We’ve reported several times in the last few months that ReachOut Wireless is leaving the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program.
ReachOut customers have received texts from the company announcing that they would need to find a new Lifeline service provider. We participated in an online chat with a ReachOut representative who confirmed that the company is no longer accepting any new customers.
And now the company’s website has confirmed its customers worst fears — it is completely withdrawing from the Lifeline Assistance program and leaving them in the lurch. Here is a screen capture of the “Important Update:”
We’ve been among the biggest critics of ReachOut, but we have to give the company credit where credit is due. Unlike some other Lifeline Assistance companies who just packed their bags and closed their doors in the middle of the night without notifying their customers, ReachOut is going above and beyond to help its customers transition to a new provider.
In addition to the texts notifications that have been reported by our readers, ReachOut has posted the dates on which they will close down operations in each of the 19 states in which they do business. On top of that, the company’s website also provides a complete list of alternative Lifeline service providers in each of those states.
All a customer needs to do is open up a drop down menu and click on his or her state. A list of every Lifeline service provider in that state will automatically pop up. We’ve taken the liberty of making it even easier for our readers by summarizing the dates in each state:
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Arizona – April 21, 2016
Arkansas – April 21, 2016
California – April 21, 2016
Georgia – April 21, 201
Iowa – June 19, 2016
Idaho – May 6, 2016
Illinois – May 22, 2016
Kansas – April 21, 2016
Kentucky – April 21, 2016
Louisiana – April 21, 2016
Maryland – April 21, 2016
Missouri – April 21, 2016
Mississippi – May 26, 2016
New Jersey – April 21, 2016
Nevada – April 21, 2016
Rhode Island – April 26, 2016
Texas – May 22, 2016
Wisconsin – April 21, 2016
West Virginia – May 21, 2016
(NOTE TO OUR READERS: Please be aware that ReachOut’s list of Lifeline Assistance providers includes companies that only offer discounts on home phones rather than free government cell phones. If you select a service provider from the list offered by ReachOut, make sure that you enroll with a company that offers the free program. For a better list, go to the FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net States page and select your state.)
ReachOut flames out
We wish we could explain what happened at ReachOut, but we are not privy to the inner workings of what was once the third largest Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone company. The company was one of the early innovators in the Lifeline business, but has seen its income and number of customers plummet in the last few years.
The number of customers may have decreased, but the number of customer complaints skyrocketed here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net and at the Better Business Bureau.
Although we’ve had our problems with ReachOut Wireless over the years, we hoped this day would never come. Fewer free government cell phone providers means less competition and less competition is never good for consumers.
So despite our problems with ReachOut, we wish them a fond adieu and hope that they are successful in whatever field of endeavor they attempt next.
John Standish says
Experian has notified me that my ssn. has been comprised by reachout wireless.has this happened to others???
Free Government Cell Phones says
The real ReachOut has been out of business for years. There’s a scam website out there that claims to be ReachOut, but has absolutely nothing to do with the Lifeline free government cell phone program. Check the comments below and you will see similar complaints from other readers.
Judy R. says
Yes. I recently received notification from Avast that my social was on the dark web leaked by Reach out Wireless. There should be repercussions for their careless handlings of our sensitive information.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The real ReachOut Wireless has been out of business for years. The current ReachOut appears to be someone trying to fool people into thinking they are the old ReachOut.
S. Blankenship says
Can I just buy a Trac phone card and keep my same phone and number?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe you can use a Tracfone. But only if it is compatible with the cell network used by your service provider. You can definitely keep the same phone number, but when you switch service providers you must make sure you tell customer service that “I want to port over my current phone number.”
But you cannot do either of those things with ReachOut Wireless because they have gone out of business.
Sarah a taylor says
I love to have that phone to talk to my aunt
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out all the free government cell phone plans available in your state at this link, then enroll with the plan that fits your needs best:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Amber Taylor says
I am trying to get a government phone and apparently I have a phone in all of the companies that supply them. This was not my doing. This was done fradulently. How do I get a phone and cancel this fraud done in my name?
Free Government Cell Phones says
What happens, Amber, is that once you have a phone (or someone has a phone in your name or at your address), it gets reported on the National Lifeline Assistance Database). All companies are required to check your name and address against the names on the NLAD before giving you a phone.
So if you never had a phone, you need to contact the free government cell phone company of your choice. Ask to speak to a supervisor and tell that person you need to have them clear up an error on the NLAD. This is supposed to be a quick, easy process. Please let us know how it goes.
Adrienne White says
I still have a government cell phone from Reachout Wireless since 2011. The phone and phone charger are still in my possession. I have not used the free government since 2013. The phone number that was assigned, as well as any other data that is related to the phone has been discontinued. Is there any way that I can return the cell phone and phone charger to Reachout Wireless or another free government phone provider? I would like very much to return the two items as soon as possible. Would you explain to me a step-by-step plan to return the two items, please? Thank you so very much.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not possible, Adrienne, because ReachOut went out of business several months ago. You should be free to re-enroll with any service provider offering plans in your state. Here’s where you can find all those plans:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Jami says
I am so sadden by them closing their doors. I loved my Reach out wireless phone. I was able to order phones at a much cheaper rate and have unlimited everything for 25$ I think it was. I switched when I got married to my husbands phone plan, but now we can’t afford it. Is there any other free government assistance programs out there like reach out wireless???
