If you’re a Lifeline free government cell phone customer, you can now switch service providers any time you want. That’s right, any time you want. Because the USAC, the organization that governs the free government cell phone program, has officially eliminated those annoying port freezes that left customers stuck in cell phone hell.
This is outstanding news for Lifeline free government cell phone customers, but Lifeline companies no doubt find it far less outstanding.
According to the USAC.org website:
The Lifeline Program’s port freeze rule was eliminated on March 19, 2018. On that date, port freezes were removed from the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), and any customers that were in a port freeze had the restriction removed.
USAC will not implement an administrative port freeze. NLAD users should no longer encounter port freeze error messages.
The good folks at LifelineLaw.com explain exactly what that means for free government cell phone customers:
Effective March 19, the Lifeline port freeze rules will be eliminated. The rules, which originally took effect in December 2016, precluded customers from transferring to another provider:
- their Lifeline voice subsidy for 60 days, or
- their Lifeline broadband subsidy for 12 months.
Less than a year later, the FCC determined that the port freeze rules “limit[ed] Lifeline consumers’ ability to seek more competitive offerings and obtain those services that best meet their needs” nor did it promote competition. As part of the rule elimination, NLAD will be updated to remove the port freeze constraints and customers in port freeze status as of that date will have the restriction lifted.
Our readers have told us many tales in which the 60 day or 12-month port freeze left them stuck in some crazy situations.
In some cases, their Lifeline “service” provider didn’t even offer service in their area, leaving them with a free government cell phone, but no cell phone service whatsoever. In other cases, our readers desperately wanted to get away from a company whose service (and customer service) were absolutely horrible, but they were stuck in cell phone hell because of the port freeze.
Of course, the companies that provide free government cell phones will undoubtedly disagree that this is good news. And, in some ways, we understand their point of view. Consider this: They spend time and money enrolling new customers and then send each of them a free government cell phone, but now these new rules allow customers to switch to a different company the next day (an extreme example, perhaps, but not inaccurate).
But no matter what the companies may say, we know that Lifeline customers consider the elimination of the port freeze to be a reason to celebrate.
Adina Devonish says
Why is it that each participant is now allowed to have BOTH phone service & Internet.
My LifeLine service was Deactivated in January (by Access Wireless), the Access Wireless Customer Service Rep said I could purchase a monthly package to Restore Lifeline service that included Text, Phone, & Data
Free Government Cell Phones says
Each household is allowed one Lifeline discount.
Rita Madrigal says
I recently in October of this year received my qlink wireless free Obama phone. to take an extra security precaution measure which I have done several times before is to encrypt the SIM card so that way nobody May steal my my services or information now that asks for a PUK code that you easily should be able to obtain from the service provider qlink Wireless would be mine they refused to give out that code and request that I buy a brand new phone that comes with a SIM card because the phone is no good witch several times I’ve caught the representatives telling me lies and letting them know that the phone is still good it is the SIM card in the PUK code that they refused to recite to me when asked to speak to technical support I was denied and was told that this is not a technical issue I which I agreed this is not a technical issue and it shouldn’t have been an issue with the representative either but for some reason qlink Wireless will not give you a PUK code so in order to ensure your safety and your personal information and your services on your sim card I suggest do not encrypt it so that others can steal your information either way they will get their money bye telling you false information that is incorrect so I find that switching to another company made provide me with better service I don’t mind spending the extra $25 on another phone or services but what bothers me is the fact that poor customer service was the main contributing factor for my decision
Lou says
Is it to be assumed that if one provider’s Bring Your Own Phone rejects a particular unlocked phone, they all will? To rephrase, whatever policy standard prevents the provider from accepting a particular phone, are not the remaining providers under the same tech limitations/restrictions?
On the face of it, an asinine inquiry, maybe, but it would certainly save a lot of footwork there being a global standard.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We assume one company could reject a phone because it is not compatible with its national cell network. There may be other reasons, but that would be our first guess. The same phone may be compatible with other companies’ networks. Here’s an article that explains it all:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network
Barbara Henninger says
I am on LIfeline. I was was with TAG company. I dropped my phone and it broke. TAG told me to go buy an unlocked device and put in the TAG Sim card. But, the unlocked devices I found were around $200 and I couldn’t afford it. I had to buy a cheap phone and pay for one month. How can I get back on free LIfeline service?
