The Ridgecrest Daily Independent newspaper ran a recent story that said, “Dawn Thompson came up from San Diego promoting the Lifeline Assistance Program offering free cellphones to low-income households on behalf of the company of Total Call … (She) set up temporary shop in the pocket park on the corner of Ridgecrest and China Lake boulevards promoting the Lifeline Assistance Program, which bears the ‘unofficial’ name of Obama Phone.”
What?
According to bing.com maps, San Diego-to-Ridgecrest is a 225-mile drive that takes nearly four hours driving. And then Dawn still had to get home again. The drive took her through far more populated areas of north San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. So our question is, why? Why drive that far to get to a small town to sign up customers for Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones?
Of course, we have an answer. After all, our reputation as the nation’s leading experts on free government cell phones is well deserved. We know this business inside and out. And that’s why so many people visit this website every day.
If you’ll pardon the earthquake reference, California is now the epicenter for competition in the Lifeline business. All the big names are moving into the state and they are offering unlimited talk and unlimited text plans that are unmatched in any other state. In addition to the federal subsidy of $9.25 per month per customer, California is throwing in additional subsidies that make those unmatched plans possible.
So our analysis of the situation is that Total Call, whose California plans are not competitive, is being forced to scour for customers in outlying geographic regions that are of no interest to the major players.
Is Total Call finding it tough to compete?
The Daily Independent reported that “Currently they have unlimited talk and text but no data. Since many public establishments offer free WiFi people can tap into the Internet.”
Either the Daily Independent has reported the facts incorrectly or Total Call’s website in incorrect, because it spells out a series of plans, none of which offer “unlimited talk and text”.
For example, its “California LifeLine Unlimited Talk” plan offers unlimited talk minutes for free, but charges $0.05 per text. It’s “California LifeLine 1000 Talk & 1000 Text” offers 1000 domestic voice minutes and 1000 texts worldwide for free, but charges $0.033 per additional minute of talk and $0.05 per additional text. They also offer a couple other plans that aren’t free.
Unfortunately for Total Call, its California competitors offer far better plans in California.
Access Wireless offers a free California plan that gives you an Android smartphone, 1000 minutes or texts, plus 200MB data usage each month. Assurance Wireless and Budget Mobile offer a free cell phone with unlimited voice and unlimited text. Feel Safe Wireless offers a free phone, unlimited talk, unlimited text, 100MB data and 100 free international texts. Life Wireless offers a free cell phone plus anywhere from 1250 monthly minutes to unlimited voice, depending upon the plan you select. SafetyNet Wireless and Tag Mobile will give you a cell phone, unlimited voice calls and unlimited texting plus 100MB of data per month.
Even worse, Total Call charges an activation fee that the big names do not charge. Here’s how the the company spells it out on its website:
Is there an activation fee included?
Yes, by applying for the California Lifeline Program, you acknowledge and agree that your account is being charged a $39 activation fee. However, if your California Lifeline Program application is approved within 30 days, you understand that $39 will be credited to your account. In the event your California Lifeline Program application is denied or is not approved within 30 days, you understand that you must pay the $39 activation fee and that your account will be converted to a Total Call Mobile retail plan of your choice or your phone will be deactivated.
We love seeing battles in which David defeats Goliath. In other words, nothing would make us happier than seeing a scrappy little company like Total Call win against big names like Assurance and Safelink.
But that’s not going to happen unless they can up the ante and offer programs equal to or better than the big boys offer.
C’mon, Total Call, We’re rooting for you.
John allison says
I john Allison have a access wireless account, have had it for along time. But since the begging I have had problem after problem with the quality of phone they provide. Also with what there policy on replacement of phones, reasons. Versus what there employees say to you. My last phone went crazy, wouldn’t let me get online at all. Access wireless tried many fixes to no avail. I asked for a replacement phone per there rules. I was refused, since they had given me a replacement phone before for technical issues, I would have to buy one. I had to dig an old phone out with busted screen to continue service. I am now checking in to assurance wireless to change providers. When a phone company sends out a phone, that isn’t compatible with downloading there app. Or any apps that are my lifelines. Banking, health insurance. And only have 3g capabilities.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can find all the companies and plans available in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Karen Coleman says
I.I’m a senior with a Social security income of $704 per month. I CANNOT find a location here in Palm Desert, Ca. for a free government phone! I sent an application to ASSURANCE WIRELESS with no response over a month ago. Any advice, I’m falling apart!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sure, Karen. Here’s some simple advice: Enroll with a different company. Here’s where you can find a complete list of companies and plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Hope says
Is there unlimited calls text and data in Florida? Do you have to live in the state?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, you need to live in the state in which you enroll.
Dwayne Baker says
Did the safelink company have a lawsuit against them in Florida.
I heard they did.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Google is your friend, Dwayne.
Maria Uitz says
I’m interested in becoming a sales rep for the Obama cell phones or dealer I have the capability to get the best of any action to work with people I’m so friendly person
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s nice to hear, Maria, but we cannot help you because this is an independent informational website, not a free government cell phone company.
mhatt says
This is a lousy plan!
ayesha qureshi says
when and where does the assurance wireless people have booths set up?
Free Government Cell Phones says
There’s no way of knowing when any of the companies will have booths set up, Ayesha. The people handling those booths are generally independent contractors. In other words, they work for companies hired by the free government cell phone companies. So even the phone companies don’t know where or when the booths will be set up.
But a more important issue is that we do not recommend enrolling for Lifeline at one of those booths. There have been too many cases of fraud and abuse. You are much better off (and safer) applying online or by phone.
Debby says
I want to know now that Reachout is cancelling services, you is using Verizon?
Porfirio Rodriguez says
Do i qualify for a free government cellphone and how do i enroll to get a free government cellphone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Go to the “Do you Qualify” link found in the navigation bar at the top of this page. It will give you all the information you need.
Shannon velasquez says
Im hoping to get a free phone im on SSI an it make it very hard to afford a cell phone.
Joe Rizalla says
How to apply for free Smartphone?
Larry says
Is theire a free government ky 40165