<< All Free Cell Phone Providers
Includes Up to 3GB of Data Every Month
Unlimited Int`l Calling to Select Countries
TruConnect – This provider currently offers Lifeline service to residents in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. And they promise that more states are coming soon.
California Plans
New customers that sign up and are approved for California LifeLine can get 400 extra MB of data every month for even more email, web browsing, music streaming, and social media. Customers can also continue to enjoy the benefits of Unlimited Talk & Text and a $2 int’l call credit with their new LifeLine plan.
Bring Your Own Device
Qualifying California LifeLine customers now get even more data when they bring the phone they already own. Instead of 300MB of data, approved customers now receive 1GB of data when they BYOD!
California LifeLine PLUS
TruConnect now offers even better upgrades for California LifeLine. Customers have the opportunity to upgrade their existing plans so that they can enjoy more of what they love with TruConnect’s new LifeLine PLUS plans. The new California LifeLine PLUS options are as follows:
- Unlimited Talk & Text with 1.5GB of Data for $10/month
- Unlimited Talk & Text with 3GB of Data for $20/month
Pay-As-You-Go Mobile Plans
Customers who do not qualify for California LifeLine can still get the benefits of TruConnect at an affordable price. New customers have the following options for TruConnect’s Pay-As-You-Go Mobile Plans:
- Unlimited Texting for $5/month/li>
- 100 Units of Talk, Unlimited Texting, and 500MB of Data for $10/month
- Unlimited Talk & Text and 500MB of Data for $25/month (includes $2 Int’l Call Credit)
- Unlimited Talk & Text and 1.5GB of Data for $35/month (includes $2 Int’l Call Credit)
Unlimited Talk & Text and 3GB of Data for $45/month (includes $2 Int’l Call Credit)
Texas plans
New customers that sign up and are approved for Texas Lifeline can get 500MB of data every month for email, web browsing, music streaming, and social media. In addition to this, new Texas Lifeline customers get 100 Units of Talk and Unlimited Texting.
Texas Lifeline PLUS
For even more data and minutes, Texas Lifeline customers have the opportunity to upgrade their existing plans so that they can enjoy more of what they love. TruConnect’s new Texas Lifeline PLUS plans are as follows:
- Unlimited Talk & Text and 100MB of Data (plus a bonus 400MB) for $15/month
- Unlimited Talk & Text and 1.5GB of Data for $25/month
- Unlimited Talk & Text and 3GB of Data for $35/month
- Also, all Texas Lifeline PLUS plans come with a $2 Int’l Calling Credit.
Texas Lifeline PLUS
Those who do not qualify for Texas Lifeline can still get the benefits of TruConnect at an affordable price. New customers have the following options for TruConnect’s plans:
- Units of Talk, Unlimited Texting, and 500MB of Data for $10/month
- Unlimited Talk & Text and 500MB of Data for $25/month
- Unlimited Talk & Text and 1.5GB of Data for $35/month
- Unlimited Talk & Text and 3GB of Data for $45/month
Other States (Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin)
- Free – 2 GB Monthly Data
- Free – 1000 Monthly Minutes
- Free – Unlimited Texting
Who is TruConnect?
TruConnect may be a relatively new name in the free government cell phone business, but the companies behind the name are stalwarts in the Lifeline Assistance program.
We recently received this email from a company representative:
Hello. I wanted to make you aware of some outdated information on your website listings. Telscape and Sage and several other companies were under the TruConnect umbrella. Telscape is no longer. We have sold the landline portion of that company to Blue Casa and the wireless / cell phone portion is now operating as TruConnect. Sage Telecom is also now operating as TruConnect.
A follow-up press release went into more detail on the new name in the industry:
TruConnect, a rising brand among U.S. wireless companies, has emerged as one of the fastest growing wireless companies in the United States according to data from the Universal Service Administrative Company. The company has grown more than 300 percent in the past 12 months by focusing on the underserved market to provide affordable solutions to wireless prepaid, Lifeline and mobile broadband customers.
TruConnect offers an array of affordable products and services geared toward bringing vital wireless technology to an underserved, cost-conscious market. The new corporate brand is a combination of companies formerly known as Sage Telecom, Telscape Communications and TruConnect Mobile, which powers the Walmart brand “Internet on the Go.”
How to qualify in California:
Although the the federal public assistance programs remain the same from state to state, many states have additional ways you can qualify based on state programs. California, for example, has a number of California-only programs with which you can qualify for a free government cell phone.
Californians can qualify by participating in any of these federal or state programs
You may qualify for the California LifeLine discount if you OR another member of your household is currently enrolled in any one of the following public assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension and Survivor's Benefit.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Californians can qualify if their household income is low enough
You may also qualify if your total annual household income is at or less than the following income guidelines:
| Income Based Eligibility for California | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members in Household | Annual income | |
| 1-2 member | $26,400 | |
| 3 members | $30,700 | |
| 4 members | $37,300 | |
| 5 members | $43,900 | |
| 6 members | $50,500 | |
| 7 members | $57,100 | |
| 8 members | $63,700 | |
| For each additional member add $6,600 annually Effective from 6/1/17 to 5/31/18. | ||
How to qualify in Texas:
Although the the federal public assistance programs remain the same from state to state, many states have additional ways you can qualify based on state programs.