Thank you.
Barbara Henninger
Free Government Cell Phones says
Simple, Barbara. As long as you haven’t enrolled in a program within the last 60 days, you are eligible to enroll with any other company (other than TAG, that is) offering free government cell phones in your state. Here’s where you can find them all:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
mike says
this is great news.
K.D. says
I presently have a Lifeline discount on my home land-line phone — not on a cell-phone. (Only one account, of course.) My landline provider is Frontier Communications (the state’s main home landline provider.)
I am interested in switching my Lifeline service by:
1) Keeping my landline phone line (but, discontinuing the Lifeline discount on it)
2) Getting a Lifeline cell-phone.
Do I need to do anything first (like contacting the landline provider, Frontier, and telling them I want to continue my landline, but DIScontinue the Lifeline discount on it) before calling the Lifeline cell Co. to request they switch me to their service?
Or, can the Lifeline cell-phone company switch my Lifeline discount, even if it is currently with a landline phone co.?
Many thanks!
Free Government Cell Phones says
We might be wrong, but we think this is the first time in nine years that we’ve ever been asked this question, and we’re not sure we know the correct answer. BUT we assume the process should be the same as if you were to switch from one free government cell phone company to another because it’s all part of the Lifeline program. If we are correct, follow the instructions found in this article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
At the very least you should contact the customer service team at the free government cell phone company you select in order to discuss the question.
K.D. says
Yes, I do have Lifeline on a home landline. Figured I might be the last person alive with a landline, so I am not surprised you found this an unusual question. Thank you for your amazingly quick, honest reply. Truly, I wish most of the rest of the Internet worked as well as your web-site does.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are truly welcome, KD. Good luck.
Nancy ONeal says
I recertified for my SafeLink account in December, yet I am getting messages from USAC requesting additional documentation. Why? are SafeLink and USAC the same company?
Free Government Cell Phones says
There’s no way for us to know why you are receiving the requests because we are not your service provider. Safelink is a service provider and the USAC is the organization that governs the free government cell phone program.
Helen Clark says
ATT is trying to disconnect lifeline customers in Ali for is by saying they couldn’t verify identity with information provided, and not notifying customers of this for three months by whichntime the service has expired
People have to go through the process of re applying to get re instated.
For people in remote areas with cell phone service, or ability to use
Ifeline cell phones, this is really impactful..
Free Government Cell Phones says
AT&T does not participate in the Lifeline free government cell phone program. They offered discounted phones, but not free ones.
Shelley Wilson says
You Will find this ridiculous but, I was NEVER able to receive a Cell phone. I was told my address doesn’t register, yet my neighbors All had phones through the state. Omg, I am female, 54 and on a bus. I’m not stupid.but I’m not slick either maybe you can help me register for f state phoe.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The USAC, the organization that oversees the free government cell phone plan, offers help to potential customers such as you, Shelley. Visit USAG.org and click around until you find the link to the consumer help section.
Louise Gomes says
I lost my phone and I need to receive a new one, but I forgot what company I got the phone from.
Can you please help me on getting another one.415-792-****
Thanks,
Louise Gomes
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check the USAC.org website, Louise. One of the things they do is help Lifeline customers figure out who their service provider is.
James On Carson says
I have had trouble with access wireless to long. I asked them to send me a larger ZTE phone but they refused to do so. That violas 3300a phone with goggles email open up to illicit sex on it,when I reported it to them they ignored me.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Illicit sex? Now you’ve got our attention, James. You left your comment on an article all about how to switch service providers. If you are unhappy with Access, read the article and switch to a different provider. Simple solution.
