Now that the dust is settling and the Federal Communications Commission’s new Lifeline rules have gone into effect, we though it might be interesting to see which companies are offering the best texting plans. And which ones are offering the worst plans.
Because by definition all free government cell phones are free, but some companies give you “more for your money.” Or in this case, more for free.
After all, texting becomes more important every day. More people — especially the young — text more often than they call. And the younger they are, the more they text.
Which companies offer free unlimited texting?
If you’re a texting teenage girl or even if you just text like one, these plans allow you to text until your thumbs cramp up. We can make this quick with a simple listing of companies, because it’s impossible to beat an unlimited texting plan. Because it’s impossible to top an unlimited texting plan, there’s a dozen or more companies sitting in a tie for Best Texting Plan.
You can get one of those unlimited texting plans from: Access Wireless, Assurance Wireless, Budget Mobile, Blue Jay Wireless, Easy Wireless, enTouch Wireless, Life Wireless, Q Link Wireless, Safelink Wireless, StandUp Wireless, Tag Mobile, TerraCom Wireless, and other free government cell phone companies.
From first to worst
Although companies large and small are able to offer unlimited texting plans, the following nine companies offer far lesser texting plans. We are not the least embarrassed to admit that we don’t get it — texting is far cheaper than phone calls, eats up far less bandwidth, and is the preferred means of communication for millions of Americans young and old, so why are some companies so stingy with their texting plans? In addition, emergency alerts are increasingly being sent via text message.
Here, in alphabetical order, are free government texting plans whose text limits suck so badly that we urge you avoid them like an ugly ex-wife:
American Assistance – Offers 500 free voice minutes and 500 free texts per month
Assist Wireless – Offers 500 voice minutes and 500 texts (except in Oklahoma where texts are unlimited)
FeelSafe Wireless – Offers a free cell phone, 500 minutes, 500 texts & 500 MB data every month (except in California where you can get Unlimited Talk and Unlimited Text, plus 100 MB data, and Oklahoma Tribal plans that offer Unlimited Talk and Unlimited Text, plus 500 MB data)
Infiniti Mobile – One dollar a month gets you 750 minutes and 1000 texts in Oklahoma
NewPhone Wireless – Louisiana customers get 500 voice minutes & 1000 texts per month
SafetyNet Wireless – California customers get unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and 100 MB data. Customers in other states get just 500 minutes and 500 texts per month, or 50 minutes, 100 texts and 500 MB data.
Total Call Mobile – Offers customers 250 talk & text Units plus 500 MB Of data per month
StandUp Wireless – Offers a mere 250 free minutes and text messages per month
True Wireless – Offers customers in Arkansas, Maryland, Rhode Island, Texas, Oklahoma (non-tribal) 500 minutes or texts (3 texts = 1 minute)
C’mon, guys, these plans suck. They’re not competitive. They’re not what people want. They’re not what people need.
It’s time to compete or die.
TONY MARTIN says
Stay away from American ASST. PHONES garbage,Wont get another phone if the one they give you is no good, EVEN though others give you a second phone free. They charge you $ 29.99 for second garbage phone, BE AWARE !!!!
Lisa Besso says
Qlink wireless: Worst service ever! Sent me a defective phone. Missing basic features; Wallpaper, camera ECT. Calls are dropped, can’t answer the phone. Did 4 factory hard resets just to get it useable. They won’t replace it but want me to buy another. And to top it off, there was a person from the Ukraine still connected to the phone they sent me (which, according to their terms will viod reimbursement if you send the phone back). Customer service is awful! Don’t expect any help from them
Jolly says
I I’ve had 2 cell phones and 1 8 inch tablet the first phone was free work only 1 year and 2nd one I pay for $150.00 it nuuG5 it worked onike 8 months have nothing but problems my ringer don’t work I miss my calls and can’t listen to u tube the volume don’t work it might forvsec than quit I have to hit the back of phone and it goes in and out the apps ga.es do the same when I turn up ringer than I will go back on settings volume be all the way down does it every time
tony MARTIN says
I TRIED to drop Q LINK when i had them, THEY WOULD NOT. NOT NOT remove my name, Couldnt go with another carrier because Q LINK said iu was still a cust. of theirs even though i never made a call in 10 months, Had to go to Facebook, get the owners name and message him to have them remove my name,
Carletha Gordon says
I just wonder how does these free cell phone programs assist the homeless..Some people have no income nor public assistance so how can they get a free cell phone & service so they can have contacts to apply for other assistances
Free Government Cell Phones says
You have stumbled upon what we consider the weakest link it the program, Carletha. They make if very difficult for homeless folks to qualify. The only way they can qualify is to get residence at a homeless shelter to gain the street address they need to qualify. Yeah, it’s crazy but that’s how the program works.
