What if you don’t qualify for the free government cell phone program? Is there some other way to get free or extremely inexpensive phone service?
That’s what many of our readers ask.
From Amy B in Cedar Rapids, Iowa: “I qualify for a low-income internet plan, but I don’t qualify for the Lifeline free government cell phone program. Is there any way for me to get free or really inexpensive phone service?”
From Randy S in Frisco, Texas: “I just enrolled in Internet Essentials, but the free government cell phone program isn’t available in my area. How can I get cheap cell phone service?”
Maybe you don’t qualify for a free government cell phone because your income is too high. Or because you don’t participate in the right federal government assistance programs. Or because someone else at your address already has a free government cell phone account.
There are dozens of reasons you may not qualify for a free government cell phone. But never fear. We can suggest two ways to get that free (or nearly free) “phone” service. The only catch is that you do need internet service at home or on a smartphone.
One service is called Skype. The other is called FaceTime.
Skype
Skype is a service (owned by Microsoft) that lets you make voice calls, do video chats, and send and receive instant messages from your computer, tablet, mobile device, Xbox One console, or smartwatch to any telephone (or to any of those other devices).
All you need is an internet connection and one of the devices mentioned above. If your device has a microphone, you can make phone calls. And if your device also has a mic and a webcam, you can do video calls.
Here’s how Skype works:
Skype-to-Skype calls (that means you and the person you’re calling must both have Skype accounts) are free, but you must pay for calls to landline and cell phones via a debit-based system called Skype Credit.
Don’t let that scare you off because those calls are remarkably cheap. For example, we know someone whose job takes him to remote parts of Australia for months at a time. Making phone calls back home would have been cost prohibitive, but he deposited $5 in his Skype Credit account before he left for the Land Down Under and despite making many calls back to the United States, he has still not exhausted that initial credit.
How is that possible? Just look at how inexpensive Skype calls can be:
- Skype-to-Skype calls are free anywhere in the world.
- Calls to mobile phones and landlines within the United States are just 2.5¢ per minute on a pay as you go basis.
- For just $3.29, you can purchase an United States Unlimited Minutes Plan allows you to call mobile and landlines in the United States, Guam and Puerto Rico.
- For just $7.69 per month, you can purchase an North American Unlimited monthly plan that allows you to call all mobile phones and landlines in the United States, Canada, Mexico, plus additional American territories.
- And finally, for just AU$15.39 you can purchase a monthly plan that allows you to call cell phones and landlines within the United States and 62 other nations and territories.
- For each of these plans you can get additional savings for making 3-month or 12-month commitments.
When you enroll with Skype, you are joining a huge worldwide community. The company estimates that it has more than 300 million active users each month.
There’s just one really minor drawback to Skype. It’s impossible to call emergency numbers, such as 911.
Other than that, it really is an incredible service. Not quite free, but so inexpensive that the difference is really negligible.
Contact info:
Website: Skype.com
FaceTime
FaceTime is a unique Skype-like product developed by Apple (although we’re pretty sure any Apple engineer would tell you that FaceTime is far superior).
But putting corporate egos aside, FaceTime is a great way to make voice and video calls for free IF you and your friends have Apple products.
Here’s how Wikipedia describes it:
FaceTime is available on supported mobile devices that run on iOS and Macintosh computers that run Mac OS X 10.6.6 onwards. The video version of FaceTime supports any iOS device with a forward-facing camera and any Macintosh computer equipped with a FaceTime Camera. FaceTime Audio is available on any iOS device that supports iOS 7 or newer, and any Macintosh with a forward-facing camera running Mac OS X 10.9.2 and later…
…FaceTime works by connecting an iPhone 4 or later, a fourth generation iPod Touch or later, an iPad 2 or later, or a computer with macOS, to another supported device. FaceTime is currently incompatible with non-Apple devices or any other video calling services. Mac models introduced in 2011 introduced high-definition video FaceTime, which devices use automatically when both ends have a FaceTime HD camera.
As you might expect from an Apple product, FaceTime is very easy to use, too. Just click on the FaceTime app, then click on any email address or cell phone number that’s registered with the FaceTime service.
Voila! The person you’re calling will hear his/her device ring and answer. It really is that fast and easy. In fact, it’s just like making a phone call, except that you do it with your Apple computer, smartphone or mobile device.
And did we mention that FaceTime is free?
If not, please allow us to correct that oversight.
FaceTime is free.
Contact info:
Website: Apple
One problem, two solutions: Skype and FaceTime
If you don’t qualify for a free government cell phone, Skype and FaceTime may be exactly what you need. They make it possible for you to make free (or nearly free) voice and video calls on almost any smart device.
In fact, some customers might say, “Who needs the Lifeline free government cell phone program when I have Skype?”
Others might say, “I replaced my free government cell phone with FaceTime and I’ve never looked back.”
Do yourself a favor. Check out both services to see if they might work for you as well as they work for millions of others.
Curtiss Ross Sanchez says
I need a Free Government phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s what this website is all about, Curtiss. Just click around, especially on the navigation bar at the top of the page, for a few minutes and you’ll learn everything you need to know.
