What is Cloud Mobile? Is It a Phone Manufacturer or Provider?
Cloud Mobile is an American company with a simple mission – to provide affordable, quality technology to those who need it most. The company is an electronics manufacturer that offers various types of electronic devices, such as smartphones, flip phones, Wi-Fi hotspots, and tablets to people who are not able to afford them, even though nowadays, we obviously all need them for work, education, healthcare, entertainment, emergency services, and more. Eligible low-income customers can receive some of these devices at a very low price or at times, even completely free of charge.
However, even though Cloud Mobile offers great discounts on electronic devices, the company is not a Lifeline or Affordable connectivity Program (ACP) provider, as it does not offer monthly phone, wireless, or internet services, as other providers. As the company only offers electronic devices, it cannot participate in a government assistance program.
What Services Does Cloud Mobile Actually Provide?
Cloud Mobile is not a wireless service provider. It does not provide any types of monthly services. Instead, it is a manufacturer (much like Apple or Samsung, for example) that only provides affordable devices, such as smartphones, flip phones, tablets, and Wi-Fi hotspots.
Nonetheless, the company partners with some other service providers that do offer free phone and wireless internet services, which include monthly voice minutes, texts, data, international calls, and other perks, and provide Lifeline and ACP discounts and benefits, such as TruConnect. Cloud Mobile’s affordable devices are offered by certain Lifeline and ACP providers to eligible low-income households along with free monthly services.
Is It Possible to Get a Cloud Mobile Free Phone From the Government?
When we are talking about receiving free phones from the government, we are talking about the following two government assistance programs that offer free monthly services and devices – Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP.
Lifeline is a government assistance program designed to make communications services more affordable for low-income households by providing a discount on monthly phone, wireless, and internet services, and sometimes phones.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), on the other hand, is a brand-new government aid program that offers discounts on monthly broadband services and on occasion, connected devices.
Cloud Mobile is not a wireless provider, therefore it does not participate in Lifeline or the ACP program. As such, it is not possible to get a Cloud Mobile free phone from the government per se. However, there are two other ways to get a Cloud Mobile free phone:
- You can get a Cloud Mobile free phone directly from the provider (though not through the Lifeline/ACP programs).
- You can get a Cloud Mobile free phone from the government through TruConnect’s Lifeline and ACP program. See the process of receiving both in the next section.
What is the Process to Get a Cloud Mobile Free Phone From the Government?
As mentioned above, there are two ways to get a Cloud Mobile government phone or a free phone. In this section, we will explain both methods.
First, you can get a Cloud Mobile free phone directly from Cloud Mobile (though not through the Lifeline/ACP programs). To do so, simply follow these easy steps:
- Visit cloudmobileusa.com.
- Scroll down to see the list of offered devices.
- Click on the device that you wish to have.
- As you will see, Cloud Mobile’s products tend to be free of charge. Therefore, you simply press the ‘Add to Cart’ button.
- Once you do, press the ‘Cart’ icon in the bottom right corner.
- Press ‘Checkout’.
- Follow the same principle as you do when you are purchasing any other item online. Provide the required information, such as your email address, shipping address, payment, and other details.
- Place the order.
- You will receive a confirmation in your email and you can expect to receive the device in a couple of days.
Secondly, you can get a Cloud Mobile government phone from a Lifeline/ACP provider. To do so, follow these instructions:
- Make sure that you qualify for the Lifeline and ACP programs. See the government-determined eligibility criteria in the next section.
- Make sure that you can prove your eligibility by providing the proof documentation. See the list of acceptable documents below.
- Apply for the Lifeline and ACP program through the National Verifier of Support Center. See how to do that in the section ‘How to Apply for Lifeline and ACP for a Cloud Mobile Free Phone’.
- Find a Lifeline/ACP provider in your state of residence that offers Cloud Mobile government phones.
How to Qualify for Lifeline and ACP to Get Cloud Mobile Free Government Phone?
There are two ways in which you can qualify for Lifeline and/or ACP, which is the condition to get a Cloud Mobile government phone through a Lifeline/ACP provider. You can qualify based on your household income or government assistance program participation.