Sonya Alaniz says
I received my phone from assurance wireless but can’t use it that I have to re apply again why tho ? Can someone please help me
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no idea why, Sonya. We are not your service provider.
Cheryl E Jack says
I had a terribly difficult experience with Assurance Wireless especially their lack of communication and auto-replies to dozens of emails that obviously were not being read by a human or perhaps they were just not intelligent ones who comprehend English. Soooo much frustration that I finally gave up & paid out of pocket for a cell phone & service. Ridiculous.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Don’t give up just because you had a bad experience with one Lifeline company, Cheryl. Most states offer multiple options. You can find all the free government cell phone providers and plans available in your state here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Cheryl Lanney says
I really appreciate the reviews of other companies’ prices and the tone of put down is fun.
I don’t have to go looking each one up I’m glad I came here 2nd.
JoHnita Minnifield says
Greetings! My name is Johnita Renee of New York City. I am 57 today and have no form of phone or communication. I am looking for a job and receiving welfare, and living in a shelter. I tried with Safelink, and every time I sent them my documents they said they did not receive them.\
I used to have Access Wireless years ago from out of state. Several months ago, I had them to remove me from the system, since I used to have a Boost Mobile phone. Now, I cannot afford any payments to any phone.
I asked a rep from Access Wireless to sign me up, and he said I was still in the system, although I told them to take me out of the system months ago.
I have already missed a very possible job opportunity because of no communication. I cannot talk with long distance family or friends. This is my birthday today, and I am cut off.
What do you recommend I do ? I cannot stay without communication for much longer.
Thank you so much and have a blessed weekend!
Sincerely,
Johnita Renee
Free Government Cell Phones says
If Access still has you in the system, why are you ineligible? Shouldn’t you be able to purchase an inexpensive phone from them (or a compatible phone) from some other source and use it as your free government cell phone?
tony MARTIN says
RIGHT, SAFE LINK ARE LIARS,, I TOO had to re-submit my info 4 times. Said they couldnt read the fax, Funny everyone i shoued the fax too could read it, They have liars working there, STAY AWAY,
Rose says
Are android phones only phones used?
Free Government Cell Phones says
No. Some service providers also offer iPhones.
Cam says
Which ones offer iPhones?
Free Government Cell Phones says
The free phones change all the time depending on which ones the companies are able to get deals on, but it’s doubtful that anyone is offering iPhones.
Priscilla says
Safelink might have unlimited text but they have the worst service ever. When something happens or you don’t get your free monthly minutes they say they fixed it. You have wait 5 days call back. After 5 days they said u get minutes. No. Haven’t got minutes since April. Had to buy minutes.
Old phone broke had to change phones. Been trying get my free minutes ever since. 2 months ago.
tony MARTIN says
RIGHT, AGAIN SAFE LINK – LIARS ] used to tell my i had no minutes,, How can i NOT have any minutes, when i get UNLIMITED MINUTES?