Texans can qualify by participating in any of these federal or state programs
You may qualify for the Texas LifeLine discount if you OR another member of your household is currently enrolled in any one of the following public assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension and Survivor's Benefit.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Texans qualify if their household income is low enough
You may also qualify if your total annual household income is at or less than the following income guidelines. Please note that we have seen conflicting reports of if the income level is 135% or 150%. So, check with each provider.
| Income Based Eligibility for Texas | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members in Household | Annual income | |
| 1 member | $16,389 | |
| 2 members | $22,221 | |
| 3 members | $28,053 | |
| 4 members | $33,885 | |
| 5 members | $39,717 | |
| 6 members | $45,549 | |
| 7 members | $51,381 | |
| 8 members | $57,213 | |
| For each additional member add $5,832 annually | ||
Contact:
Website: TruConnect
Toll-free phone: 800-430-0443
California stores:
Huntington Park Store
6906 Pacific Boulevard
Huntington Park, CA. 90255
Telephone: (323) 388-1100
Panorama City Mall Store
8401 Van Nuys Boulevard #80
Panorama City, Ca. 91402
Telephone: (818) 891-1083
Chula Vista Store
555 Broadway Ave #1002
Chula Vista, CA. 91910
Telephone: (619) 737-0100
Latest News on TruConnect:
Debra Weaver says
I have received my sims card but I haven’t received my phone how long does it take after I get the SIMs card before I get my phone I’ve had my sims card for two days now still haven’t got my phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
First thing you need to do is make sure that you enrolled in a plan that offers you a free cell phone. Some plans only offer SIM cards.
Joe Ortiz says
I can’t use the Smartphones, so could I get a free Flip phone.here?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are unaware of any free government cell phone companies currently offering flip phones. Here’s what you can do: Find a company that offers a BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) plan. Most of them do. Go out and buy yourself a flip phone that’s compatible with your chosen service provider’s network. But PLEASE MAKE SURE the phone is compatible before you purchase it.
Steve Cullum says
This company SUCKS!!!! 400 mb of data … Wowwww! Don’t brake your bank on us, then 10$ for 1G. SMH!!! SafeLink starts you out with 2G a month and for 10$ you get 14G. Truconnect is a joke,….
Alicia says
I just signed up for a free 5″ phone and Unlimited talk/text + 2GB on TruConnect website. Found the site to login into my account to check out how my order is doing. My email and password wouldn’t work to log me in. So I contacted TruConnect by email. Still waiting for their reply. There’s no way for me to check when it will arrive neither if I were even approved to get it. How many days will it likely to arrive if I were eligible?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Most companies say it will take two weeks or so, but our readers say it is often three or four weeks or longer.
Tat says
I had assurance wireless for years. Started off with a 2″wide x 4″? With 200 min. It wasn’t sufficient for medical etc.
The service was horribly frustrating, some outsourced non fluent English speaking reps. But those weren’t the worse ones.
Hours spent in simple issues, many remained unresolved. They erase record of you spending hours trying to rectify their errors. They hang up on you. Lie, etc.
Got a replacement phone after old phone wasn’t capable of supposed upgrade in reception.
It was incredibly glitchy, I couldn’t turn down the volume. It was an ANS and obviously made for the hard of hearing. I had to download apps to try and work around the problems. Couldn’t shut off shutter sound, etc. Piece of junk. They refused to replace it. I had it for a brief period.
They expect you to call from another phone so they can “troubleshoot” but it’s always more hours spent, they claimed to resolve issue but there’s no change. You pay for the replacement. Waste of my money.
I switched to TruConnect. Got a nice NUU A3. It’s not as good as you can get with prepaid but it’s free. They are nicer, at least treat you like a person and try to provide customer service. I should have switched years ago.
Highly recommend no one waste their time & energy like I did with assurance wireless.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Glad to hear that you were able to resolve all those annoying problems you had with your previous service provider.
david chrispen says
i didnt get the free phone from truconnect but i did get the simcard with all the free stuff,what kind of phone do i buy to put it in?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your TruConnect customer service team to get that question answered, David.
Wendy Phillips says
I was applying for one until they asked me to upload and/or send proof of my income including I.D. and SS#. Very Contradicting since Earlier in the application they ask you to check a box giving them permission to verify your info. I say it’s a SCAM!
Free Government Cell Phones says
We say it’s NOT A SCAM.
maryam says
Can I use my Trueconnect service in New York? Or is it just for Califonia?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can use your phone anywhere in the United States covered by your service provider’s national cell network. In other words there may be pockets with no service (just as with your service in California) but it should work almost everywhere.
ashley hines says
I would like to get a free cell phone with free service provided please.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to enroll directly with the service provider, Ashley. We provide the company’s contact info in the article above.
Mary Frausto says
When do I get the phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact customer service. The contact info can be found in the article above.
Anita Brokaw says
My question is,who are the “vendors”?. And who are the “cell phone company”?.
Janet Fields says
I am disabled on SSI and 62 and need a phone when I go to dr appts etc
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out all the free government cell phone companies and plans available in your state, Janet. You can find the one that fits your needs best at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
glen says
spent a lot of time applying for lifeline thru TRuconnect– so far not successful because:
the application wants– not a PDF file of my irs income, but a jpg or tif, etc!!!
the govt needs to get its act together. please! it was turned down because — text
not clear enough. Please! A text document should be accepted as a PDF file!
that’s a no brainer. I am sure it would be much clearer, better resolution.
why is it made so hard and complicated– to apply?? Can someone answer my question?
Thomas mejorada says
I agree with PDF files we are on the customer side not the business end of computers always a problem business es should except PDF files period
Juan Carlos Vazquez says
I really want to get started as a master agent here in Las Vegas Nevada. I have been doing research. I have emailed tons of companies but none respond back. There is already established assurance and stand up wireless here. I have not seen any other company here.
Can true connect maybe expand to Nevada?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where you can find a complete list of Lifeline service providers in your state, Juan Carlos:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Jody Meisel says
I qualify. My income in California for one person is $22,000 annually. I receive ssd income and have been approved for medi cal-already have medicare.
Free Government Cell Phones says
In that case, you should waste no more time, Jody. Enroll immediately.
Diane E. LaschatzBaca says
Who is offering a smartwatch cell phone for a California lifeline phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
No one that we are aware of, but our readers will surely correct us if we are wrong.