To qualify based on your annual household income:
Your household annual income must be at or below 135% of the federal government guidelines to apply for Lifeline. Your household annual income must be at or below 200% of the federal government guidelines to apply for the ACP.
Note: The guideline depends on the state and the household size.
To qualify based on participation in a qualifying government assistance program:
You or any other member of your household must participate in one (or more) of the following qualifying government assistance programs.
Lifeline-qualifying programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
ACP-qualifying programs:
- Lifeline
- Any of the Lifeline-qualifying programs listed above
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Or if the household received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Additionally, each applicant must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor and a resident of one of the states where the selected provider offers its services.
What Documents Are Required While Applying for Lifeline and ACP to Get a Cloud Mobile Free Phone?
Opting for a Cloud Mobile free phone directly from Cloud Mobile may not sound as appealing for you, as this way you will only get the device. As a Lifeline/ACP provider would also offer you free monthly services, getting a Cloud Mobile government phone through a Lifeline/ACP provider may thus be a better option. However, if you decide on this second option, you will not only have to qualify for the government assistance programs but also be able to prove that you do. You can prove your Lifeline/ACP eligibility by providing copies of some of the following acceptable documents:
- Identity Proof
- A valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Birth Certificate
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
- Passport
- Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
- U.S. Driver’s license
- Or another document that contains your full legal name and date of birth
- Address Proof
- A valid government, state, or Tribal ID
- Driver’s license Utility bill
- Mortgage or lease statement
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
- Or another document that contains your full legal name and physical address
- Household Income Proof
- A retirement/pension statement of benefits
- A Social Security statement of benefits
- Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- Divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income
- Prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
- Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Government Assistance Program Participation Proof
- Approval letter
- Benefit award letter
- Benefit verification letter
- School documentation
- Statement of benefits
- Other potential documents – You may also be required to provide:
- Duplicate address
- Emancipated minor proof (emancipated minors only)
- Life proof
- Social Security Number
Depending on how you will submit these documents, you can make physical or digital copies. Make sure the copies are not blurry and most importantly, never submit original documents.
How to Apply for Lifeline and ACP for a Cloud Mobile Free Phone
Before you find a Cloud Mobile government phone Lifeline/ACP provider and apply for a free device and services through them, you may also be required to first apply for the Lifeline and ACP program separately, through the National Verifier or the Lifeline/ACP Support Center. You can do so online or via mail.
Apply for Lifeline/ACP online by following these steps:
- Visit nv.fcc.gov/lifeline (Lifeline online application form) or nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?id=nv_flow&ebbp=true (ACP online application form).
- If asked, select your state or territory and press ‘Get started’. You may also be required to log in or create a new account.
- You will be redirected to the online application form. Fill it out by providing the required information and copies of proof documentation.
- At the bottom of each page, press ‘Next’, and submit your application at the end.
Apply for Lifeline/ACP via mail by following these steps:
- Print out a Lifeline application at lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf and an ACP application at affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf.
- When applying for the ACP program, consider including a Household Worksheet, which can be found at affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf. This step is optional but recommended.
- Fill out the forms and add copies of your proof documentation.
- Send the package to Lifeline/ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Which Providers Offer Free Cloud Mobile Phones?
As most Lifeline and ACP providers do not disclose exactly which phone brands and models they provide eligible customers with, as it depends on the plan, state, and availability, it’s tricky to know for sure which providers offer Cloud Mobile government phones.
The best way to know for sure which Lifeline/ACP providers offer Cloud Mobile free phones in your state of residence is to find a list of all the providers in your area at lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me and contact each of them to ask whether or not they currently offer any Cloud Mobile government phones.
The only Lifeline/ACP provider that is confirmed to offer Cloud Mobile government phones is TruConnect.
TruConnect is a Lifeline and ACP provider that partners with Cloud Mobile. It offers free phones and free phone and wireless services. TruConnect’s Lifeline (and ACP) services are available in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
See the list of TruConnect’s Lifeline and ACP benefits in the next section. To find out more, contact the company at truconnect.com/contact-us and apply for their free government phone and other benefits at truconnect.com/lifeline.