Kim says
I have been trying for months to get in touch with someone about my Q Link phone and one has called me back what should I do
Kim says
I have been trying for months to get in touch with someone but no one has ever had a time to get in touch with me and its very mad And is Q Liink
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why wait for months, Kim. Contact one of the other free government cell phone companies in your state. You can check them all out here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Stacy M Kuhlmann says
I lost my phone I have looked every where. I’m thinking it got picked up. Anyway I called SafeLink to get a replacement phone. She told me I couldn’t get a replacement. She said she had to cancel my account and reply. Well I have read several things and they do offer replacement for lost phones?? So which is it?? Yes we can or no we can’t??
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call in again to speak to a different service rep. Yes, you can get a replacement phone, but you will probably be required to pay for it. We’re thinking the rep may have been trying to help you avoid that fee by telling you to enroll with a different company. As a new customer of that new service provider, you would qualify for a free cell phone.
tony MARTIN says
wrong,you ARE entitled to another free phone but will have to pay if you want the third phone,, Even says you can get a second phone free,
Mobat says
Tell them you want to disconnect. They make you wait forever but when the second supervisor comes on to verify they offer you everything … But replace a three year old phone. I cancelled anyway. Horrible phone, horrible service, horrible customer support.
Denise Tyler says
I can totally relate!! I have the same problem with this company for years !! This company has really bad customer service. Whenever you can get someone to talk to you, they talk bad to you. Denise Tyler
Helen Walker says
Q Link is the worst provider in the world they lie they make up excuses they lie to you to get you to come there and then they try to say that oh well we’re sorry that’s not offered in your state and they’re just q Link is a joke I don’t know why the FCC is still allowing them to be a company
Karen S Gross says
I have a qlink phone but it isnt working and this is the second one I have gotten i ask for it to be dropped but They are giving me a hard time I know my yr eligiblity is coming up and I really need to recieve another phone Thanks if you can help me Id appreciate it…Karen Gross
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t get you a phone, but we give you advice, Karen. If you are unhappy with Q Link, you really should look into switching service providers. Here’s where you can find all the companies offering plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And here’s an article that tells you everything you need to know about switching service providers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Denise Tyler says
I have the same problem with this company! I am transferring to another company. They treat people Bad!!!!
tony MARTIN says
Dont have to be with them for ANY YEARS,, Tell them to release your name or call NAT’L VERIFICATION to report them.
Kathleen Nahoun says
How and where do I apply for a government free cell phone and service. I’m kinda lost with all the information. I qualify as I am om social security and food stamps.
Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Simple, Kathleen. Just check out all the plans available in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Find the plan that fits your needs best and then enroll with that company using the contact info we provide on each provider’s page.
Barry G says
Thats not true. I tried transferring from safelink in maryland to standup in Nevada. I was told first by standup that i need to apply online. That i need to cancel with safelink. When i called lifeline they said they were unable to transfer anything. Guess its up to WHO you talk to and if they feel like helping. Safelink wouldnt approve a new phone because i called from the handset. Told them phone so old battery doesnt last and hangs up in middle of call. Better off just going so elsewhere and hope for the best.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not sure what you’re saying isn’t true.
Chuck says
Assurance Wireless is extremely difficult to deal with. The people you talk with to activate the phone barely speak English. The phone sent to me was defective, and they wanted $5 to replace it. They have no clue on how to deal with customers. Getting involved with them is a waste of time.