Angela says
I would avoid Trueconnect they are dishonest.I just got my phone from them today and it came without a battery and was told that since my phone was activated by them on 11-15-17. I have to stay with the company for the 60 days before I could switch companies and that I need to pay them for a replacement phone even though I received the phone with out the battery and it was their mistake.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s pretty crazy, Angela. But one question: Why do you need a replacement phone? Why not just go out and buy a battery? (Yes, we realize that you should not be on the hook for that battery, but it seems like buying your own battery is a much simpler solution.)
Angela says
I was told that I needed to buy a replacement phone because it was truconnect policy. I think it’s sad that even after buying two batteries for the phone and even though I will have never made a phone call with the phone I still have to wait the 60 days before being able to change phone companies.
SaltyMom77 says
Wow. Batteries are- aside from a phone- 1 of the most expensive parts! So sorry this happened to you!!
Jenn Garden says
Avoid TAG mobile at all costs. The phone keeps freezing so since the beginning I have not been able to use the data but the worse part is that because they input the wrong social security number I can not change it. For over two months I have been trying to rectify if, first they told me that I had to get another social security card (since I could not find it) and send it as proof in attachment, then after I sent it to contact my state’s lifeline where I was told in their records the ss # was correct. Then the helpful Cus Svc Agent said that they would cancel the account but still let me use the phone for calls and texts and then the next week I can reapply, I waited over a week was told that it was NOT cancelled , they would cancel it with NO calls and texts and then reapply after a couple of days, still could not apply, they said I could make calls and texts again but it would be cancelled, nope same thing as last time, it was like groundhog day movie. I tried and tried with them because on this site, it says that they have unlimited data, maybe they do but I can’t get ANY data. I will repost this on their page but I have a question to ask, I have been through 4 cell phone companies and will now try a 5th but there is a very, very negative review of the one I am going to sign up with TruConnect, on their page on your site. Have you written or have a link to a California lifeline provider that you have received positive feedback on, though I realize if some is happy with their phone company there are least likely to write than if they are unhappy.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry to hear about your problems with TAG, Jenn. That being said, we make a point of not recommending one company over another.
tran says
I went to Mexico last week, nothing work with my True connect carrier, could not call, texting or surfing internet?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you have an account that includes international service?
marci gregson says
hello. I was met with a street vendor last month and the offer he offered was basically, Get a new and free smartphone with complete free service and all that he needed from me was my E.B..T card. waited a couple of mins. and he wrote down a long #(maybe 9-12 @’s) on a pce of paper ripped off of a piece pf paper abour the size of a fortune cookies fortune. Told me 5-7 days id get it.i asked about the plans, phone’s user manuel etc. He said everything will be included and enclosed in box w/phone. I got the phone and the only other thing in the box was a safelink brochure and a charger and that’s it. I found out the # to the phone by looking in”about phone” the @ is 619-254-****. how do I get reinstated with a plan and service.my email address ********@gmail.com
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why do you need to get “reinstated?” Is the phone working?
Slava says
True connect is very bad and dishonest. They blocking phones from using the interent and somehow the data gets disappear. Even to turn the mobil connection off does not allow you to connect to your own WIFI. They pushing to buy the data by turning phone competely off. Especially the phone which is not used hard at all. The calls were limited to one or two short calls a day. Redicolous service and representatives lie boldly that Internet was used on the phone and took all data and continue to block the phone from using your own WIFI. They push hard to buy the phone and to buy more data. That constitutes a clear fraud.
jeanne says
my phone won’t charge anymore and I need to keep my phone number. can I get a replacement phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article for you to read, Jeanne. Then contact your service provider:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Vernon Turner says
I have a trueconnect government phone with the California lifeline plan, could I upgrade to another trueconnect phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check the TruConnect website or contact customer service for the latest details.
Maria vasquez says
I got locked out of my phone and its asking for a PUK how do I get one so I can unlock my phone’s SIM card?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you everything you need to know, Maria:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/what-is-a-puk-code-and-how-do-you-find-it
Ceecee says
I have the free service, and I wanted to know if I could do 3 Way Calling if so how do i do it on my LG g Stylo ? Or would I have to purchase some type of service in order to complete my 3way calling? Do you count with that type of service or not at all?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We would imagine that it depends on the make and model of your cell phone and your service provider, Cecelia. You should contact customer service or tech support to get an accurate answer. You could also try Googling the make and model of your phone and the words “user manual” and then looking up “3-way calling” when you find the user manual.
Sergio Ponce says
Hello, I have an GSM Unlocked Samsung Galaxy On5. Will my truconnect sim card work with this device, since it is compatible with AT&T and T-mobile carriers?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question for your service provider’s customer service or tech support team, Sergio.
Loretta marks says
How many minutes you get free do you have one unlimited free phone calls or do you have one or thousand minutes please let me know
Free Government Cell Phones says
We assume that TruConnect is your service provider, since you left you question on that company’s page. If that’s the case, it depends on which state you live in. Here’s what it says at the top of this page:
“Eligible Californians receive free cell phone plus unlimited talk and texts, Texans get 300 minutes and unlimited texting.”
Monica Lerma says
I like your cellphone.
Lovely says
Okay so I got a phone yesterday and when my phone went dead this morning I was only allowed to make Emergency calls. Can’t call any of the the numbers listed o your site because ALL OF THE NUMBERS ARE NOT WORKING. WHAT KIND OF SCAM IS THIS???
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s not a scam, Lovely, but it is a very common complaint. Contact your service provider’s customer service team immediately and explain that your phone went dead within 24 hours. You should get a replacement phone.
Michael Goodman says
11+ 15 + 2016
Hi my name ES Michael GOODMAN en SAN FRANCISCO , CALIFORNIA I got free phone the service ES not on ?
Reads SIMS ERROR
PLEASE HELP
THANK YOU FROM Michael GOODMAN
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to call your service provider’s customer service or tech support team, Michael.
