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2015 update: The top dozen deals in free government cell phones

You may be wondering what could be better than free. And the answer is a simple one: Getting more for free is better than getting less for free.

With that in mind, we combed through all the deals offered by dozens Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone companies in all fifty states, Puerto Rico and Washington, DC to find the very best plans — the ones that give consumers like you the most for free. Without further delay, here are the very best of the best.

1. Budget Wireless: Offers low-income residents of Oklahoma a free SMART phone, unlimited voice minutes, unlimited texts and 500 MB of data for free

2. Feel Safe Wireless: The Feel Safe California plan comes with a free phone, unlimited talk, unlimited text, 100MB data and 100 free international texts.

3. Feel Safe Wireless: Offers Oklahomans a free cell phone, unlimited talk and text, mms and 200MB of data every month.

4. Tag Mobile: Low-income Californians can now get a free cell phone, unlimited voice calls and unlimited texting PLUS 100MB of data per month.

We have a three way tie for the plans offering the fifth best free government cell phone plans. All of these offers are also available only in California.

5. Assurance Wireless: The California FREEdom Plan offers you a free cell phone, unlimited free voice and unlimited free texts.

5. Budget Mobile: Offers low income Californians a free cell phone plus unlimited free voice and unlimited free texts.

5. ReachOut Wireless: ReachOut has stepped up its game in California and now provides customers with a free phone, unlimited voice minutes and unlimited texts.

8. Tag Mobile: offers its Oklahoma customers 3000 voice minutes, 3000 texts, and and 30mb of data free

9. Total Call Mobile: Offers Californians 1000 minutes of talk within the United States and 1000 texts worldwide.

10. Access Wireless: Access offers financially-struggling Californians a plan that includes an Android smartphone, 1000 minutes OR texts, plus 200MB data usage each month.

11. TruConnect (aka Telscape and Surelink Mobile): TruConnect offers its California customers 1000 voice minutes plus 200 texts per month.

12. enTouch Wireless: Needy Californians can a phone and 1100 voice minutes and texts. That’s 1100 for both voice and text combined.

Let’s not leave out two companies that deserve honorable mentions.

Two Lifeline Assistance companies offer low-income residents of Alaska free government cell phone programs that could have made our top ten list except for one little thing (and we do mean little thing). The free government cell phone program isn’t quite free in Alaska. Those who qualify for the program are required to pay $1 per month for the same services that residents of other states get for free.

Let’s put a positive spin on the situation and say that these companies make a dollar go further than almost anyone else.

True Wireless: Oklahoma’s financially-stressed residents can get a free Android smart phone, 1750 free voice minutes plus 2000 texts PLUS 5 MB of data for just $1 per month

Assist Wireless: Assist offers Oklahoma’s poor unlimited voice and text plus 200 mb for a very affordable $4.95 per month

Alaska Communications: Offers unlimited talk and text for just $1 per month

Alaska Digitel: Offers unlimited Talk and text for just $1 per month

Easy Wireless: Qualified Oklahoma residents receive an unlimited talk and text plan for $4.95 per month

So there you have it. The top dozen deals in free government cell phones (plus a handful of honorable mentions), the companies and plans that give you more for less.

Obviously, the list is dominated by companies from three states — California, Oklahoma and Alaska. But that may well be explained that the poverty rates are higher than the national average in those states and the companies are simply responding to the local situations.

Nevertheless, we can always hope that competitive forces will encourage additional companies in additional states to step up their games and begin offering generous programs like the ones shown above.

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Comments

  1. I’m with TagMobile and I’m supposed to get 2gb data, but it’s ultra slow as a hotspot after 500 mb, probably throttled. I’m talking abut 56-110 kbs slow. I’m running YouTube to see if I’m getting my 2gb data and YouTube starts and stops repeatedly.

    Reply

    • Some of the plans offered “unlimited” plans that throttle down the speed after a certain number of gigs are consumed. Check with your service provider to find out if that is the case with your service plan.