Milly says
Link sent me a broken phone right out of the box. It “functions” but the mic is bad and no one can hear. Qlink still wanted me to pay for another one. I refused. I got a free phone that was complete garbage that I couldn’t use. Great company. 🙄
tony MARTIN says
MOST. MOST of the phones they give us are either REFURBISHED, RETURNES OR DAMAGED PHONES, NOT NEW,
Bruce Davis says
Access Wireless SUCKS! Their “Customer Service” is deplorable! I paid for/added 10GB of data and received unlimited talk and text with the purchase, but I keep receiving error messages that I don’t have “internet access” on my Access Wireless phone, nor can I use the “Mobile Hotspot” feature on my Coolpad Arise phone (it did work, but only ONE time!). I have made REPEAT calls to their “Customer Service” department attempting to resolve/fix this issue, but they always want me to call from a different phone number (not my Access Wireless phone!). I borrowed a neighbor’s phone to do this, but STILL am having the same problem!). They have issued a “Technical Support” ticket concerning this matter, but have told me that it can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours for it to get “looked” at. They have presented me with the option of doing a “Hard Reset” on my phone, but told me that it would entail me losing ALL of my Contact files, as well as ALL of my Text messages, which I prefer not to do due to having to rekey all of my Contacts back into my phone, and SERIOUSLY doubt that it would be a “Permanent” fix to this problem/issue. To bad that the United States Government, that the Lifeline Program is provided through, cannot give a United States company to provide this service through (it seems that it’s always somewhere in India that your calls to “Customer Service” go to, and then they always talk over you when you’re trying to explain the problem(s) that your having. Would be nice to have the United States Government allow a United States company (like AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon) to provide the Lifeline service through, but apparently that is not going to happen any time soon. Hey Trump, let’s “Make America Great Again” by bringing this Lifeline Service through the United States companies, and have the Customer Service be provided by actual AMERICAN companies, in the United States.
Free Government Cell Phones says
A couple comments, Bruce. First, virtually all the free government cell phone companies ARE American. Safelink, the largest Lifeline company, is controlled by Carlos Slim, the Mexican billionaire, but as far as we know the rest of them are American.
Second, there is nothing stopping AT&T, Sprint or Verizon from competing in the free government cell phone program. But they have chosen not to. We can only assume their lack of interest is the result of the very slim profit margins available in the free government cell phone program. Those giant telecom companies are just not set up to compete in the cutthroat, low-cost Lifeline environment. All the Lifeline companies were set up specifically to do business in this arena, yet a number of them have found it impossible to make a buck and have gone out of business.
Bruce Greinke Sr. says
I’m 60 years old, in a nursing home, on disability, medicaid and Medicare. I NEED one of your smartphones as quickly as I can.
I would like to port my current phone number.
PLEASE HELP ME TO GET MY PHONE!
BLESSINGS TO ALL.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The only way we can help you, Bruce, is to provide you with all the information you need to get enrolled. Click around this website and you’ll quickly see how to do it.
Patsy Perkins says
Safe link is making me buy minutes now and won’t tell me why – can you help?
Free Government Cell Phones says
There’s not much we can do, Patsy. Have you spoken to Safelink customer service to find out what the problem is?
Brenda says
Leave them and sign up for a different one you don’t have to stay with one
tony MARTIN says
YOU DONT buy minutes if you have unlimited,
Cathy gonzales says
Ok you mentioned the negatives who suck!WHERE’S THE TOP 5 BEST?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check the article again, Cathy. We list the best — those who offer unlimited free texting.
Arleen L Shehadeh says
Bluejay wireless did definitely suck, I’ve been with them since March 4, 2015. Even though I applied with my lifeline service in person with them, I had not received my cell phone and had to wait for it in the mail.
The cell phone was insulting, a basic talk and text only with “Claro” printed on the front face. Customer service was horrible, they don’t speak good English. I wasn’t able to renew online, the website was unreachable, and 611 customer service didn’t pick up, instead the line just kept hanging up.
I thought well Qlink was offering a smart phone it’s better than this peice of generic poop bluejay wireless handed out. It took about a week or so before I could get some progress done. Okay then when I check in to find out my lifeline status is,Qlink has left me a message saying my account is cancelled because I have left to another provider.
Qlink then states that they can’t provide to me another smart phone bla bla bla, that I can purchase one from them for $25. Wait a minute, I’ve never received anything from Qlink no smart phone nothing. I never got any smart phone from bluejay wireless neither and I’d be so happy to send this crappy cell phone to them for the smart phone that they said I have.