Brigitte says
Truconnect turned off my service Oct 30th. Oct. 31st I called the number that was texted to me from some service center number. He said it was suspended for not renewing lifeline on time. But I did renew my lifeline on Sept. 30th and was even given a confirmation number. So he gave me a different number to call. I called the different number Nov. 6th, he told me was phone service was on and to take out my battery for 5 mins replace and it will work, I did that and I still had no service. I called back again and talked to someone else. I explained to him what the other guy told me to do and he had no clue as to why so he told me to call truconnect customer service, now mind you this is already a 3rd different number to call. I called truconnect customer service on Nov. 9th the guy proceeds to tell what I’ve been told from the other numbers I called. I also explained to him that I did renew my lifeline and have a confirmation #. He tells me to call California lifeline ( now makes 4 different numbers I’ve called). I explained to him what truconnect is telling me and he did confirm that my lifeline was approved Oct. 10th. I also explain to him that is what I told truconnect but they keep telling something different. The guy I spoke to from lifeline told me to call truconnect customer service back and to tell them that i spoke to an administrator at lifeline and for me to do a 3-way call so they can tell truconnect it was renewed. So I call truconnect back and again I get told it’s suspended etc. etc. I even told them lifeline was willing to do 3-way call but he tells me they can’t do that. By this time I’m livid and ask to speak to a supervisor. She gets on and I’m being told the same thing. I was on the phone with truconnect customer service for 45 mins and 30 of those mins they kept putting me on hold so I finally hung up. Now I refuse to deal with truconnect and would like to switch to a different provider, can I do that even tho my lifeline was approved for truconnect even tho truconnect says it wasn’t?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should be able to do it, Brigitte. You’re in a very odd, very annoying situation, and switching service providers sounds like to only reasonable option at this point. Please keep us (and our readers) up to date on your progress.
De'Anna says
Hello the model of my phone is a image vortex
How do I check my voicemail.. It’s full .. Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do a Google search for the make and model of your phone and the words “User manual.” You can find your answer by searching the user manual.
Jim Lukowitsch says
All, thanks for your patience. I told customer service that some of you are posting your TruConnect related questions here.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at customercare@truconnect.com or call us at +1-800-430-0443 for help with any issues you are experiencing.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks for the help, Jim. Our readers love it when Lifeline companies read the comment section and answer their customers’ concerns. (By the way, reps from four different companies have commented today alone. That’s a new record.)
Jim Lukowitsch says
Hi There, writing as a representative of TruConnect to let you know we do offer Texas Lifeline customers free 300 minutes talk with unlimited text monthly plans along with free feature phones (BLU Z3)
Also, we just launched online self-enrollment at http://www.truconnect.com/freephone/program-income
Thank you,
Jim
yvonne coria says
hello my name is yvonne coria and my truconnect cell phone has no service due to not upgrading my lifeline sevice my number is 213814**** please i need your assistances
Free Government Cell Phones says
“No service due to not upgrading” or no service due to not re-certifying annually. We’re not sure what you’re trying to tell us.
marcus says
My voicemail was hacked then I lost my phone so I cant change the hackers voicemail message, I also forgot the code.. huge mess! Can you tell me the default code please
william says
What zip codes are approved through truconnect
Connie says
I lost my phone or it was stolen how can I get a new phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read this article that covers that exact subject:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/what-to-do-if-your-free-government-cell-phone-is-lost-stolen-damaged
Deanne Y Claudino says
I need a puk code to unlock blu cell
Free Government Cell Phones says
We do not have access to your PUK code. Speak to TruConnect’s customer service team by telephone or online.
MICHAEL LOERA says
PLEASE ADVISE WHERE A FREE PHONE VAN IS TO PRESENT DOCUMENTS IN PERSON & GET PHONE
Al says
It’s probably merely a business plan to do service half a continent away from Texas. You know, give the worse service or no service possible, take the money & hide across the border. Texas too often hates Californians. Different names to confuse? Prey on poor hispanics? Somebody’s getting super rich. Are you?
scott molina says
I’m having harrasing and threatening phone calls to my surelink mobile. Can I change my number or can I block the number or texts messages.
Hele Magestic says
Do you provide high speed internet?
yvette medrano says
I have been waiting about 7 weeks for a replacement phone. one order was even cancelled and resent. My phone has now been completely cut off ( I was able to text previously and use speaker). any resolution?
Cat says
I requested a new phone bout 5 weeks ago. So Saturday the 17 my phone was shut off and said my phone could not be validated. It’s extremely frustrating! That this happens with no warning, I need a resolution!
Sylvia gomez says
How do I get a replacement phone. I was on telscape I don’t know why I have no service.please advise.
Khrisna Hawkins says
My BLu 2.0 cellphone have been having problems. For one, I cannot connect to Internet. I have spoke with MANY so-called tech support/customer service representatives to fix this (had to speak on my previous phone for them to “troubleshoot” the problem – WAS NOT FIXED. NOW, my cellphone will not turn on – it’s stuck on FASTBOOT MODE. Also, when it DID come on before fastmode, I would charge it almost to full capacity and the charge would be drained within MINUTES!
I CAN”T CALL!!!!
glen says
CALL THE POLICE FOR BETTER RESULTS
glen says
you have to complain with cal life line
glen says
having problems with telscape? go to teach out wireless. the use verizon. outstanding free cell ph’s free min. and text
glen says
you are the worst company i know. under company complaints on line, there are many telscape complainers.
debra a walters says
I have a free cell phone looking to get a different one a flip top. what phone do you except on the free cell
Frank and Cheyenne says
I got my phone from Telescape in Chula Vista Center back in June. Two days ago my service just stopped. I tried rebooting the phone several times. But the service still doesn’t work. Should I go back and get a new phone? I don’t know what to do because I use my phone for work. Please get back to me as soon as possible. Thank you for your time.
enedinab says
I just got this cellphone in June and just about two weeks ago I have no services and don’t know what gov. Plan I’m with I live in the LA AREA can someone plz help me
LC Brookins says
Billing questions & hopefully internat acess & whoin the world is my vendor ?????
