
- The Greater Dayton Area
- Springfield
- Hamilton
- Mason
- Lebanon
- Middletown
Qualifying for an i-Wireless Lifeline cell phone
Free cell phones and service from i-Wireless are limited to those who qualify through the Lifeline phone service program. You are eligible if you are at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, or if you already participate in one of these government assistance programs.
- Section 8/Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Medicaid
- Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Free National School Lunch Program (NSL)
- General Assistance/Disability Assistance
- Any Home Energy Assistance (HEAP) program
- Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI)
- Ohio Works First or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
If you are qualifying through by your income level, you will need to provide documentation proving it.
The i-Wireless Lifeline Plans
Connect Plan: This is the free Lifeline phone service plan. It provides 250 free local minutes of airtime each month; the unused minutes do not roll over to the next month. Additional or roaming minutes are .10¢ each. Text messages are .20¢ each. No data capabilities are included. Price: FREE.
Unlimited Talk & Text: Unlimited local minutes and text messages. 100 national roaming minutes; additional roaming at .10¢ a minute. Data for .05¢ a minute. $28/month.
Mega Monthly: Unlimited local minutes and text messages. 1,000 national roaming minutes; additional roaming at .10¢ a minute. 100 MB Of Data .05¢ Per Kb over. $38/month.
Contact:
Oddly, there is no phone number on their site that we could find for conveniently signing up for Lifeline Service (although we found this number for parent Cincinnati Bell: 513-565-2210). However, there are a list of store locations, and it’s obvious that they wish you to sign up in person at one of their stores.
Website: www.i-ontheweb.com/lifeline/ (NOTE: URL no longer resolves to a web page, so we don’t know the status of this service).
Latest news articles on i-Wireless:
Chico Price says
Ok
stephen sciuto says
06-20-22
acct#971212****
OTAP http://www.rspf.org puc.rspf@puc.oregon.gov of the Oregon Public Utility Commission sent me an approval for Oregon Lifeline Application approval letter. Does my phone get turned on again?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It all depends on what kind of plan you enrolled in, Stephen. Did you enrol in a plan that comes with a free smart phone or a plan that comes with a SIM card? Did you sign up for a BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) plan? In other words, we don’t have enough info to answer your question.
nora ditty says
how do i get a replacement phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you everything you need to know:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Diana says
WHERE CAN I GET A FREE SAMSUNG GALAXY CELL PHONE.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Lifeline companies offer different phones at different times, Diana. There’s no way to know what kind of phone you’re going to get.
Vanessa Kaye Ferguson says
Cintex
Karen Phillips says
I currently have a Lifeline government phone. However it is very old and it has stopped working. I would like to know what I need to do in order to receive another phone.
My phone number is 502-320-****.
I have had this number for a few years and do not wish to lose it.
Please advise.
Thank you
Karen Phillips
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team ASAP, Karen, because your account will be cancelled if you do not use your phone for 30 days or longer. They can also answer your other questions for you.
Dandella Radford says
My name is Dandella D Radford and my cell phone is stolen and I dont know who yo contact about this
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Dandella. You can find them listed on our Providers page at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Kenneth walker says
My phone has been stolen . Which kind of phone do I need to purchase that will continue my service? Virgin, verizon, t mobile, etc, Who ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
First thing you need to do is contact your service provider’s customer service team. They should be able to answer all your questions, Kenneth.
Alice says
I have the Obama phone and I try to click to look at my account details and I get Network unavailable please try again. I also get this thing that says sprint is updating spectrum it tells me to do and upgrade but it doesn’t let me. Also when I go to and click to update PRL I get Error Code 67 unable to establish wireless data connection. What do I do? I had this phone for awhile and had no trouble but just the last 3 or 5 days I had trouble. I mean I can still call people and txt but what do I do if this continues when I have to do that yearly thing to show if any of my details have changed or not if I can’t get to account details?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s tech support team, Alice. Sounds like a technical issue that only they can resolve.
laquisha bell says
My service has been turned off why? I have been using my phone for minutes every moth. But I keep getting a message on my phone saying that I owe money. I just need to know what they are talking about. My number is number is 936-371-****. My address is ******** Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961. I tried to reach you by phone. There were not a answer.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re an independent website that’s NOT affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies, Laquisha. In other words, we have no idea why your service has been turned off. That’s an issue between you and your service provider. Contact your customer service team.
Valerie says
I need to forward my number to another phone temporarily
Free Government Cell Phones says
This may be the first time we’ve ever aske a reader a question. Is that possible?