That’s really sad that I had to pay for a replacement smart phone for the one I never got.. Did I miss any fine print on their advertisement someplace?
annetta wenner says
Do I have to pay for a free phone Qlink made me pay $25 dollars and I find the phone not easy to use I am looking for a phone that is easy for me to use .Just the basics.I am 84 years old Do not want qlink .I will wait for a reply thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
Your initial free government cell phone is absolutely free, but you can expect to be charged for any replacement phones or upgraded phones.
tony MARTIN says
SORRY BUT there IS no charge to get a phone, Q LINK, LIARS AND RIP OFF, Call the owner, hes on facebook under Q LINK PHONES
Ken says
Why is Life Wireless refusing online applications in California.
The mumble-mouth I spoke with when I had to call in then told me I had to find a tent agent
to sign up.
I had to ask “What is that and where is that?” since she spoke as if I knew exactly what she was referencing.
Are any of these “services” legitimate?
Free Government Cell Phones says
They are all legitimate, Ken, but some of them do far better jobs than others.
Kay Massey says
I read a comment from a small phone company that offered 250 talk minutes saying,”. Who needs talk minutes, we offer more texts (500 texts)”)
I care each time that I call the doctors office, to be put me on hold to listen to three loops of junk medical info. That eats up my time and I can’t just text for an appointment.
C’mon, let’s get real about this and quit patronizing people just to make a dollar.
Obviously, he wont be in business long.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We understand what you’re saying, Kay, but we sometimes think that people under 30 have forgotten how to talk. They text FAR more than they talk on the phone. It’s just a generational thing.
Isabel Martinez says
This service sucks stoled my money when I added minutes never got my minutes and was told that I used 500 min in one day bull shut. Now I can’t get hold off anyone with my phone number it just hangs up on me. Can someone tell me who to report this to.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you contacted your service provider’s customer service team, Isabel?
Andreas says
I am having a _very_ difficult time with Safelink but am very concerned about changing companies.
My experience with Safelink may help others:
I have been with Safelink since the program was available in Maryland.
My first phone was a basic, not smart phone. It worked well, the screen was readable and the keys did what they were supposed to do.
It arrived with a problem, though. It had a case that needed to be held together with duct tape or it would fall apart. I was told that was not a reason to replace it, and, it worked. So, having a slightly ugly phone was better than no phone. I relied on it. I had it for several years. It was stolen ( it was in a small bag, my guess is that the thief was disappointed when they saw a “broken” phone inside). Safe link said they would send a replacement. No charge. That sounded great.
I was sent a very small LG smart phone. This is where the trouble began. It didn’t work. I didn’t really need a smart phone, but I thought this was a good thing. They did not say anything about changing my plan.
Let me repeat, the phone did not function. It turned on, it charged, it told me I had a whole lot of minutes and it told time quite well. But it wouldn’t make phone calls. The automated system kept calling my land line to tell me I needed to use the cell phone or it would be deactivated. (It wouldn’t text, either.)
I contacted Safelink many times. I was finally told that the area I live in required a 3G Sim card. They said 2G and for 4G cards were “bad for my area” and said they would send a replacement phone. Instead, they sent a replacement SIM card.
This phone has never been right. The new SIM card allowed me to make phone calls, but instead of receiving minutes every month automatically, or by entering the same three number code in the menu, I had to call, wait for upwards of an hour and then enter between 20 and 40 numbers into the phone. That was after they believed me when I told them there was no place to enter the three digits they wanted me to enter. Getting them to understand I was not stupid took a little while, but in fairness I have to say approximately 3/5ths of the customer representatives were polite, they thought I was crazy, but they were polite. None of their books allow for the possibility that there is not a field to enter three digits.
Each technical support person had a different reason for the problem. I became used to that, and did not consider it rude. It was in the script they had been given to read. I did everything they asked. I took the phone apart, removed the battery … etc.
Some of them insisted that I had not followed the rules. That began to wear on my nerves after about six months. I kept the phone charged and on. It had at least three bars at all times, and of course I made the calls that are required. I needed to make those calls! It really was a “lifeline”. It was the only way I could contact people to help me with medical operations and doctor visits. (Very few physicians allow me to use their phones, I rely on paratransit, and they need to be called or I never get home.)