      Reply

  2. I live in Kentucky on disability with low income. is there a government program that has free data? most debit cards can only notify you right away on a smartphone only if you have data on your phone if someone trying to make false purchases.

    Reply

  3. Qlink Gave my friend a Phone Yet when I go on their website it says that service is Not in my area Yet he lives a Mile from me??

    Reply

    • Two possibilities: One is that the website was in error. The other is that the end of Q Link’s service area actually falls between your house and your friend’s. In either case, you should contact Q Link customer service by phone or online to verify the information.

      Reply

    • That’s the funniest comment of the day, Annon. There is no catch. If you qualify, you can get a free government cell phone. Millions of low-income Americans already have them and use them every day.

      Reply

  6. When, where and how soon can I get a FREE Senior Citizen cell phone?. I am 71 years young, and I lives in Queens NY 11434

    Reply

    • We can see the twinkle in your eye from here, Richard. The senior program is not yet available nationwide. AT&T is still conducting its test market.

      Maybe you should subscribe to our email newsletter. Then you would get the news as soon as it hits. Just put your email address in the “Subscribe to our Newsletter” box at the top right hand of this page. Then hit the click button.

      Reply

  7. I have assurance wireless at the time now but i’m not happy with not having enough data and better reception.But i would still like to port out my same number being it’s a main number given to all my resorces.Can you pleas help me?

    Reply

  8. i have lost my goverment phone, i believe that it is safelink but im not sure..i cant go without one. ive had it for a few years. im having so many troubles, not getting the help i need. please help me.

    Reply

  9. Hello,

    I currently have Metropcs. My phone is damaged so its hard to ses or use. I can only afford $5-25 per month for now. I was in California now in Georgia. What can I do to have Access and a phone that has a screen large enough to use without the purchase of a tablet for school? I only have Medicare right now and do not have an income cause my SSI is in suspension.

    Thank you advance for your help.

    Marie Dolcine

    Reply

  12. Can I switch providers? I am currently with safelink and it does not have reception in my home. Q-link for one, does have reception, (thanks to a friend who has the service) so I would like to change if it is possible.

    Reply

  13. How do I get a free gov. Smart phone with good service. And the most free text and call time for where I live in Franklin ga. For low income families

    Reply

    • Most of the free government cell phone companies offer smart phones as an upgrade. In some cases, if you’re really lucky, you’ll be given a smart phone initially. But it’s the luck of the draw. The upgrades are relatively inexpensive — usually in the $40 range.

      Reply

  14. I am low income resident in California.I like California’s plan very much.I like the condition that Feel Safe Wireless provided more.

    My condition is I am dissability and I have medicare,medical and SSI benifit.
    I’d like to apply FeelSafeWireless free cell phone now.How can I do, I can have it as soon as possible?Thank you very much.

    Best Regards,
    Yan Gao

    Reply

    • Ask and he shall receive. Click on our “States” link at the top of this page. Then click on “California”. It will take you to a complete list of providers in the Golden State.

      Reply

    • Go to our “States” page (found in the navigation bar at the top of this page) to check what’s available in your state. If your state does not offer as many minutes/texts as California or Oklahoma, get in touch with your state’s public utility commission to ask why. There’s no reason every state shouldn’t offer as many minutes as Oklahoma and California.

      Reply

  18. My cell has a white screen and doesn’t show reg screen, it start to turn off on its own and now now screen. Please help, need to have it replaced. I live in Orangevale CA where I received cell on greenback lane in parking lot.

    Reply

  19. Biased article! Please save people time by wording the article title correctly.
    This article is mainly for California, Oklahoma, and Alaska residents.
    What about the financially strapped occupants of the other 49 states?
    Is there an article about the best deals for Lifeline phones in other states as well?
    By the way, I’m a budding writer and love to do research (of which I’ll have to do now, since the state I live in is not specified.)
    Are you currently hiring competent writers?