Roselle jefferson says
I want to cancel my service asp plz i dont need it no more
Free Government Cell Phones says
You have three ways of doing that, Roselle. (1) You can contact your service provider to request cancellation of your account. (2) You can just not use your free government cell phone and your account should be automatically cancelled if it goes unused for 60 days. (3) Don’t recertify when your annual contract expires and you’ll be automatically cancelled.
Shirley Welch says
How do I change my number
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call the I-Wireless customer service team.
Bhagi Timsina says
Hi iam bhagi i need to reset voice mail but i cannot reset it please help me to reset voicemail
sonia hughett says
I lost my cell phone can u send me another one.
latasha lynn moore says
i lost my cellphone 2months ago how can i get a replacement
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you the replacement policies of all the major Lifeline Assistance companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
However, if your phone has been inactive for 60 days, your account may well have been cancelled already. GEt in touch with your service provider’s customer service team ASAP.
Ashleigh says
Where do you all set up the tents in Bristol tn and Bristol va to apply for a free government phone??
Tracie Glenn says
Someone turned a phone on in my name thru iwireless. I DIDNT DO THIS . I set on hold for 45 min and nobody ever answered. I have a government phone thru Budget mobile.
Thr Iwireless phone # is 31743****
HELP
Jane Doe says
I-Wireless Cincinnati is also handled by Kroger, and is actually I-Wireless/Access. Kroger has stopped carrying phones, but still carries the cards $10-$35, which may be used for I-Wireless (The Big One) or Access (Lifeline.) The fine print on the back of Kroger I-Wireless states that the cards may be used for either I-Wireless or Access. I have used the card on both.
Marianne cousin says
Why are my min shut off
Shannon Browning says
I have Safelink Wireless and I receive free monthly minutes through them. I purchased a phone through them on the tracfone site and now they say I can’t use it. They won’t put my minutes on it. I recently moved and I need a good phone and phone service. The phone I purchased is called a Samsung Galaxy Stardust Android Smartphone. Can I use this phone with your service? Please let me know as soon as possible.
Terrance Battle says
How can I get and upgrade phone ?
elbert harville says
yea this is elbert harville my cell phone dont stay charch up i need a new cell phone ty
johnathan outlaw says
need a phone please i get snap
Timothy Compton says
My services has been turned off why? I don’t know my re up mins usually are on Very.y phone not the with of each month now all I get is some stupid computer generated voice telling me to add money to my phone what’s the deal people?
Jesus says
Well if you do not use it one month you will lose service not sure what caused your service to be shut off. You have to make at least 1 call a month to keep it active.
steven bruce says
Thanks
Dakoota says
I need to get one I lost it by having fun muding
Donald Pitts says
I need to turn my service phone back on.
jonathon moore says
I want to cancel my free government phone service.
ashley mckenzie says
what does current text 99999 + 17 bonus mean?
Audelia Delatorre says
I have a account with a government i wireless phone that i recived and my contract dont exspaire until 2016 of next year and y service was turned off i would like my service reinstated please. And my cell phone number is (909)494-****
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You have to contact i-Wireless.
Ronald Kilgore says
I like to know if I can get my I wireless phone back on my number is 937-360-****
Mindy says
Need help my phone won’t call out
mary runa beamon says
need a different phone its been swapped out and stolen and the battery is pink and not working as planned and sprint has hacked with m4 t4 q4 other side side been tampering and were done with forged contracts with us data ibm apple computeronics me mary runa beamon maiden name mckissick threw gulf coast college………micro soft and intell thats us adobe and qualcomm invading and comodos turners hacking wind com q7 eau tec. and dimensional walkers tec and rumstad also att jerlyn and phillip griffitts and pearson childs and mic communications got hacked my people are suing everybody with alltel in panama city florida which is tmobile now
Toni Dortch says
MY PHONE WAS STOLLEN AND I WOULD LIKE TO DEACTVATE IT.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Click Here to learn how to do that.
Stephanie says
This is sad that I don’t get benefits because of my zip code!
stephen says
why did you turn off my phone 702807****
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You’ll have to contact i-Wireless. Their phone number is at the end of the article on this page.
Nicole says
I am trying to apply for a goverment phone so can you please send me an aplication
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
We are not associated with the company so you need to contact them yourself.
Doc Mack says
go to https://www.iwireless.com/store/PlansNoContract.aspx
crystal says
Ok So Its Past 12am And My Government Phone Still Doesnt Have Any Minutes On It … Hasnt Scince The Middle Of Last Month Not Even Letting Me Text …? Havent Gotten Any Thing In The Mail Asking Me To Renew ? I Just Got It In December ?
tracy grieves says
i’m trying to deactivate my phone as it was stolen and i’m having great difficulty. please help. i can be reached at 815 326-****. thank you in advance for your immediate concern to this matter.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
We wish we could help you but the only thing you can do is contact your own cell phone company.