Free Government Cell Phones says
There are lots of alternate free government cell phone providers, Jami. Here’s where you can find all the companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Check them all out carefully to find the plan that works best for you (the most minutes, texts and data plan).
Eric says
I bought an iPhone from ReachOut, and they are closed. Can I transfer this CDMA phone to any other Lifeline company?
Thank you!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, you can switch it to any other CDMA company. Were you notified of the change? Many (most?) ReachOut customers went to Safelink.
Eric says
Thank you for your answer. I am still looking for a good lifeline provider, the signal of Safelink around where I live is terrible.
jane smith says
ReachOut Wireless had absolutely zero management. It shoild be shutting down or be made to shut down. The FCC should be targeted by guerilla armed insurgents for allowing a communications company to fester onto the public as this company has!
Stacey says
Today I have yet to receive any correspondence is from reach out I tried to switch over to another free cell phone provider I turned in all of my information to do the switch it is now September and to date I have not received anything in the mail and my phone has not been switched over yet
I live in Ohio what’s the deal with that…
who do I call????
Free Government Cell Phones says
Who did you switch to? Have you contacted their customer service team? You can also check the status of your application on many of the Lifeline company websites.
chuck scifers says
Reachout ended their business, and I have since signed uo with SafeLink. However, I cannot port over the phone number that I have had for 15 years, because the number is now inactive. I have spent coutlesss hours on the customer service line with them, received 6 new sim cards and been promised with each that all I need to do is call them, install the newest sim card, and I get my old number. Each time, after 2 – 4 hours on the phone, they end up lying to me, which I find out with the next call.
Referred to the FCC / PUC.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ve done the right thing, Chuck. Porting over your old number should have been a simple task (assuming that you requested it when you initially enrolled with Safelink).
jane smith says
Welcome to the designed failure pf the lifeline program in the USA!
michael chapman says
Hi my name is Michael I went to see how I can get a phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
In that case, Michael, you’re lucky you’ve come to FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net because no one knows more than us about how to get a free government cell phone.
Start by reading this page. It will tell you everything you need to know about qualifying for one:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Tim Pine says
Hi my name is Timothy Pine and I want to see if I can switch my LG328BG issued phone to my LG G4 that my older brother gave me
Free Government Cell Phones says
You left this comment on the ReachOut Wireless paged which confuses us, Tim. ReachOut is no longer in business. That being the case, we assume you have enrolled with a different service provider. Not all phones are compatible with all networks, so you’ll need to call your service provider’s customer service team to get the answer to your question.
Tuyet says
My phone number (562)-850-6381 doesn’t work anymore. Please tell me what should I do to unlock the phone number. Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that will tell you what you need to know:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/what-is-a-puk-code-and-how-do-you-find-it
Will green says
I’ve lost my phone please send me a new phone 850 276 ****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article, Will, that tells you what to do to get a stolen phone replaced:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Rachel brock says
Why can’t I get a smartphone my order nunber is 27724357 will you help me get a smart phone because the little one has to many numbers
Free Government Cell Phones says
Quick question, Rachel: You left this comment on our ReachOut Wireless page. As we’ve noted on this page, it is no longer in the free government cell phone business. Who is your current service provider.
Here’s an article that tells you how to upgrade to a smartphone with each of the major providers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
paula says
How can I find out if 520-248-**** is one of your Obama phones?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call 6-1-1 on the phone and see who answers. Ask them if they are a Lifeline Assistance company.
Rachel brock says
I want a smartphone and I don’t know how to get one for my area safe link.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ve come to the right website, Rachel. Here are a few links to click on to learn all about the program.
First, are you eligible? Here’s a page that tells you all the ways to qualify:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Second, there are probably a number of companies that offer free government cell phones in your state. Here’s where you can find the companies and the plans. Check them all out to make sure you’re getting the plan that’s best for you:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And finally, not all companies give out smartphones to customers when they first enroll. You may need to pay a relatively small fee to upgrade to a smartphone. Here’s an article that tells you all about it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
David Monroe says
I don’t understand Why my government phone isn’t here. I faxed Everything into you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
No, you didn’t fax everything to us, David. You faxed it to your service provider. We are an independent website that’s not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team. Or depending on which company you’re dealing with, it may have a “check your status” function on its website. Good luck.
Katie Green says
So, how about a month before Reachout Wireless announced the end of their LifeLine program I purchased an upgraded handset for like $80 – saved for 3 months to get it. Really liked my new handset. Now cannot find any company that it is offering Lifeline service that my ‘new’ handset is compatible with. Signed up with SafeLink for Lifeline service to find out they only offer VERY INFERIOR Tracfones! So I started calling other companies from the list Reachout provided on their website and guess what? They will not tell you what kinds of cell phones they provide until you are enrolled in their program. So even though these companies are now scrambling for former Reachout customers, they are offering us really substandard equipment in their rush to get us enrolled.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check this article. It may provide you with the information you need. Fact is, most free government cell phone companies don’t offer smartphones to new customers, but they are available as upgrades for a reasonable fee.