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you don’t remember who your vendor is, call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and see which company answers.
mike honkoski says
I filled out paperwork to get one of your phones about three weeks ago and i never got the phone but i just found out the the girl that i did the paperwork thing through is having the phones delivered to herself and then selling them. That’s why i never recieved mine.
Please feel free to contact me for any other information you might need
mike honkoski
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re having trouble believing your comments, Mike, because you left identical comments on our pages for Total Call, Telscape, Tag Mobile, ReachOut and FeelSafe. If you actually did that, you are defrauding the program.
joe says
stay away from them every one that works for them are rude and disrespectful they don’t have the ability answer simple questions at all, they are slow to the point were one wants to pull out there eyes, the phone they sent me didn’t work i requested an replacement it’s now been 6 weeks and will be going on 7 weeks soon and all they say is another week another week it seems thats all they say i am moving on to another company and i have filled with the bbb and ftc and will be filling with the ftc please stay away from this scam company
Joyce E. Fisher says
Recently I received a form letter of approval from California LifeLine services. They gave me a phone number but they don’t mention anything about a cell phone or when it might arrive. I’ve tried calling SureLink customer service but absolutely no one answers the phone. How do I right this situation?
Crystal says
Same here however I finally asked to talk to a supervisor and he did tell me that there backed up. Instead of it taking the 7 to 10 days, it’s more on the edge of to 4 weeks. Still a bunch of crap it’s already going on the 3rd week so any day I hope.
glen says
call the police, you’ll have better results
Alejandro Cota says
I reported my phone lost a telscape agent told me they would send me another free replacement phone and should arrive in 4-6 weeks it has now been almost 3 months and nothing tx alot….
Joshua a says
I’ve had a choice with sending my free unlimited talk and text wireless cell phone with california lifeline also manage with great critiria with assurance wireless changing to telscape.com mostly improve with cellphone cam and f.m radio services Free Government Cell Phone AKA: Surelink Mobile at SurelinkMobile.com.
Appreciate that
Thank You
Joshua F.
justine lemus says
My daughter’s fone doesnt let me use the wifi to download the google play store so i can download games and the fone is really slow wen tje wifi connection is great. And the fone gets really hot easily… Am not liking that on bit.
Maria gomez says
How can I change bugetmobile to tele scape
Diego Cortez says
How do I track my phone?
Angela Marie says
I had to quite AT&T because I cannot afford their bills. How do I get your UNLIMITED cell minutes and who do I contact to get that plan? EVERY time I’ve called your company, though, NO ONE ever comes to the phone. I waited one day on purpose for nearly 47 minutes and no one came to the phone. Another day I just put you on speaker phone for nearly an hour… NO ONE CAME TO THE PHONE.
So PLEASE give me a number where I can actually speak to someone without the hassles. Or an email or SOME contact information so I can get the unlimited per month.
Thank you.
roxy says
http://www.telscape.com/lifeline/fed/ll_apply-en.html
glen says
they will NEVER answer
TERESA DEJONGH says
my cell is 562 639 **** i love this phone! but my problem is i misplaced it
and reported it lost a few months ago. when i found it i reported that i found it and then the company stopped the service for it. i wished i never reported it lost because i have called customer service over 20 times to restore service for that phone and each person has told me something else to do; such has wait it will come on after the weekend, take out and put back in the sim card, talk to another representitvie, lots of run around!!!! I JUST WANT MY CELL RECONNECTED
THANK YOU TERESA DE3JONGH
suzy daniels says
MY COUSIN DID NOT GET A GALAXY PHONE SHE GOT A LITTLE BLACK PHONE AND THERES NO TOUCH SCREEN….SURELINK REPS AT THE BOOTHS IN LOS ANGELES ARE LIARS…THERE SOMETIMES ON VERMONT AND SLAUSON
Denise solorio says
When i had sign up with this girl who was going house by house signing ppl for a free phone….she even took a pic of my I.d and social nd i was aproved so then she had told me im going to be getting a galexy threw mail in 10 bessniss days…so i been waiting nd i nvr gt it.. . SO IDK WHT HPND TO MY FONE…ND I WONDER WHAT SHE DID MY I.D & SOCIAL PICTURES THT SHE TOOK FRM HER LAPTOP……
SHE CAME TO EAST L.A BOYAL HEIGHTS & SHE WAS COMING FROM
(( FRESNO C.A ))
suzy daniels says
SURELINK REPS ARE LIARS THEY SAY THAT YOUR GETTING FREE STARBUCKS WHEN YOU SIGN UP AND THEY HAVE FREE GALAXY PHONES.
Denise solorio says
HI EVERYONE
IM DENISE
I wanted to know . . .
What’s the Best free fone company, u guys recommended me . . . tired of calling to DIFRENT company’s , their rude especially the guy that sounds like a arabe or Hindu wtevr he is from
(((TRUE CONNECT SERVICE )))
And I been waiting on my fone almost for 4 month frm
((TRUE CONNECT)) when I call the have me waiting for 30min and they Hang up…same thing happends when I call again….
maria torres says
Yes were on the web sight is the user mauel for surelinkmodle
P1000 so ican use my phone confortable iam trying to figure the alarm and camera
Victoria L says
Hi, can someone please tell me what carrier telescape is compatible with. I want to get a new phone. Thank you.
leslie merrill says
i have the rumor touch telscape sprint phone and cant find it i t may be lost or stolen what can i do
Ahmar Lowe says
How do I become and Agent/Distributor of these products. I am a license Life and Health Broker with a client base that could really benefit from your product. Thanks in advance.