The Reaper says
Yes just today my phone got freezed for 30 days…… Heres what happen I got that pink envelope in the mail so yesterdayi went on line thinking well it would be faster well that was so wrong cause I even got me a confirmation# and when I talked to somebody this morning I that well if I give it to them that would been even better well again that was wrong cause when I gave it to them after that they said I was not going to have service for probably not bee able to use it for about 30 days but now whats seems funny about all that I really have to really tell 11/26/2018 so this means to me I even reaplyed a month earlier then I had to and I still got screwed from the government just one more time in life and I did have californialifeline.and yep I had SafeLink with a TracFone……
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Reaper, but we do not have a clue what you are talking about. One piece of advice: Punctuation is your friend.
Loren Brothers says
For years I was getting Lifeline services from Assurance Wireless and happily using a simple Kyocera flip phone for voice services. Always had a great signal even despite the fact I lived up in the mountains. That is until I decided to switch “up” to a “smart” phone in November ’17. So they sent me a really cheapo ZTE N817. It was a dog! Never have been able to get a signal more than 5% of the time despite the cell tower only being less than 2 miles away and also line-of-sight. So I called and told them they sent me a bum phone … could they send me a new one? … could they just reactivate my old flip phone? Argued with them for more than 2 months, customer service was worthless, they refused to do anything, and they just said “tough luck, you are stuck with us for a whole year. Neener-neener”. So for almost a year I’ve been stuck with a phone that didn’t work! Until today …. when I read here on this site that the stupid regulation had been lifted. HOORAY! Wish I had known sooner! This morning I applied with SafeLink … has to be better.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are not stuck with them for a year. As of late last year the rules were changed so that you are now able to switch service provider’s every 60 days. Much better for consumers. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch to a different service provider:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Fred H. says
I too am now a (not so happy) customer of EnTouch Wireless. I was migrated from Budget. I use an older iPhone 4 that has battery issues. Either way, EnTouch now provides clients with 4g service and BYOD availability. Due to the fact that I was a “migrated” customer, I receive a lower quality of service and 100mb per month data. Every time I’ve called attempting to either buy an updated device, get a SIM or change to services available in my state in the program, they say the only thing they are willing to do is keep me on a 3g data service, and I can buy a new phone. Or, I can shut down my number, wait 30 days and sign up again. I’ve had my number a number of years, and why should I be penalized because the bough the carriers clients? Now that I see I can port, I might just be done with them and go to a company that provides more bandwidth and data. I’m not unreasonable, this is. I would appreciate if someone from EnTouch would contact me and give me a better option. Thanks!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Chad from enTouch does a great job monitoring all our reader comments, so let’s see what he has to say.
C. Bilotta says
My government wireless phone company is EnTouch Wireless. For the last five months my account zeros out after three weeks into a 30 day cycle (no voice minutes, text or data units available). I have continually called them just to be told that the “system is down” and it should be reactivated within 24-48 hours. Of course, they are happy to “top-up” my account which I have to pay for. I nowhere near use up the voice minutes, yet they zero out on a regular basis. I am a disabled senior and would have a regular, non-government cell phone if I could afford it.
Of course, I am grateful for the service that I DO receive, but it’s scary to be without a phone in case of emergency. This practice of seemingly trying to get people to buy more “minutes” when they haven’t even used the ones in their plan seems illegal to me. Who do I reach out to with this problem? The FCC? BBB?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Chad from enTouch monitors all the comments left here by enTouch customers. Check in again to see what he has to say.
Ace M says
Are there any lifeline services that use ATT for GSM, i am trying to use those voicemail services such as youmail which help with spam calls but they require conditional call forwarding and apparently tmobile does not allow that on prepaid services which lifeline providers apparently are
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you which networks are used by each of free government cell phone companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network
Ace M says
That is the link i actually used when i switched to lifewireless but unfortunately the service is tmobile, they said new customers will not have at&t
Ms. C says
Because ATT no longer deals with 2G service, many (if not all) Lifeline providers using GSM, are using T-Mobile. I thing within the next year or two, no one will be using the 2G network
Erin says
I’d like to say that as someone who has a had a few different services (due to lapses in renewing and poor quality) I have always offered/expected to have to send the phone back if I switched. But they never wanted them back. So as far as money goes, these companies are choosing to waste some of theirs by not reusing unwanted phones.