Safelink tech-support always promised that it would be fixed somehow someday. As my eyesight has failed and use of my hands is not predictable, it became harder to enter the stunning number of digits every month on tiny buttons which had more than one function. (I miss my duct tape “dumb” phone. The smart phone is not helpful.)
To be scolded intermittently for living where I do, or accused of not using a phone that I rely on was not pleasant, but it didn’t happen every time.
Finally, when I could not enter all the codes and wept briefly as we attempted yet another string of almost (to me invisible) numbers onto the tiny screen and having trouble with the connection — the technician asked me if I was crying. I dodged the question but told him this is been going on for a year and it was not helping.
¡ Be aware before you choose Safelink that you’ll be talking to people on a very bad connection to their call center ( be warned, something has happened. It isn’t due to accents, their poor operators are trying to read numbers over a crackling line. My other phone calls are not like that. It is only when I call Safelink).!
The tech person FINALLY decided that something was *wrong with the phone*. After many conversations with supervisors, they said they would send a replacement.
That’s when it got bad.
The phone was turned off immediately, even though they said it would take up to 10 days for a replacement. Seriously, they turned off the phone. It has been at least a year since I was required to enter all those numbers every month to receive service, *but at least I could use the phone*.
Customer service told me I had two accounts with them. I have never had a different phone number or more than one account. I have never lived at a different address while using their service. Customer service repeatedly told me there were “discrepancies” but what those were and how to fix them was never part of the conversation. I did try. They don’t know. It’s not their fault, but the company might want to address that.
The next time I was told that I had never had an account with them.
Then, after “discovering” my account again, they promised a working phone would arrive in 7 to 10 days. It’s been much longer than that. I called to see if it had been lost, each time I was told it was in transit and 1 to 2 business days from arriving.
Today I was told that the order to send me a phone had been canceled. The phone I have was not reactivated.
They did not give a reason. I am still eligible and “signed up” to receive minutes from Safelink
Through 2018. I didn’t actually renew with them, they said it was automatic.
After several hours, another supervisor told me that they had initiated a replacement. They claim it will be another 7 to 10 business days and I will receive some kind of phone. This supervisor let it slip that someone had made a typo which removed me from their system. These things happen. Unfortunately, their typo overlapped with a heart attack. I could not reach my landline. Funny, but out of habit I had my non-functional cell phone in my hand. Good thing I also had an aspirin to chew.
I know this website can not recommend one company over another, but maybe people who comment here can help.
Safelink started out as a reliable and helpful Lifeline provider. I never asked for a smart phone. It made my life hell. I know we are not supposed to rely on Lifeline as a real life line, but I would have been able to call in an ambulance.
If anybody is still reading, which service for western Maryland do you think is the most reliable?
I don’t know what this 2G/ 4/G problem is supposed to be, has anyone else encountered that, or was it a random response from a baffled tech person? It did result in them sending me a different SIM card.
victoria hanson says
I got a smart phone about a month n half ago I had it 2 weeks and it stopped charging and it would not turn on ..I called many times for help and they couldn’t get it to work..i did everything they told me to do to no avail. I cant use this phone and they wont replace it ?t pls help me with this
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like it’s time for you to file some formal complaints (or at least threaten to do so), Victoria. Here’s an article that tells you all the steps to take next:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service
Teachmar says
I’ve been trying to get in this Lifeline free phone plan in area code 92653 Laguna Hills CA. Safelink kept messing up with delivery if my phone so Lifeline cut if my application. I’ve tried the others listed for that zip and many gave F ratings with BBB. I need a free phone unlimited texts and calls for free or st least minimal $. I tried since last March to do this. I am fully qualified through the program plan as I have MediCal, CalFresh and Heap. Lifeline already approved me back
In March as I am already on Lifeline fir my utilities. So, what free phone service with better than an F can I apply to????? HELP Really frustrated 😖😖😖😖😖
Free Government Cell Phones says
We always refuse to get into endorsing one company over another, Teachmar. But have you checked the list of all the companies that offer Lifeline service in your state? Here’s where you can find that list:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
ginger P. says
I noticed StandUp is listed in both the unlimited plans & in the descriptions of companies that only offer limited texting. Is this a mistake?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It might seem like it’s contradictory, Ginger, but it’s really not. If you go to the StandUp page, you’ll see that it offers an unlimited plan for $15 per month, but the standard plan is just 250 minutes per month.