Gary W Gummow says
Can I use an iPad mini 3 with Wifi plus Cellular with any of the Lifeline service providers? Or does it have to be a smartphone?
Thank you very much for you great service.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should be able to make that iPad work with a number of service providers, but you’ll need to contact them individually to find out which ones it is compatible with.
Linda Stuker says
I’m on social security disability, and I currently have Verizon month to month that I pay $50. That is a lot for my income can you offer me a better deal.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t offer any deals because we are not a service provider. This is an independent informational website. However, here’s where you can find a list of all the Lifeline plans available in your state. Check them all out carefully to find the one that fits your needs best, then enroll with that company using the contact info we provide.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Donald locklear07@gmail.com says
I would like to get a free cellphone i get food stamps im not working at this moment and i would be so grateful to have one my name is Donald ray locklear
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can find all the free government cell phone plans available in your state at the following link, Donald:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Connie says
I would like to get a cell phone. I draw SSI and can’t afford a phone. I stay sick a lot and would be so grateful for one . I live with my elderly mother who does not have one either. She is also disable. She needs a phone asap. My name Connie Love. Her name Linda pleasant. We both reside in *********.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to check all the companies in your state to find the plan that fits your needs best, then enroll with that company. Here’s where you can find them all:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Sherry Hull says
I can get the free phone because I’m on Section8. A friend just gave me a laptop and I need internet. How can I get free or low cost internet?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good question, Sherry. There are a lot of low-income internet plans available and we just happen to have a website that tells you everything you need to know. Check all the info at:
CheapInternet.com
April Gonsalves says
My safelink phone fell in the lake now its broken and cant use. Can i get another one
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not from us, because we are not related to Safelink in any way. Contact the company’s customer service team.
Melissa Hurd says
I had a Safelink phone but on Memorial Day I was invited to go sailing with some friends. Unfortunately we had a terrible accident and the sailboat I was on burned to the waterline. Everyone got off the boat safe but my phone was burned up in the fire. Can I get a replacement phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Safelink’s customer service team, Cap’n.
Noreen Fewry says
I do qualify for Lifetime and AT&T’s “$10 internet service call Access”. I have AT&T which just continues to increase the charges, and although I qualified in writing from AT&T over a year ago, they have given me so many excuses for not implementing it for me, it’s unbelievable! I am not well, 72 years old, below the required income level, but AT&T acts as if they never heard of me when I call to get my charges back in line. I want to get rid of them, Comcast is the same, and my condo sits next to a hill which blocks both Direct TV and Dish TV’s signals, so those don’t work for me. I am exhausted from going through all of the lies and excuses from them. How can I get a free or low cost cell phone (I have none right now), and AT&T tells me that if I want the Lifeline landline it will cost lots of money and I won’t have any features such as caller ID, etc. I get so upset with them, I have started to cry. They seem to want me to be as confused as possible. I actually get a stomach ache every time I need to call them. It’s ridiculous. Where can I get a cell phone and low cost service for internet and TV? Can anyone out there help me? AT&T is now saying that if I don’t pay them over $400 they will disconnect all of my services, and I will have to pay the $400 plus re-connect charges, on and on. Where can I call to get some real help? I can’t pay this kind of money; I live on SSI and that’s it other than $15/mo. allowance from SNAP toward my groceries. Please help me if you can. Thank you. I live in CA, north of S.F.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out ALL the free government cell phone plans available in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
However, please keep in mind that the Lifeline free government cell phone plan and low-income internet plans are completely unrelated. You can’t apply for one and get the other. Here’s where you can find all the low-income internet plans currently available. Please check them all out to find the ones available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
And the last thing to keep in mind is that low-income internet plans do NOT include cable TV.
TANYA MAURER-LANGDAHL says
I Am on SSI,FoodStamps/Medicaid..I Would Like 2 KNoW MoRE bout “Free/Low InCome” “INTERNET/WIFI” Programs. I Live in Washington State.. THANK U
Free Government Cell Phones says
Everything you need to know is right here on this website, Tanya. Just click around this site to learn everything you need to know.
Mel says
Facebook Messenger is the same as FaceTime, but not limited to Apple. No landline or cell calls, just Facebook-to-Facebook accounts. You can use your PC or Smart phone.
TEOFIL POENAR says
I dont have any Gov.Freee phone working,min I am aut of any phonee& am an Legal desible on SSI & Med. Can you sande me soone possible one please?
Free Government Cell Phones says
No, we cannot send you one, Teofil, because we are not a Lifeline free government cell phone service provider. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact one of the service providers in your state and you can find them here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Cheryl D. Uzamere says
Senor Poenar:
Soy Americana pero puedo hablar espanol.
Si quiera, puedo ayudarle recibir un telefono. No tiene que pagarme.
Me llamo Cheryl. Puedes contactarme al (718) 827-2652. My correo electronico es cuzamere@netzero.net.