Zayra Tamayo says
I want to apply for a free lifeline android phone. Please let me know where I can go to get a free phone.
alisha helms says
Need a free phone have have medicaid and foodstamps
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Well, there you go. You qualify. Now call i-Wireless or any other vendor in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Shalikk Pratt says
Ok thank you
Shalikk Pratt says
Yes
pascual gonzales says
My number is 602388****. I never received my minutes for November. Can I get a response. Thank you
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You cannot get a response here in the comments, you will have to contact i-Wireless.
James Penn says
I am not sure if you are my carrier I am trying to locate because the phone needs to be replaced. The store kiosk I got it from is closed. The cell number (216)509-****.
James P.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Try dialing 611 and see what company answers.
Kenny Truett says
Also my first cell phone from the government. Thought it always give me great updated service. Did not realize about the issue. Help me get to realize the government is great people
With great guaranteed products in the great USA for people who needs help. Afterall if the government where in my shoes or when the tables is turned they would realize more about the issue extra more for the balance of personal realization in fairness without being stingy in gods eyes to also produce blessings, luck, solutions extra more then problems. When will it be all solutions and no problems.
Kenny Truett says
Seen reenburstment date for my minutes for two months. Have not gotten them yet. Need them back. How can I get them back. Thanks for your help please. I love to text. Can think of my thought of words better when texting. Got a speech issue and other issues. Great device to use these times.
misty waters says
I need a cell phone free governent phone through i wireless
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Contact i-wireless, the contact info is on the page above.
THorne says
I haven’t received my 250 free mins since Sept.2014(3mos) I don’t kniw how tio get my minutes. What to do? My# 623-261-**** please help!
cathryn eagle says
i need help online to setup a phone and to figure out the best plan
James Hamester says
I have a new wireless phone and it stoped working all together,no service,no battery life,no turn
on at all,how can I get activation issues resolved? 513-704-**** Please fix this issue.
Charles Horton says
Every month on the 20th day of the month my i-wireless selfcare government phone,disscountiniues service
due to lack of minutes. But my current balance keeps showing 250 minutes. I do have to explain the confusion
this causes every month(doctor”s and other important appointments and text messages that I never get.).
PLEASE CORRECT MY SERVICE. Thank you.
annette says
my phone is not working because I did,t get my airtime for 8/9/2014 what shall I domy phone is a sprint phone
Milton Batiste says
I have a phone that I can’t see the front of and i wanted to see if I can get another phone and keep the same number, because i cant see who is calling me.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to contact i_Wireless (assuming this is your provider, since you are on their page) and ask them about that.
anonsa says
How do i report me phone stolen
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to simply call your phone vendor.
Phil benjamin says
My battery dose not work anymore phone is less then 2 months old what can I do I can, t find your phone number u can call me at 224-805-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll have to call your provider for a new battery. A two month old battery that goes bad should be warrant a free replacement.
Joyce L.Pettis says
I receive Social Security Benefits of $732.00 per month
nashendra says
Na
michelle tuke says
I have a rumor2 phone from your company and ive had your service for 2 plus years with few problems . the lights on the front of the phone haven’t worked for a long time you have to slide it open and use that key pad . Now I need it to work more than ever and it has a mind of its own and works only when it wants ! I have no way 2 call or receive important phone calls from my doctors ! please help me get a new phone that will work all the time and I will be glad to keep your service and if not then I will have go some where else and tell people how bad your company .Thank you 4 your time hope to hear from your company soon
cheryl mcclendon says
i cannot see my menu on my phone because the light as went out what can i do
Ferna says
this company should be squashed. no service at all . who ever has this company really hit the jackpot.
no work.
michael nickerson says
No one is minding the store how can we call a ghost? Never have I seen a business that will not allow you to seek help from it even when you use a cash refill card I cant get help no matter how many times I try. I thought there was a law stating if government services they must allow the public access to it. What they do, they do very well except to allow you to ask for help.. The phone I received was broken when I got it but it don’t interfere with its operation. The battery keeps falling out. I have trouble with my eyes and need help making the fonts bigger but again NO ONE will answer the phone at IWIRELESS.