    Reply

  20. Biased article! Please save people time by wording the article title correctly.
    This article is mainly for California, Oklahoma, and Alaska residents.
    What about the financially strapped occupants of the other 49 states?
    Is there an article about the best deals for Lifeline phones in other states as well?

    Reply

  21. Hello, I’m disabled and definitely eligible for a phone. I was more during about this program in Kentucky. I was wondering if there was a cheap smart phone plan?

    Thank you,

    Reply

  24. Where I live only verizon towers are available. This means unless the phone gets verizon service the other phone service does not work.My question is will I beable to have a verizon phone service without monthly charge? I t says theres a payment charge per month.

    Reply

  25. My son needs a wireless cell. He is on total 100% medical, dental housing, and mental health coverage in Seattle, WA. WE are both totally disabled. Thank you, and God Bless.

    Reply

  27. May I please ask of all the government cell phone providers there are in Arizona I’ve also have been told that atleaset 1 or 2 of the providers do offer or give new members a smart phone and I’ve also read a lot of the providers info and what they offer and I personally do know that Safelink now does provide internet data and they deduct time from your talking mins but the problem is that YES they do provide the internet but when I have tried to get on all the websites that it offers like email & social example Google gmail Facebook MySpace an so on along with entertainment sports whether news and so fourth I’ve not ever been able to connect let alone access the sites but I have been able to fully access there website for ringtones and graphics which I’ve truly and honestly have enjoyed simply because I was honestly actually able to dwn load the ringtone of my choice among graphics and alert tones and the cool part is that they deducted time from my calling mins so I was able to dwn load wte it was that I was wanting to

    Reply

  30. When I visited the Access Wireless page, they show 250 minutes and not 1000. This may just be for California or a secondary deal.

    Reply

  31. Thank you. I think it’s very important to have all the information possible for security, safe cellphone assistance available. Have a good safe rest of the year.

    Reply

  32. I live in Virginia. What is the best ‘free plan’ I get to choose from? I just lost my job, which meant there went my cell. I get EBT, and the kids get Medicaid.

    Reply

  34. I would like the “blu” phone ? i deffinately need a few minutes, lots of texts and mostly internet and web. i seem to have problems so far with budget mobile, accent wireless, true connect, liFe Wireless, And access wireless… Help
    …

    Reply

  35. i just moved back from south carolina here in covington Ohio. MY husband i are split up and now i am on my own again with three girl. A phone would help me aa lotl..]]

    Reply

  36. i want to know where can i find a feelsafe representative in sacramento,ca? Do you know time when someone will be at that location? If any one has them how is the service?
    WHAT ARE THE BEST PROVIDERS WITH FEW PROBLEMS IN SACRAMENTO, CA? Thanks

    Reply

  37. Hello, I have a question. I’m trying to find my friend, he’s a homeless Veteran that’s living in a shelter in Clarksburg, WV. Anyway, he did have a pre paid Verizon wireless phone and I would help him pay it. I haven’t talked to him for a while so I don’t know if he changed his Verizon cell number or if he might have gotten a Gov. Phone. Is there any way I could look up his name to see if by chance he has one. I’m just a worried fried .

    Reply

  38. Here is my phone problems I have a mip:67 error its stopping me from incoming calls and outgoing calls.. I have no data /phone connection /they haven’t given me my 250 minutes for 5 months now. Yes I have switched over to 2diffetent government phone companys ..why? For the way access wireless treated me as a customer

    Reply

  39. ACCESS Wireless.. Customers are being ignored.. It takes 2/3/4/.hours just to get a operator on line for help.. 1-866-594-3644/1-888-900-5899/1-800-464-6010..this should be reported to the CEO manager ..THEY have no main number can’t even fix there own phones.. They sure can miss up your account..

    Reply

    • it seems as if the Access website goes round and round and in the end I still was not able to apply online and the program did not allow me to print the application. Customer service is not even offered on the phone. Not sure I want this service if I can’t even apply.