Lila Monet says
I would love to get a free phone been looking for one for 3 years.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Too bad you didn’t find FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net three years ago. You would have had a Lifeline account years ago. Here’s where you can find all the Lifeline plans available in your state, Lila:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Claude says
I am surprised the F.C.C does not scan these Co. better they are taking the USA for a ride with using Outdated info on clients who don’t even use the sources anymore // But they collect!!!
Bruce Davis says
You’ve got that right Claude. But hey, it’s just one more way they (the F.C.C. and the U.S. Government) can send U.S. funds overseas, just like a lot of U.S. jobs. Let’s “Make America Great Again” by getting the Lifeline Services to go through U.S. companies.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, Bruce, you don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.
Joelle L. says
I’ve had Safelink before and I wasn’t that happy with them. I switched to Qlink Wireless and I am extremely happy with them. I got a nice free android phone, 350 minutes, unlimited texting, and 500MB of data per month. The service is very reliable.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Always good to hear news like that, Joelle. Thanks for sharing.
Gloria says
SafeLink sucks! The first time my service was interrupted California Lifeline advised me to reapply with the carrier .. the carrier had not sent in the final information to California Lifeline … well this is now the second time service is interrupted for the same reason!
What a hassle! This has been going on since March 2017! I am going to another carrier!
jamie says
Just from my personal experience I would rather have any other company than Assurance. The customer service is extremely hard to understand and then rude if you ask them to repeat. I tried my best to stay with the company because they do have a good deal as far as mins and texts go, but if you ever have a problem good luck. It took 3 months to get a replacement phone. Much happier with Budget
Laura Shaffer says
Safelink has been terrible to deal with. I have been waiting on my phone for over a month now, they say 7-10 days and to call and get tracking number if not received. I did this and they said they don’t have a tracking # as the order was lost between departments and verified they where sending me another phone, again they said call back and get tracking # for the phone in a couple days, I did and again they don’t know what happened. There customer service is rude. I am contacting Assurance and hopefully will have better service.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Bad, bad story, Laura.
Diana Minard Wolcoff says
I also have Safelink and want to change carriers.to Assurance. I understand I can do this? I have never changed before. And again, if I add my own minutes on top of the minutes given, will they roll over?
Thanks Diana
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, you can do it, Diana, as long as you have been with Safelink for one year or longer. Here’s an article that tells you more:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Barry G says
Thats not true. I tried transferring from safelink in maryland to standup in Nevada. I was told first by standup that i need to apply online. That i need to cancel with safelink. When i called lifeline they said they were unable to transfer anything. Guess its up to WHO you talk to and if they feel like helping. Safelink wouldnt approve a new phone because i called from the handset. Told them phone so old battery doesnt last and hangs up in middle of call. Better off just going so elsewhere and hope for the best.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Everything we said in that referenced article is correct, Barry. It comes straight from the USAC website and quotes that site extensively.
Linda R says
DON’T GO TO ASSURANCE. You will hate their support (they should call it NO SUPPORT). I have been trying to get a phone for my aunt for nearly a year with no success. Every time I contact this scam company, they tell me they have lost her application, her financial information or my power of attorney documents. Only one or two of the dozen or more that I spoke to speak enough English to be intelligible. You will regret going to Assurance.
