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TruConnect free phones, minutes and texts in California and Texas

<< All Free Cell Phone Providers

Californians receive free smartphone plus unlimited talk and texting.

TruConnect, formerly known as Telscape or SureLink, currently serves California, Texas, Nevada, Kansas, Missouri, and Kentucky. But Truconnect gives Californians a better deal, as do all providers in California (due to higher California reimbursement levels).

In California, customers get unlimited voice and unlimited texting, plus 500MB of data. Unfortunately, plans in their other states only get a paltry 100 minutes of calling per month, along with their unlimted texting and 500MB of data.

California Plan: You receive a smartphone, unlimited talk minutes, unlimited text messages 500 MB of data, and 200 minutes of calling to Mexico. Depending on availability, you will receive one of three different Android smartphones with a 3.5″ display.

Texas Plan: Things work differently in states other than California. You will receive unlimited texting and 500 MB of data, but you will be limited to 100 minutes of voice.

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 I wanted to make you aware of some outdated information on your website listings.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 HouseholdAnnual 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:

Income Based Eligibility for Texas
Members in HouseholdAnnual incomeMonthly Income
1 member$17,655$1,471
2 members$23,895$1,991
3 members$30,135$2,511
4 members$36,200$3,017
5 members$42,615$3,551
6 members$49,855$4,155
7 members$55,095$4,591
8 members$61,335$5,111
For each additional member add $4,160 annual or $347 monthy

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:

Don’t enroll at a street tent: Check around before you choose a free government cell phone company - We know it's tempting to enroll with a street vendor when he says, "It's free!" But the truth is that other companies probably offer other plans that are far better than the one that guy sitting in a booth is offering you.
California Lifeline explosion: More companies, more unlimited plans, more great paid plans - The competition in free government cell phones is getting stiffer in California and that's great for consumers because more companies are now offering free unlimited minutes and text plans.
Which free government cell phones offer special devices for the hearing, vision and speech-impaired? - Over the years readers have asked if any Lifeline Assistance companies offer special devices for customers who are hearing, vision or speech-impaired. We decided to find out.
Companies dropping out: Trouble in the free government cell phone program? - Two of the top 20 LifeLine Assistance free government cell phone companies have now dropped out of the business. And two others have merged into a single company.
Which free government cell phone companies offer smartphones? - So many readers ask us which companies offer smartphones that we decided it was time to survey all the top-ranking Lifeline Assistance companies.
2015 update: The top dozen deals in free government cell phones - Here is our 2015 guide to the dozen best free government cell phone (lifeline) plans, picked from all fifty states, Puerto Rico and Washington, DC. Unlimited minutes and texts.
California goes crazy: Unlimited talk and unlimited text going mainstream - All of a sudden a slew of companies are offering unlimited talk and unlimited text in the Golden State. And the companies that don't offer unlimited programs are offering 1000 or more free minutes, which blows away the plans offered in most other states.
How to get a free government cell phone in California - The California Lifeline program offers great deals on free cell phone service in California. Unlimited voice and text. Many providers to choose from.
Assurance Wireless gets aggressive: Introduces unlimited talk/unlimited text Lifeline plan in California - Assurance Wireless just introduced the best plan in the free government cell phone business. California customers now get free unlimited talk, free unlimited texting, and of course, a free cell phone.
Free government cell phone program creeps into California - Telescape is providing cell phones for low-income residents in Bakersfield, California under the Lifeline program. The plan gives $2.50 per month for 300 minutes.

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Before you post your comment...

  1. If you are going to ask "how do I get a cell phone?" go here instead.
  2. If you are going to ask "how do I get a replacement phone," go here instead
  3. We are not your cell phone company. All technical questions should be asked of your vendor.
  4. Your comments are moderated, and we will manually approve those worth publishing within 24 hours.

Comments

  1. 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.

    Reply

    • Sorry to hear about your problems with TAG, Jenn. That being said, we make a point of not recommending one company over another.

      Reply

  3. 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

    Reply

  4. 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.

    Reply

  6. I have a trueconnect government phone with the California lifeline plan, could I upgrade to another trueconnect phone?

    Reply

  7. 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?

    Reply

  8. 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?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  9. 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?

    Reply

    • That’s a question for your service provider’s customer service or tech support team, Sergio.

      Reply

  10. 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

    Reply

    • 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.”

      Reply

  12. 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???

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  13. 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

    Reply

  14. 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?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  16. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.)

      Reply

  18. 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

    Reply

    • “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.

      Reply

  19. 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

    Reply

    • We do not have access to your PUK code. Speak to TruConnect’s customer service team by telephone or online.

      Reply

  24. 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?

    Reply

  25. 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.

    Reply

  27. 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?

    Reply

  28. 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!

    Reply

  30. 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!!!!

    Reply

  36. 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.

    Reply

  37. 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

    Reply

    • If you don’t remember who your vendor is, call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and see which company answers.

      Reply

  39. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  40. 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

    Reply

  41. 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?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  42. 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….

    Reply

  43. 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.

    Reply

  44. 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.

    Reply

  47. 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.

    Reply

  48. 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

    Reply

  49. 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

    Reply

    • 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 ))

      Reply

  50. SURELINK REPS ARE LIARS THEY SAY THAT YOUR GETTING FREE STARBUCKS WHEN YOU SIGN UP AND THEY HAVE FREE GALAXY PHONES.

    Reply

    • 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….

      Reply

  51. 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

    Reply

  54. 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.

    Reply

  56. 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?????

    Reply

  57. I suspended my lifeline service (temporily) because i lost my lifeline phone. Dont know if i have to reaply. Want to check status?

    Reply

  58. 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?

    Reply

  59. 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

    Reply

    • 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

      Reply

  60. 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.

    Reply

  62. 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

    Reply

  63. 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

    Reply

  64. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  65. 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 ?

    Reply

  66. 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?

    Reply

  67. 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

    Reply

  69. 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.

    Reply

    • 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

      Reply

  70. 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!

    Reply

  72. 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.

    Reply

  74. who do you contact if your lifeline cellphone has been lost or stolen? how do I get my imei # and account information?

    Reply

  75. 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

    Reply

  76. 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!

    Reply

  77. 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.

    Reply

  78. 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.

    Reply

    • 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

      Reply

  79. 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.

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  82. 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.

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  84. 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.

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  86. 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..

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  88. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

      • 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

        Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  89. 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

    Reply

  90. I’ve got Lifeline Program in AT&T ,now AT&T charged $29.43 while i haven’t received any letter from Telscape.

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  91. 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

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      • 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 .

        Reply

      • 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.

        Reply

        • 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….

          Reply

  92. 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

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  93. HOLA ME GUSTARIA SABER COMO PUEDO SER PARTE DE TELESCAPE ME GUSTARIA TRABAJAR CON UDS GRACIAS ATT. SONIA GONZALEZ

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  94. 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

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  95. 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!

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  96. 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.

    Reply

  97. Hello out there im very very happy for new phone I thankyou aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall Now im trying toactvate my phone and I need your help

    Reply