Erin says
Thank goodness! I had a bad experience with Standup Wireless (commented on your page for them), didn’t even get to use the service because of a defective phone. Last I was told I had to wait a whole year to switch! Was afraid I would have to do so again but checked the USAC site and saw the new rules. So grateful. I understand having limits to calls and/or texting since we are not paying for service but we should have the right to switch companies like anyone else. I would have even be ok having to pay a fee to do so like most people.
Sherry says
I too have or still am having issues with Standup wireless. I was switched to them from another company left with the same phone I already had for 2 or more years. Shortly after my phone completely died. I was told I would have to buy another phone, that irritated me a bit since I never got a phone from them to begin with. I had no idea until now that the port freeze was lifted so I went ahead and paid 45.00 for another phone they told me was brand new. Now just after 3 months yesterday my phone died doing the exact same thing the last one did. I called Standup wireless explaining . and of course right off I’m told I would need to buy yet another phone! What happened to my “free phone?! I’m on limited disability with many serious medical issues , left with no way to call my Dr’s. I’ve had this severe headache with numbness and other stroke signs and no access to even call 911 ! Thankful for seeing the article about the lift at least maybe I will be able to switch to another company….. sighs …it will still take a couple of weeks before I get another working phone .
Ms. C says
I love that the port freeze requirement has been removed. we not have the opportunity to “test drive” the different companies.
For years, I had Safelink. The coverage was thought T-Mobile, which worked well for me. I had to contact CS a few times, but my issues were resolved with ease. What made me want to look around was the package offered. It seemed that other companies offered much more.
Q-link sounded good. 1GB data and unlimited text, and a free phone (Same as everyone else), but they also offered 1000 talk minutes. After a week of back/forth I received a message that congratulated be on qualifying to receive: 1GB data, unlimited text, and 350 free minutes. I can start receiving these benefit once I pay $25 for a Q-link phone!
TAG Mobile also uses T-Mobile. Unless you live in California, you must provide your own unlocked GSM phone. You will receive 750 minutes, unlimited text, and 1GB data. Problem is that TAG has a problem porting. If you want to keep a number, TAG may not be the way to go.
Life Wireless is a good read. The offer is 500 talk minutes, 1GB data, unlimited text, 100 MMS, and wi-fi thought iPass. You should BYOD. Their past phone had a virus. Gee, and I liked my Logic 1X!
I may well stay with Safelink, but at least I will know that it’s the best fit for me.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good analysis, Mrs C. We wish more readers would take the time to do their homework like you have.
Ms. C says
Thank you, and thank you for this website. I have found, used, and shared much of the info found here.
Let be say that in trying to find a good fit, I found that company are not willing to provide the services they advertise. For this and many more of the concerns I’ve seen listed on the site, we can file what is called a “Whistle blower Alert” https://www.usac.org/about/tools/whistleblowerForm/Default.aspx . Read the USAC rules and make sure that you are reporting the right things to the right people.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Excellent advice, Ms C.
Erin says
Thanks for the info!
Safelink was to ‘tinny’ for me, but I thought it used ATT. Maybe it depends on your state? Tag did look good but I can’t deal with trying to unlock and port a device right now. Was looking at Life Wireless but will pass based on your tip. Might go back to Assurance (liked them just they sent annoying ‘use your phone’ texts even though I constantly texted) , or check out some of the other new ones.
Ace M says
I tried getting qlink back in 2017 and had nothing but hassles with them and i could never reach a human on support
Safelink offers the lowest plan, and the service was fine, except when they canceled my account for no reason, they said it was a mistake and that i needed to reapply, if i wanted to have service until my application was reprocessed i had to buy a prepaid card from them, which i unfortunately had to do
I am now with lifewireless, they sent me a sim card, which i had to activate, then they sent me another so that i could port my #, so it took a long time, however i have been able to speak to a human each and every time i call in and they respond to email about 80% of the time
Free Government Cell Phones says
Glad to hear you finally found a service provider you’re happy with, Ace.
Gita Mehta says
I have been an ACCESS Wireless Customer, since August 2016. I want to switch Cellphone Providers, and use SAFELINK Wireless instead. A Safelink Rep. told me that first, I have to terminate my Service with Access. They will not assist me, in the transfer of Lifeline benefits and changing Carriers. (I thought they would.)