Tienes derecho a recibir telefono sin pagar dinero porque tienes descapacidad, como yo. Y tambien, nadie tiene derecho a colectar dinero de su mano para recibir servicios que el gubierno da para gratis.
Quando me llamas, digame en qual estado vives. Puedo contactar el programa lo mas proximo donde vives, u el numero que tienes que llamar para hacer una solicitur para telefono gratis.
Todas las companias que dan telefonos para gratis tienen operaradores quienes hablan espanol.
Favor de pardonar la manera que hablo espanol. Soy una gringa. ; |)
Laura J Phillips says
Im excited about using Skype if I can ever get onto the website I’ve had Skype for years and now its giving mrefits
Tabby says
That’s sounds like a great plan but can anyone tell me if you can get WiFi without a carrier or a hot spot and buy something to use it?
Free Government Cell Phones says
If it’s internet you want, check out our other website, CheapInternet.com, Tabby. There are a number of low-income plans and you should look at them all to find the one that fits your needs best. Here’s a quick link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Emily says
Our internet is so expensive along with the land line . Our phone is so stat icy especially in rain storms! Our phone auto-maticly calls the (911) emergency line two to three times a month . I have reported it to the phone Co. several times, with no changes. I would like a cell phone to get away from those constant problems.We are on a budget, but it never goes far enough,to pay all debts. We need help. Thanks again.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can check out all the free government cell phone plans available in your state at this link, Emily:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Use the contact info we provide for each company to enroll in the plan that fits your needs best.
janice turner says
I am 60yrs old and I’m looking for a landline phone can you let me know how can I get the low imcome phone line thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
Landline phones are not part of the free government cell phone program, Janice. You can get a discounted landline, but not a free one. Virtually every phone company offers the discounted landlines.
Laurel Housos says
I have snap benefits in lytle tx. How do I do to get a phone. Is it a cell phone or land line.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Seriously, Laurel? This website is named FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, so do you think it’s a cell phone or a landline? You get it by reading this website and doing as it says.
sLb says
Wow. Is being a smart ass in your official job description, or do you just do it for your own personal amusement?
She was asking you an honest question, and this is how you respond? Nice touch there, Mr. “Free Government Cell Phones.” 👎
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, as a matter of fact, smart ass is in our official job description. Much like dumb ass is apparently in your official job description. Any other questions?
Melinda Sarasin says
Do you have any openings? Sarcasm is one of the best services I can provide! My specialty is polite sarcasm. Or should I just start answering questions to prove to y’all my worth?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Hah! No openings here, Melinda, but we are confident that some other company will appreciate your unique skill set.
Candy says
It’s about time someone puts these dumbasses in their place!
THANK YOU!
Tabby says
Lol 🤗
Wendy Bong says
I already have a phone from you. My problem is that my phone sucks, the launcher keeps stopping and I have to restart my phone all the time. Can I get a new phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You do NOT have a phone from us. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.
RUTH MOODY says
i want cell phone service and internet service that is inexpensive but good quality service att is bad
Free Government Cell Phones says
You have a number of options available, Ruth. Here’s where you can find all the companies and free government cell phone plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Richard Henry says
I want to get internet service through the government. Tell me what you need me to do
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sure thing, Richard. You need to read the information on this website and then enroll with the company that has the plan that fits your needs best.
Jeanne Graves says
I want to get free internet service, I’m on disability and my husband is on social security. We have no extra money and centurylink is costing me an arm and two legs. Did you get a response about free internet service? Thanks, Jean
Mohammad l Rahaman says
I buy hands set from Qlink s now full bad. I made complain to customer service. They send Meases Wet 3 days five days go no disision come my phone no 817 874 ****
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not quite sure what you’re asking, Mohammad.
wayne c welch says
I have a government paid for cell phone. can I get a smart phone or some kind of cell and also get internet service paid for by the government?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, all service providers now offer smartphones and internet plans. However, you must be a new customer to receive the smartphone. If your current service provider will not give you a smartphone upgrade or allow you to purchase one at a low price, you can always switch to a new service provider. That will make you a “new” customer to that company and you will qualify for the free smartphone. Here’s an article that tells you how to switch providers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
And here’s where you can find all the companies and plans offered in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Anthony T says
When will Oregon have unlimited minutes and data like Calif?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It probably won’t, Anthony. The free government cell phone companies are able to offer bigger, better plans in California because the state government pays them an additional subsidy above and beyond the federal subsidy. Unless Oregon’s legislature decides to pay a similar subsidy, don’t expect to see any of those unlimited plans.
Jai Picard says
Why doesn’t California allow monthly vouchers to help us very low income folks that can get free phones but want to keep our carrier and phones where they help pay our monthly smartphone bill. Many other states a lot over 13.00 aonth towards helping pay for the smartphone.
I’m guessing the free phone company’s don’t like this and CA govt. is doing them a favor….what’s your take?
Free Government Cell Phones says
All those other companies could participate in this program if they wanted to, Jami. But the cost structure of the program makes it cost prohibitive for most of them. We think they rather not participate.