Here’s the article about which companies offer smartphones:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Jim jones says
It’s a free phone program. You can always go to a real company. Complaining about a free service like its your right to have a free iPhone 6. Stupid Obamacare cx’s. Get a job get real service.
jane smith says
Get a job in the USA where all of the jobs have been given to oversees countries where slave labor is the name of the game?
RDavis says
Jim Jones your Intellect is showing through while your referring to people getting Job You should try getting FACTS the Federal Free Phone Act was Started UNDER REAGAN and expanded under Bush Junior to Include Wireless Phones
Now that you’ve been schooled I’m willing to bet if I looked up your mobile number in our database Id find you getting a free phone as your more then likely one of the types people you seem to put down here
James Kevin Menke says
Tried to call Safelink to transfer my account from Reachout. My # 310-944-8968. I had a terrible time with the Russian & Chinese accents and was told to apply online. Also they said to call CA Lifeline and they could transfer my service. CA Lifeline said no, Safelink has to do it. when I tried to apply online it asked for digital files proving my income or SSI or Medical. I’m not that technically inclined. I’m already approved for CA Lifeline thru 2/17. Please Email me back with detailed instructions on how to proceed. I also have a Tracfone I bought in Illinois that I like because it has push buttons. can I use that one? My touch screen on the LG ReachOut sold me doesn’t work so I can’t navigate phone trees or use it to pay bills. I don’t want a touch screen but will take whatever I can get because I need to make some doctors app’ts. Thankyou
thomas caldwell says
becacuse reachout is closeing i would like to kept my number 501-286-3856
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s what you need to do, Thomas. Go to the ReachOut website and click on your state. ReachOut has been nice enough to provide a list of all alternate service providers in each of the states in which they do business.
JC Keller says
Receiving the text was actually a relief. I dreaded ever having to “talk” to someone at ReachOut Wireless “customer service.” Further, the used phone they sent me was starting to give it up (speaker acting up). This forced me to switch, something I’d be considering for awhile. Got a nice new or refurb (looks new) Samsung flip phone from Budget Mobile after communicating with their friendly and competent customer service.
Denise Ross says
I am 58, my name is Denise Ross, and I have the reach out phone and I need another plan. I am on disability. Please let me know which plan is best for me and how do I sign up for it.
Denise Ross
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s impossible for us to know which plan is best for you, Denise. That’s a decision you’ll have to make for yourself. Here’s how to start:
Click on the “States” link at the top of this page. Scroll down, find your state and click on it. You’ll find a complete list of free government cell phone companies in your state. You should click on all of them so you know what plans are available. Do you need more minutes? More texts? More of something else? Figure out which plan you prefer and apply with that company.
Good luck. This process isn’t easy for former ReachOut customers.
JC Keller says
I highly recommend Budget Mobile. Easy sign-up on their website. Good luck!
Michelle Smith says
I got a text that I need to change providers
Michelle Smith says
Then when l called. I was on hold for about 8 minutes.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not sure if you’re bragging or complaining about being put on hold for 8 minutes. We were on hold for 45 minutes with the cable company last week, so it sounds good to us.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, ReachOut is exiting the free government cell phone business. If you go to the company’s website you will find a complete list of alternate service providers in your state. Good luck.
Keith McClellan says
I heard reach out wireless not covering free cell phone, so which provider is taking over for them so can keep my phone and number?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check the ReachOut website, Keith. It lists all the alternate service providers for each state in which ReachOut offered free government cell phones.
Debbie Dauber says
Wow, and I had change to this service then decided to go back to the old service, it was a hassle but the old service changed me back.
Maria Hart says
I was on SafeLink’s Website the other day. They were trying to reach out to those who have ReachOut. I thought that was nice of them.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We would imagine that the remaining Lifeline companies are engaged in a mad scramble for ReachOut’s customers.
JC Keller says
The only solicitation I received was a text message from SafeLink via my dying ReachOut line. I imagine ReachOut either received a nice sum for the opportunity, and/or they have “connections” with them. As such, I’d have been wary of going with them if I hadn’t already (pre)selected Budget Mobile (I had researched alternatives in the recent past, since my RO-provided phone was acting up).
Free Government Cell Phones says
The scenario you suggest does not seem to be out of the realm of possibility to us.
JC Keller says
I received the SafeLink text message asking me to sign up with them AFTER I had signed up with Budget Mobile, so it was moot. However, I would have been wary of ReachOut’s “recommended alternative,” considering what RO’s “customer service” was like. I hope my instincts are wrong about SafeLink, for your sake.
Free Government Cell Phones says
To ReachOut’s credit (one of the few things we give them credit for), the company listed ALL the alternate free government cell phone providers in each state. They didn’t offer just one “recommended provider.”
JC Keller says
Yes, that was bit of brightness for them, “bowing out gracefully.”