When I call Access Wireless, no one ever answers the phone. Everything is voice-prompted. I have been at this for months!
Question:
How do I terminate my Lifeline Service with Access Wireless, so I can switch Carriers, and move to Safelink? If Access does not have an Customer Service Staff (to assist Customers), how do I end my Service with them? PLEASE ADVISE. Or, can you (or someone else) intervene, on my behalf?
Access has made it impossible for their Customers, to terminate their Service; switch Carriers, etc. They appear to be a “ghost” company, and I have to question their legitimacy.
Please HELP, and thank you!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you exactly what steps to take:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Erin says
I used to have Access. I believe I sent an email asking them to terminate my service. Then I sent that email to the customer service email of the new Lifeline service I wanted as proof I had quit Access. It was annoying but worked.
Ms. C says
I am glad the “port freeze” was removed. I’d had service with Safelink, and had no problem with their service. The cost for extra minutes was a good value. I wanted to leave because they offered 350 monthly minutes, while other companies offered 500 or 750 minutes per month. I didn’t care about data, with my wi-fi enabled phones, data use was a non-issue.
I’m thinking of switching to TAG Mobile for their 750 monthly minutes; unlimited talk/text can be purchased for $10. They even have a pre-paid plan at the same rate. I’ve read comments on the slowness of porting number, but I did some digging. It seems that there are at least 3 companies involved in the porting process. This makes things not as simple as we may think. Also the TAG website does not say porting will be done in 24-48, maybe even 72 hours. It states up to 72 “business hours”. With an 8-hour business day, porting may take up to 9 days.
I think I will give TAG a try. At least I know I can port out if things don’t work.
Ms. C says
Well, I gave TAG a try. It took 2 weeks to receive the SIM card.
I truly understand what was being said about porting. Once I was told that the company could do lifeline to lifeline and pre paid to pre paid ports, but unable to do cross ports. Twice I was told the the company’s computer system was down, thus the company was unable to port.
I had no problem with the service itself (hey, T-mobile is T-mobile), but if you want decent service while maintaining the same phone number, TAG Mobile is not the place to go. Oh yeah, other than in Cali, it’s all BYOD.
I think try Life Wireless next.. AWWW! The benefits of not having a port freeze is the ability to find the right fit.
Archie says
thank you
John Phoenix says
Thank you so much for this Great news. Your work on this site is greatly appreciated.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks, John. It’s always nice to have our hard work appreciated. (By the way, John Phoenix is our favorite name of the week.)
Erin says
Yep forgot to send my thanks as well. Thank you for keeping this site updated 🙂
ro says
HI, Is it possible to buy new smart phone for example: Samsung s9 plus and keep the service government on it? I know that the smart phone government is different from the one can buy, Can you advice me or told me what is the true because I want to buy a new smart phone which is Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus to my mom as a gift with keep her lifeline service on it, is it possible or guarantee to do it?
Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Please keep in mind that not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. You need to contact your free government cell phone service provider’s customer service or tech support team to figure out if the phone you want to use is compatible with the service provider’s network. PLEASE have that conversation before you purchase any phone.
david Jamerson says
when are they going to have low cost internet for low income house holds in California
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to check out our other website, CheapInternet.com, David. There are a number of low-income internet plans available in California right now. Here’s a link to all the plans:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Dorothy J Gatewood says
Oh, HAPPY DAY! Finally we get relief from crooked, false advertising and heartless companies like Qlink Wireless. They sucker you in with their 500 minute plan and then two months later its reduced to 350 minutes and all these improved alternatives to extend the 350 minutes by using other apps that require wifi service! Then they throw in their free 500gb, which finally went to 1gb and still equals to almost nothing if you want to use data at all .Especially if you are a Senior Citizen with no wifi or know how how to use those apps in the first place! This has been one of the most demeaning experiences that I’ve had to endure with any Cell phone company.So, I tossed their phone to the back of the closet and did not use it til my anniversary date came up, then called them told them my year was up and they could cancel my service and offered to send their equipment back, which they no longer wanted.Even though the phone was not used for almost the whole year they kept sending me notices on how many text messages were used each month. Good bye and Good riddance to QLink Wireless
GypsyB says
I agree Q-link is horrible! I’m trying to find a better co. Seems no one uses Verizon and the only way to get their service is to pay.