Dan Roma says
I also would like to know ” How do I become and Agent/Distributor of these service? ” Thank you very much.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Go here: Get a job Handing out Free Government Cell Phones
Don says
Go to Craigslist. Go to sales jobs. On that page, type in lifeline phones. Its that easy.
nels nutall says
How do i block unwated calls while using this free gov. Assisted cell phone
Don says
You cannot. Sorry.
sabrina says
I jus received my telscape phone and i charged it but all its doing is showing the android thing over and over n over it doesnt want to turn on?????
michele paguyo says
I suspended my lifeline service (temporily) because i lost my lifeline phone. Dont know if i have to reaply. Want to check status?
Don says
The lifeline administrators office will help you. Find them through google or usgov.
jennifer browne says
Hi I’m commenting because I’ve been tryin to use my phone for a while now and I can’t make any calls or text messages the service is completely off can the problem be fixed?
peter says
good luck you won’t get any help i left telscape after being with them less then an week i left try another provider
peter says
So far things have been an nightmare with this company, the phone they sent me seems to be on its last leg, so I called and asked an simple question what type of phone can I use I could not get an dam answer out of the guy he keep on asking over and over for my number the guy could understand English to save his own life that’s how bad it is, in the end I didn’t get an answer at all, before going with this company you need to understand everything about his company seems way to shady, There’s no way to check how many minutes you have left the only is to call and be on hold for an long time to speak to someone who can’t understand English and asked them, the next thing is they turn off your service once you reach you minutes, there are fees and lots of other things you need to read all the tos, there website is crap you can’t sign up for or buy anything it just ask you to call them not sure what I was thinking looks like I will be going to assurance wireless
Taylah says
Switch over to Budget mobile they have really nice phones I had there services they sent me a ZTE Score it was a good phone and the service was really good But it got stolen right out of my truck….assurance only sends out the little slim candy bar phones nothing else
peter says
I got my phone it tool about 10 days, the phone they sent me was an virgin mobile lg optimus elite, Dose this mean i can use any virgin mobile phone i really would like to know.
Don says
you can use any unlocked phone you want as long as it accepts a SIM card
channah Obadia says
Please have someone contact me. I can’t reach you by that phone.
channah Obadia says
I have received a cell phone from you on May. ever since I have problems with, because the back cover is open and caused disconnection or I have a blanc views. I had reported to you on line and even took to one of your store and he could not fix it. He told me to report to you for replacement. Unfortunately your phone for costumer is a tape. day and days I have called hold for hours with no results.
Consequently I had to go to another company for replacement.
I like to come back to you if you provide me with a non defected cell phone, because the icon is larger and I can see better. I have not open and used the cell phone from assurance and send it back and cancel it if you send me a non defected cellphone channah obadia 323 836 ****.
cell
channah Obadia says
I like to know how much will cost me to have internet at my home. I am 75 years and am on SSI $870 and medical assistance. thanks
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Check out this site: http://www.cheapinternet.com
mary kinser says
can you please call me i cant get trur to customer service my name is mary sandling ***** my birthday is 6 9 **** social security ********* address ***** road 124 visalia ca 93291
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
We’ve left this comment above up for an example of what NOT to do on this public forum. 1) Do not post your personal information, ESPECIALLY your social security number, 2) you can’t expect anyone to contact to you if you post here as we are not the phone company and the phone company does not monitor these pages.
Robert Everhart says
They shut my phone off twice one time for over 1000 minutes only used 300.now they shut me down again.Said my acct. could not be validated. WHat can I do to resolve this matter ?
lillian garcia says
I have a cell its Motorola but it doesnt work now …. I cant make any calls or txts it says dat I hav no connection service. Wat csn I do?
E. Gonzales says
I ran out of minutes and would like to purchase more. When I call customer service will they charge me for time customer service has me on hold I have been on hold for over 30 minutes. Can I do this on-line
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Did you call on the 611 number? You shouldn’t be charged if you do that.
E. Gonzales says
I don’t have minutes so I can’t call 611
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Are you sure you need minutes for 611?
Don says
Yes. Free is 911 and 211.
E. Gonzales says
Do I have to wait forever for it to be approved just like the customer service has me waiting!!
lauren says
Can I use my old phone with telscape..I have a lg from boost mobile
virginia castellanos says
i would like to know whY i have not recived my phone it has been 2 months ALSO WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MUCH FOR INTERNET SERV.
LORETTA says
I applied for my telscape phone about 2 month under a tent she took pic of food stamp card and gave me a number 1866 787 5581 along with confirmation number whitch is *******. I haven’t gotten letter or no one answers phone. I would like to here some thing.thank u
Erin Isgar says
I receive SSI/ Disability as my only income. I am a disabled person and have no phone whatsoever. I need to get a free phone as soon as possible in case of an emergency. I live in Oakhurst, Ca. Please, let me know how I can apply. Also, are there any free government landline phones? A landline would be more useful to me as in my area it is common to receive no cell service until we go into town. Thank you!
thanng dao says
my family has low income, i recived medical, EBT, can i apply the free phone from this program?
Vickie says
I just recieved the lifeline phone and very grateful for it but I don”t know how to use it. There was no manuel sent with the phone…it’s an LG where can I get a copy of the user manuel?
Thanks for your time.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Try this page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cell-phone-manuals
If you don’t see it there, search Google for the name and model number of you phone, plus the word manual.
rosanne says
Where can I get a free government phone in Riverside ca.? I heard they were being given out where?
Laura Hernandez says
Need cell phone because disabied above the knee, neurilogic disoders and others.
melissa says
who do you contact if your lifeline cellphone has been lost or stolen? how do I get my imei # and account information?