      Reply

  40. Social Worker with community care program for south Georgia. Have a few low income disabled clients who need a cell phone. Which would be the best for them.

    Reply

  41. I was a previous GM for access wireless and i will tell you, we were probably the best deal to go with as far as not being scammed (Due to us running your info in front of you and providing you with a brand new phone, activated on the spot) and customer service is fairly okay, usually an american which is great as far as accents goes. Plus all the perks that come with having a Kroger or frys (Az) phone, with cheap plans you can buy inside any Krogers stores

    Reply

  42. I live in Massachusetts, and I’m enrolled in a government assisted cell phone program. I’ve been wondering if there is ANY possible way I could transfer my free cell phone program over to a Android? It’s an old cheap pre-paid phone I’d received as a gift years ago. I DO NOT understand why in the world I wouldn’t be able to…I mean Im NOT asking for any free internet nor any free data, or anything extra! All I’m asking to do is transfer my account that already includes free mins/texting, over to a different phone…PLEASE can someone tell me is there a way to do that? (Currently Im using SAFELINK wireless, but I’m wondering if I switch over to Assurance Wireless can I use my old android phone? Because the android phone I have Is actually a pre-paid LG by Virgin Mobile, and since Assurance Wireless is affiliated with Virgin Mobile, I figure it shouldn’t be a problem!….RIGHT?

    Reply

  48. You need to update your info. You have Budget Mobile listed all over your pages and in the number one spot on a lot of them. They are going out of business in California causing there current customers the mess of having to transfer their “Obama Phones” “Government Phones” and/or “Lifeline Phones” whatever they may call them, to have to be transfer/move to another provider. It is a real pain to have to do. I have also heard (do not know for fact) that they are still taking peoples money to setup new service & will not be refunding any money to anyone. So you should check into Budget Mobile for your selves & update accordingly. Other then that your info is very helpful and I’d like to thank you for your services.

    Reply

  49. I just spoke to ReachOut Wireless. They told me they’re not accepting California customers right now. I didn’t ask why. This is the second California provider among the top 12 today who refused my application. Is there a reason why this is happening?

    Reply

  50. I’m finding this website very helpful as I try and decide what lifeline provider to try, but you might want to amend your assessment of Feel Safe Wireless. I just tried to apply for the California plan and was told they weren’t taking applications for that state because that part of the website was down. This had been the case for a month, and they had no estimate as to when things would change. The whole thing feels very unsafe.

    Reply

  53. That’s great for those in Alaska and California, buy what do you offer to a 50+, low-income, Nevada resident.

    Reply

    • Not everybody can get everything. Californians I’m sure wish they had your Nevada income tax rate of zero.

      Reply

      • Not everyone can get everything? I think she realizes this since we are on a site looking for reviews about government sponsored phones. I don’t think expecting that your list would maybe include at least one company that services ALL or even MOST the states is asking all that much. But go ahead and be snippy. She can’t reply. She doesn’t have a phone.

        Reply

      • Really? Nice way to treat people. You dont know that this person has A good income regardless if wages are good in Nv. You are supposed to give info not pass judgement . cali and Ok give way better deals, here in michigan I’m sure Detroit has many in need..

        Reply

    • In the menu in the header, click States to get to Arizona, or Providers to get to Safelink.

      Reply

  55. This is an interesting article. My question is, “What is there about the dynamic in California and Oklahoma that makes them so different in what is being offered”? That would be a great follow up to this article.

    Reply

      • “SAFELINK”, “CRICKET” [ crooket ? ? ] THE GOV’T AND WAL-MART VERSIONS OF THE “O’BLAME’YA PHONE” and “VERIZON BUDGET MOBILE” are ALL CHEATING THEIR LOW-INCOME CUSTOMERS !

        YOU CAN TELL THEM THEIR FORMER CUSTOMER, GARY PIERCE, SAID SO !!

        Reply
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