This is a good company did they just begin sending phones then forgetting you. I tried to call Cincy Bell with no results no one knew who could help me. Why is this great company doing this to people who rely on their phones.
contacting Iwireless is more difficult than selling refrigerators to Eskimos.
plz help me
michael.
michael nickerson says
I don’t know my password nor can I even call my voice mail. I call the number on the refill cards but cannot contact customer service. How can I set up voice mail or and receive my vice messages not knowing my password. Is there a page on the phone that helps ya recover ur voice mail? Why do I have so many web minutes when I don’t use them at all. I need everything that someone can tell me about this phone. Is there anyway to talk to customer service?. I didn’t select the plan I now have. At first everything was fine then for one reason or another it changed to calling the USA only. I add cash even and I cannot get the service I had when I first got my phone about 18 months ago.. It tells me to add money to make the call I wanted to make. I did and still I cant make the call. They just add more minutes and many web and text time. I wanted to create a balance to call Mexico but it wont allow me to do so. Why cant the money I add be put where I want it to be? When I first got my phone I accidently called my sister in Mexico using my I Wireless phone and it went thru. Now it just tells me to add money for the call. This is confusing the way I am asking its because I am totally confused myself. if anyone can help please email me on yahoo.
my user name there is ******
or txt me at
*****
already my minutes have almost disappeared. I need to call and talk to a live person if at all possible to get my plan back and to get my password and HOW HOW HOW to get my voice mails since it wont allow me to open my voice mail anyways. I use this phone for medical only. I also want my money to go where I need it most as well. I tried 611 and the 866 number (I think its a 866 number)
call txt or email me if you can help plz.
Thanks
Michael
RANDY says
TRY 0000 FOR YOUR NUMBER. THATS THE ONE FOR MOST ALL CELLS ORIGINALLY.
gurney broyles jr says
I am un employed and am on medicaid.I need a phone in case i have a seizure
carol TAYLOR says
except for reachout they will send u a text or voice message
carol TAYLOR says
your phone needs to be on to get the minutes
Nicole A. says
Wow, I am amazed at the intelligence level of the folks here. This is an informational website only, directing you to the companies themselves. If you want a phone, go through the actual company and apply. It’s like you people don’t know how to read or something. It’s saddening, really.
donald leach says
i need a new phone
rose m. roberts says
I thought this was a good company but you all have my phone for two months surpose too be fixing it and I still haven’t got it back yet and i’m tired of trying to redo it on the internet to see when you all will send me my phone maybe now I will get a answer from you all thanks for listening
felie labus says
palm spring ca 92262
Miguelito malave figueroa says
I nd a free phone
Miguelito malave figueroa says
Im on food stamps also waiting on ssi claim
latisha pass says
I got a free phone and they said that I would get 250 free minutes on the phone every month, and I havent , Why? …and…What must I do to receive the free minutes?
Antoinette says
what do i need to get serives with u all
JOANNE says
DOES IT APPLY IN ”PEEBLES” OHIO……? AND WHAT DO YOU NEED TO QUALIFY?
mesh1986 says
See your nearest Kroger store for applications
Cynthia Edwards says
I was wondering if you could help me with a problem. My mother recently received a free cell phone from her sister in-law. The only problem is that she didn’t refer to what company she received the phone from nor did it come with an instruction manual and my mother is still having a hard time operating it. The phone is called a Knack by Verizon Samsung Model: Sch-U310. Thank you for any help that you may be able to provide.
1-309-637-9646
Candace Palmer says
probably reachout wireless, if it was a verizon it was more than like a refurbished phone, the best gov. phone out so far, the minutes roll over!!!
gay taylor says
i would like to recieve one of these phones. Please Thanks very much. My address is **** state route *** ravenna ** ***** my name Gay **** Thanks so much
amy says
You can’t just put your address info on here. You need to go to their website and apply. This website is just giving you info on the cell phone company. You need to request an application from the actual company. Go to assurancewireless.com or safelinkwireless.com and they will help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks, Amy. We’ve given that same answer a thousand times on this website. Glad to have someone else do it for us.
andrea haught says
i have been trying to get my buddy walter a free cell phone. he is on ssi. noone seems to send him one
sylvia says
try reachout wireless i got one form there
brittanie hatfield says
hey Sylvia I actually just applied for a reachout wireless phone .. I think I finished it it just thank you for applying it didn’t say if it was gnna be sent or anything it asked for my debit card number but nothing was charged cause the amount said 0.00 but did yours do this when u applied is there anything else I need to do will they mail me something they didn’t even askf or proof of foodstamps or anything
anthony martin says
I have signed up for your service in the past. Like Two months ago but the minutes were not posted . what happen ? And how can restore the service?