Free Government Cell Phones says
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
chin van vo says
my nam is chin *****
**** lewis ave Long beach ,ca,90807
i want to cancel my phone # 562-234-**** non activated with draw out of grogram
Thank you for service
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot do it, you have to cancel with your provider.
Betty j says
Does anyone know when you have a lifeline phone and if they allow you to return the phone for a larger screen. I have trouble viewing my contacts. I’m a senior and require bigger screen.
Any info would be great!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not a normal practice.
karen says
I need to add $ for extra text messages for telescope.. they have done it before now they say they can’t. so what’s?
lisa h. says
here is another number that I have used its 8667711200. I didn’t have any problem with the 8004300443 except that they ask you if you want to make a payment with your cc and so I went thru the
motions and they wont charge you they will go on to other choices such as a run down of your minutes,
and tech support etc. at that point it will give you the option of talking to a customer service agent, it takes a few minutes to get an agent but just make sure you call from another phone if you still have any
minutes left on the cell your calling about. the definitely have a lot of things to work out in order for it to become a smooth operation. I hope it helped.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s the Internet Technical Bureau number. Interesting way to get in. How long was the hold time?
SN says
Hello,
I am trying to contact the customer service number, but no one is picking up. I’ve tried for 3 days already, both the numbers: 1-877-771-7736 & 1-800-430-0443. If you happen to know another way to contact them, it’ll be great. Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The phone number in the article is the right one for customer service, but we found other numbers as well you can try. We’ll update the page with them. Thanks for alerting us.
New Service: to sign up for service, call 1 800 TELSCAPE (1-800-835-7227) or visit a Telscape store.
Customer Service: call us at 1-877-771-7736 for questions ranging from billing to existing services. Our customer service hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Residential Repair Bureau: for assistance with home telephone service call 1-866-771-1200. If you are an existing customer, you can also reach the Repair Bureau by dialing 611 from your home phone. Our Repair Bureau hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Closed.
Internet Technical Bureau: for assistance with your Internet service call Telscape Online at 1-866-771-1200. Our Internet technical support is available Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Closed.
Mobile Customer Service: call us at 1-800-430-0443 for questions ranging from usage to billing. Our customer service hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am – 7:00pm and Saturday 8:00am – 3:00pm.
And here are three California stores they list on their site:
Huntington Park Store
6906 Pacific Boulevard
Huntington Park, CA. 90255
Telephone: (323) 388-1100
Panorama City Mall Store
8401 Van Nuys Boulevard #80
Panorama City, Ca. 91402
Telephone: (818) 891-1083
Chula Vista Store
555 Broadway Ave #1002
Chula Vista, CA. 91910
Telephone: (619) 737-0100
Kathy brown says
I received my new Telescape phone and when I make calls there is a beep on the line, like the calls are being recorded. I am very concerned about this. I spoke to a representative here in Merced, California and he listened to the call with the beeps and he said that is very strange I have never herd that before. I need a new phone.
yolanda says
I just got my new cellphone today and I don’t even know how to work it. Could someone please help?
Manuel I Martinez says
My cell phone was stolen. How do I get my phone deactivated and replaced with a new one?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call your phone provider (Telscape?)
lawrence blannon says
well i received my phone yesterday, plugged it up to charge and for the initial charge timei had access, left the phone alone to allow it a complete charge. then i grabbed it to make a call, acknowledging there were lights on. i touched it and received no response while on charger. long story short i got a phone that wont even turn on now. let alone i haven’t used a minute out of the 1000 promised. i just want another phone, if i can be provided with whats advertised.
XUAN VU says
I JUST RECEIVED A NEW LG PHONE FROM TELSCAPE HOW CAN I HAVE USER MANUAL GUIDE ? THANK.
Tuan Vu says
Very bad services, equipment are bad, 2 hours waits or longer on the phone before can talk to a representative, took 2 months to exchange bad equipment.
Margaret Rivera says
How long does it take to get a reply? I’ve also been on hold for 45 minutes to speak to someone..
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, long wait times are common with all the vendors.
Margaret Rivera says
I tried to make a call and a recording came on saying I needed to pay a $3.00 bill before my minutes would be added on. I went to pay it but I don’t have an account number. I assumed it was my phone number but they said it wasn’t. How come I can’t reach customer service from my phone.to speak to someone? And why do I owe money? The month before I just couldn’t make calls after my minutes were used and they were added on around the 6th or 7th of the following month..
Sarah says
how do i know how many minutes i have left? and when will they refill?
Tino says
Hello. I really enjoy my Telescape phone and the free 1000 minute plan provided in California. It is helping me get back on my feet and move one step closer to getting off public assistance. I am having difficulty however accessing any voicemail services. I have given the number to many employers and am often getting denied an interview or a follow up because the caller cannot leave a message, nor can I retrieve any messages. Can you help me figure something out so this phone can help me better find a job? Thank you for your time.
Tino says
By the way, the model is a small Samsung “sidekick” style phone with a slide out keyboard with Sprint logo on the front. It is understood that the free phone does not come with internet access, however, just to re-address my question on the voicemail/messaging, it seems that the phone is trying to contact Sprint whenever I try to access the “messaging” option.
I feel like it does not allow me to connect to any voicemail services because of the lack of internet access. Please confirm and let me know if no messaging is possible from anyone who calls me and/or if that can be changed so that I can feel confident giving the number out and knowing i can receive a message later from anyone who calls me or that I can check them. Thank you again for your time.
Tino says
OK. I HAVE ANSWERED MY OWN QUESTION PRIOR TO GETTING A RESPONSE. I APOLOGIZE FOR ANY CONFUSION. FOR THE BENEFIT OF ANYONE ELSE WHO MAY BE EXPERIENCING ANY DIFFICULTY SETTING UP VOICEMAIL AND IS READING THIS THREAD, I AM PROVIDING A SHORT HELP TUTORIAL HERE FOR YOU. HERE IS HOW YOU START:
SIMPLY CALL TELESCAPE’S PHONE AT 1-877-771-7736. THEY WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS.