Chuck Tin says
Good to know. Am planning to switch from Assurance because they want to charge me $25 to switch from an old minutes centric plan to their data-centric plan. But I worry that the new Lifeline carrier I use may be lousy, and I’d be stuck there for 12 months if I received one of their free phones. I actually plan to swap in my existing phone, which is a nice 5.5″ screen ZTE Warp Elite, and keep the free phone as a backup.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You won’t be stuck wiht the new service provider for twelve months, Chuck. The whole point of the elimination of the port freeze is that you can switch to a new provider any time you want.
Rodney W Doney says
WOW!!!! This is great!!! Im jumping ship with QLink. Their phones work like crap, alwys freezing etc
katherine marchison says
I have tried twice since 3/19 to switch to SafeLink from anothe provider whose phone I never activated & offered to return. The SafeLink rep to whom I spoke kept telling me I coudn’t switch till my 12 months with the other provider was up even when I, repeatedly, told him the port freeze was eliminated & I read him the specific text of the USAC notice stating that the port freeze had been eliminated. Extremely, extremely frustrating. I have a mobility problem & must use a qwerty phone that I can try out before using & SafeLink is the only lifeline provider in my area who allows a subscriber to use her own phone.
I wish Verizon would offer more benefits for its landline lifeline program but a local call discount doesn’t go far these days – even my doctors are outside of my local calling area.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’d suggest that you call customer service again and ask to speak to a supervisor, Katherine.
Alan S. says
I just transferred to an outside provider from Assurance Wireless.. They sent me a phone with 8 gb rom.after I paid them $25, even though I was with them for years and they offered it free to new people. Then it died and as a replacement, they sent one with 4gb. And the first time I used it, the screen message was that I was low in storage space, even though I did NOT download one app when I got it. Their response was to eliminate some apps I downloaded!!! Their attitude was always,,,, always, condescending.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry to hear about your problems, Alan.
James says
Alan, I didn’t know any smart phone was made with only 4GB system memory but if it’s an Android type phone you can probably add some additional memory by inserting an microSDHC card to the SD card slot and then formatting it as system memory, a special function for Android that allows you to expand the system memory and thus gain control, even for adding additional apps if you like. Best performance is by using the fast type of HDSD memory (microSDSD is about the size of a mini SIM card) I recommend at least 16GB and 32GB is even better (I think you cannot easily fill 16GB but 32 is near impossible), no need to buy anything else other than this microSDHC memory, install it into the slot and mount/format it as internal system memory.
Most owners manuals don’t describe this optional system memory function so you’re not likely to find it there but here is a link:
http://www.tomsguide.com/forum/id-3344535/upgrade-phone-storage.html
A little story in my case, by using the methods given the option to format as internal (as opposed to external) wasn’t listed but when I pressed and held my finger on the button “long press” for a few seconds, the option to format for internal (system) use popped up on screen. The formatting process takes several minutes in this mode and so far, I don’t receive the “out of storage space” error any more.
So good luck with your Android phone (this expansion option doesn’t apply to Apple iphones as far as I know)
Cindy says
i would like to join a plan; however one of the requirements is that the phone can only be used locally. I still use a phone number from N.D. and live in East Arizona. Will I need to change my phone number to a East Arizona area code to qualify? Does local area mean Arizona or just the area i live which is Mesa Arizona but I have 2 Physicians in Goodyear Arizona.
Could I please receive a Customer Service Contact Number to just ask questions since i do not have an application until these questions are answered
Thank You from Cindy
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can probably use your free government cell phone until your anniversary date rolls around. Then you’ll need to decertify, which you cannot do as a resident of a state different than the one you enrolled in. No problem, though. You can switch service providers any time you want. Here’s where you can find a list of all those companies and plans available in your new state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states