Trish says
ASSURANCE is awful!!!!!! They might have an okay “plan” but I agree with everyone else, customer service is TERRIBLE! My phone broke and no one could hear me on voice calls, I called in and told them this and they MADE me go through an hour long process of “oh so you can’t make voice calls” I repeated to them, “yes I can but my speaker doesn’t work and people can’t hear me so it’s not a problem making calls it is the speaker to pick up my voice that is broken” and they would NOT LISTEN TO ME! After an hour she said they could send a replacement for EXACTLY WHAT I HAD but I had to pay the shipping and handling fees!! I’m like it’s your POS that broke I’m not paying (nor could I afford to pay) PLUS if you want to “top off” or upgrade to a better phone you have to have their gift card and I cannot get them in my area at all, I’ve gone to 3 QT’s, 2 other gas stations, Sams, Costco and 4 WalMarts looking for a “Virgin Mobile Prepaid Card” and NOTHING in my area. When I told customer service I could not get them in my area they said to borrow someone’s debit card for the money! I’m like, yeah nope gonna go somewhere else that actually cares to keep me as a customer.
Laurie says
Yes Assurance customer service is the worst. Called for date of eligibility for replacement phone. For confirmation question was what type phone was active on account, they still had a phone that was returned to them and 3 phones ago, after 10 mins she still couldn’t answer my basic question, has been over a year trying to decide on a new provider. Still undecided as I wish to speak to a live person. Finding that close to impossible.
Diana Minard Wolcoff says
If you add minutes to this government phone, will the minutes you add carry over to the next month?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s a note found at the bottom of Safelink’s “Upgrade Plans” page:
“Unused minutes and data will not Carryover from month-to-month.”
Debra Church says
Hello.I have one of the safelink phones. Well, I dropped and broke the battery cover now it won’t stay connected..I wrote a letter no one answered.I think I need a new phone. 812-264-****. I can’t even get it to charge now. Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
Our readers tell us that letters rarely, if ever, get answered. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team by phone or online (either email or an online chat, if that function is available on its website). You may need to pay for a replacement phone, depending on how long you’d had your phone and which service provider you use.
Lenora Shumaker says
I live in Indiana and currently with assurance wireless. I want to know if anyone has the same plan (talk minutes- 250 text- unlimited) with a phone that accommodates a better way to text. Can I change companies?
Lenora Shumaker
Free Government Cell Phones says
The rules changed as of December 2, 2016. The new rules say you can only switch service providers once per year.
Jane says
Thank you for providing all this information very helpful. Can you tell me which of these companies provide the best customer service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We choose not to take sides, Jane. If you read our reader comments (which we urge you to do), you may come to the conclusion that none of them offer good customer service. That being said, we give plenty of kudos to enTouch, which does a great job reading and responding to all our readers’ questions and comments.
Sheryl says
I can’t believe they ALL don’t provide unlimited texting. That’s how most people talk these days.
Denine Diaz says
Is there a way to only receive information regarding the cell phone service providers in California. I use your information to provide to my clients so they can get the best service. Thank you for your diligence in finding out the up to date information.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you are referring to our email newsletter, no, there’s no way to isolate the information for one state from the other states.
If you’re looking for information on California free government cell phone service providers, you can go to our “States” page to find all the companies and their plans. You can find that here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net
Feel free to send you clients to check out our site, Denise. It might be a real help if the clicked around the site to learn more about the program and how they can benefit from it. Glad we can help.
Mina Rafiq says
I was so happy with Assurance wireless. They are the best ever. But, the only peoblem is theire phones are not lasting for long. every 3 or 4 month the phones falls apart. they were nice enough to send me 3 phones but after I feel bad to ask again and I just change the company but I am going to miss them alot. thank you Assurance for being the number one in customer service and everything. God bless,
Free Government Cell Phones says
Consider yourself lucky, Mina. Most companies would not send you three replacement phones free of charge.
AJT says
So what. Borrowed time, under Trump it’s going to disappear.
Free Government Cell Phones says
So you say, AJT. We’re far more positive on the situation.
Willard says
I gotta git me my phone right quick then.