The free cell phones from the government program is exploding. In fact, it is growing so fast that it’s eating into the prepaid wireless phone business.
Prepaid cell phone vendors, Tracfone, MetroPCS and Leap Wireless all recently reported disappointing financial results for the second quarter, and the outlook for the third quarter was not bright. This came as a surprise to investors, as the prepaid mobile phone industry has been on fire.
Prepaid phone users are price conscious users — especially in these tough economic times — and it’s tough to beat an absolutely free phone given out through a government program. As a result, prepaid phone companies are losing customers.
Prepaid phones generally cater to the low-income segment of the market. They offer low-end phones on a fill’er up basis. The phone comes with a set number of minutes on them, and when they are used up, another bundle of minutes is purchased. This is a convenient system for the low-income consumer — if they don’t have the money, they don’t buy more minutes.
As you’d expect, prepaid phone users are a very price conscious crowd, looking for the best deal possible. And with no contract involved, they are free to toss one phone for another if the rates are more attractive. Imagine using a prepaid phone and then seeing the ad for an absolutely free cell phone. Out with the old and in with the new, free phone.
The free cell phones, paid for through the government’s Lifeline Assistance program, come with up to 250 minutes of free monthly minutes. So, what if a person needs more minutes? Most of the providers of these free phones will let you “buy up” to get more minutes. For example, fast-growing, Assurance Wireless will give you 500 minutes for $5 or 1,000 minutes and 1,000 text messages for $20. It’s tough for prepaid to compete.
In order to receive the free phone and minutes, you must qualify for the federal government’s Lifeline Assistance program. While the rules are slightly different in each state, you are generally eligible if you make less than 135% of the federal poverty level or if you already participate in many government assistance programs such as Medicaid, food stamps, housing assistance, SSI and others.
There are quite a few vendors who specialize in the Lifeline cell phone market, but there are three big ones that do the vast majority of business. These are, in order of market share, Safelink Wireless, Assurance Wireless and ReachOut Wireless. For complete information on the program, it’s vendors and state eligibility, please visit https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net.
Eilene says
My husband is on total disability. And makes over the limit. Is he still able to get the free phone..
Free Government Cell Phones says
He won’t be eligible based on income, Eileen, but he may be eligible if he participates in one of the government assistance programs. Here’s an article that tells you all the ways to qualify:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Luz Resto says
I do not want the cellphone because it does not work where I live,
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider and cancel your service. There’s no need to send the cell phone back.
Renay Russell says
Can I bring in the government phone I already have and up grade to a better one?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on the make and model and your service provider. But here’s an article with all the info you need regarding upgrades:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Taylor muckenfuss says
I would like to apply for another one my phone want turn on an I really need a phone
my name Ruthie Lewis says
I would like to apply for another phone The battery is dead on the one I have. I could not fine any pictures on line. I would like one with large print and screen.
Thank You
Saul Ramirez says
No trabojo
Saul Ramirez says
No cell phone I have food stamps
jesus sanchez says
I need cell phone for my son school, for job,worker,and yes i do get food stamps,and AFDC
trevorromero says
I need a phone bad:(
Glen Coleman says
Hello, I am new to this site, and I have looked up free phone to join with. So how I have find this one. I hope to get contacted to be available with a grant of a Government free phone. Thank You 🙂
Debbie says
So glad illegal aliens qualify. I’d hate to think there was a tax payer provided benefit that don’t receive!
belinda says
hoe do i sign up
Glen Coleman says
Don’t be rude, okay?
Mary Wallington says
I currently have an assurance wireless phone from Virgin Mobil. I was wondering if a differant phone is available. The buttons on the phone are much too small for my clumpsy fingers with arthritis and I find them hard to dial.
James says
when are the free goverment cell phones going to be available in the nekoosa wisconsin area?
James says
well it is november and still no cell phones available in nekoosa
James says
I am still looking and searching for a free cell phone profider in the area?
princess says
my name is princess an i will really will like to have phone
Vaiden Triplett says
My phone screen is not showing and I can’t see my numbers on my phone or anything if you (yall) don’t mind I would like another phone. my cell number is 601-697-4941. Also when I ordered my phone I asked for free text messages and also minutes. Also my address is box 10110 rd. 145. thank you Vaiden Triplett