1. PROVIDE AND CONFIRM THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ON THE LINE WITH YOUR FULL NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER.
2. ASK TO HAVE VOICEMAIL SET UP FOR YOU. IT IS A FREE SERVICE. THEY WILL BEGIN THE PROCESS ELECTRONICALLY FOR YOU.
3. UPON VERIFYING WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE ON THE PHONE THAT YOUR SERVICE HAS BEGUN SET UP (NOTE THE SERVICE WILL TAKE 2-4 HOURS TO ELECTRONICALLY SET-UP, SO MAKE SURE YOU WAIT THAT TIME BEFORE GOING FURTHER TO THE BELOW DIRECTIONS), YOU WILL NEED TO FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS:
a. Dial “1”
b. Enter password. (Since this is your first call to your voicemail, your password will be defaulted to your cell number MINUS your area code. For example, “555-555-1234” would be simply entered 5551234. Then immediately press the pound (#) key after entering the number.
c. Upon completing this entry into the voicemail system, you will be instructed step-by-step on how to personalize your voicemail preferences. You will also have the option to change your password to something else more secure than your existing cell phone number.
Good Luck!
Tino
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks Tino!
Free Government Cell Phones says
It would not be due to lack of internet access. Maybe it was never set up. Give Telscape a call.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s nice to hear how well you like your Telscape phone and plan. But we don’t know the specifics of how their voicemail works. Give them a call, they might have a web page that explains how to use it.
jessica mickes says
I got one month of min now all of a sudden there is something wrong with putting min back on the phone what the heck ur the government I bet u don’t have one problem with ur phones if ur gonna do something n say oh as long as u get foodstamp n medical u can get min each month then do it I’m tired of being lied to fix this stupid problem or keep ur phones its redickulas thank u n god bless
Anh Vu Quang Dinh says
I’ve got Lifeline Program in AT&T ,now AT&T charged $29.43 while i haven’t received any letter from Telscape.
A James says
How can I keep my old cell phn number I had for years. All my personel and business contacts have this number. to introduce a new number to over 100 people would be too much and would use up text and min and may not still reach them
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can’t keep you number.
Shirley Ann Naranjo says
I AM STILL WANT FOR MY PHONE I SING UP ON JULY 8 14 CAN YOU TOLD WILL IS MY PHONE IS COME CAN I GEY A REPLY TO TODAY THANK .
Kristine Erickson says
I am pretty sure that is UNTRUE – according to the FCC Portability rules, here’s just a portion: Portability: Keeping Your Telephone Number When You Change Service Provider
Background
Under the Federal Communications Commission’s “local number portability” (LNP) rules, so long as you remain in the same geographic area, you can switch telephone service providers, including interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers, and keep your existing phone number. If you are moving from one geographic area to another, however, you may not be able to take your number with you. Therefore, subscribers remaining in the same geographic area can switch from a wireless, wireline, or VoIP provider to any other wireless, wireline or VoIP provider and still keep their existing phone numbers.
Please explain to me WHY you are saying we can’t keep the same #. Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry about that, that was on intern who replied to your email. The answer is that yes, you should be able to port in a number. But we have heard many stories of people getting a bit of a runaround by customer service reps or automated telephone systems at various providers. Just make sure you understand the proper way to do it with the particular carrier.
As for Telscape in particular, this is from their Terms of Service page:
1. Activation. Before you can use your Telscape Wireless Service, you must activate your Service by
paying your nonrefundable service activation fee, unless you subscribe to a plan that does not include
an activation fee. You may order and purchase your service by calling Customer Service at 1-800-
430-0443 or by visiting a Telscape retail location or authorized representative. At the time of
activation you may either port over your existing telephone number from your old service provider or
you must accept the telephone number assigned to you by Telscape….
ANH LE says
hi there i have already been approved for 1000 min. and 200 texts and was issued a phone number on the 10th of may but i need used my own phone : I PHONE 4S because your phone I received : the number and letter too small and it hard to text .. Please let me know how can I changed to used iPhone 4s.Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
You won’t be able to use the iphone.
SONIA GONZALEZ says
HOLA ME GUSTARIA SABER COMO PUEDO SER PARTE DE TELESCAPE ME GUSTARIA TRABAJAR CON UDS GRACIAS ATT. SONIA GONZALEZ
Derek Burnham says
Hello out there yes im still trying too get my phone properly turnd on any help out there isure need it and its very very appreciated thankyou
mike p says
hi there i have already been approved for 1000 min. and 200 texts and was issued a phone number on the 13th of june but i never received a phone. please help!
Amy says
you are ridiculous. his is suppose to be a service for the homeless yet you won’t send out applicants unless the person provides you with a physical mailing address. the post office is good enough for the government but not you? I will be sure to let everyone I know just how preposterous you people are and to NEVER use your company.
Derek Burnham says
Hello out there im very very happy for new phone I thankyou aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall Now im trying toactvate my phone and I need your help
Angie M says
How do I apply for one of your free cell phones, please?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Start at our home page and begin reading.
Maureen Williams-Grimes says
I do I get a free cell pnones in Los Aneles. I live in Lawndale, Ca 90260 are there any places to get a cell phone. I am a senior in need.
Thanks in advance
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out the provider on this page to find out.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states/california-government-cell-phone-providers
victor shenouda says
I applied for a free mobile lifeline phone when i met a man in the street and let me sign an application after taking a picture of my ID and my medical card. He told me that i will get a free phone, free 1000 minutes, and 200 texting. i will get the phone within 2-4 weeks, but till now i did not get any
Gabriel says
Need help to transfer my telescope. Life line to another cell phone
cory says
I had received mine today it only took 3 months, keep waiting it will come
Free Government Cell Phones says
Three months! That’s horrible.