What Other Benefits Do I Get With Cloud Mobile Free Phone if I Qualify for Lifeline and ACP?
If you decide to purchase a Cloud Mobile free phone directly from the manufacturer, you will receive no benefits other than the device itself. You can only receive additional benefits through a Lifeline/ACP provider.
Generally, Lifeline companies offer a discount on monthly phone, wireless, or internet services (up to $9.25 or $34.25 a month for eligible Tribal households). And the program provides eligible customers with a discount on monthly broadband services (up to $30 or $75 a month for eligible Tribal households).
The list of benefits you may expect to receive from a Lifeline and ACP provider in addition to a Cloud Mobile government phone depends fully on the provider.
As the only confirmed Cloud Mobile government phone provider is TruConnect, let’s take a closer look at its Lifeline and ACP benefits:
- Free monthly phone and wireless internet service that includes:
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
- 14 GB of monthly data
- Free international calling to select countries
- A free Android smartphone (the company is likely to offer you a free Cloud Mobile government phone).
- Instead of the free phone, you can also receive a free Wi-Fi hotspot.
- TruConnect may also offer qualifying customers the opportunity to purchase an 8-inch Google Play Certified Android tablet with LTE connectivity with an ACP discount of up to $100. This offer is only for ACP subscribers and it’s subject to availability.
What Are the Lifeline and ACP Plans That You Can Get With a Cloud Mobile Free Phone?
The Lifeline and ACP plans that you can get with a Cloud Mobile government free phone also depend on the provider, as each government assistance provider has its own plan and service offer.
As we have established before, Cloud Mobile is just a manufacturer, therefore it doesn’t offer any plans or monthly services itself.
However, once you find a Lifeline/ACP provider that offers Cloud Mobile government phones in your area, you can view its Lifeline and ACP plans on its website.
For example, TruConnect’s free Lifeline and ACP plans include:
- California Lifeline customers may receive a plan that includes free unlimited talk and text, at least 14 GB of 4G data (ACP adds at least 8 GB to your Lifeline plan) with Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and a new Android smartphone.
- Lifeline customers in other states may receive a plan that includes free unlimited talk and text, at least 12.5 GB of 4G data with Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and a new Android smartphone.
- Stand-Alone ACP plans include at least 8 GB of 4G data, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, and your choice of an LTE-enabled hotspot device or an Android smartphone.
Which Model of Phone Can I Get for Free From Cloud Mobile?
At this moment, Cloud Mobile offers the following free phone models:
- SKY M1. This is a basic flip phone with a 1.44-inch LCD display with 128 x 128 pixels, 4G connectivity and hotspot, 4 GB internal storage, 512 MB of RAM, and a 1.3 GHz Quad-Core processor.
- Mist is a classic flip phone with a 2.4-inch inside and 1.77-inch outside display, 4G connectivity, MTK 6731 Quad-Core Processor, Bluetooth, GPS, FM Radio, and Wi-Fi Support, a 0.3 MP camera, 4 GB of storage, 512 MB of RAM, and a microSD card slot.
- Storm C3 Plus. This is a traditional smartphone with a 5.5-inch LCD screen with 480 x 960 pixels, 4G LTE connectivity, a 1.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor, Google Mobile services, a 5 MP rear camera, a 2 MP front camera, 16 GB of storage, 1 GB of RAM, dual SIM slots, and more.
The company also offers:
- Sunshine T1. This is an Android tablet with an 8-inch WXGA touchscreen with 800 x 1280 pixels, 4G LTE connectivity, a 1.5 GHz Quad-Core processor, a 5 MP rear camera, a 2 MP front camera, 16 GB of storage, 1 GB of RAM, a dual SIM slot, and more.
- Typhoon C6. This is a smart Android tablet with a 6-inch display with 540 x 960 px, 4G connectivity, a 1.3 GHz Quad-Core processor, an 8 MP rear camera, a 2 MP front camera, 32 GB of internal storage, 1 GB of RAM, dual SIM slots, and more.
These devices are available directly through Cloud Mobile. However, it is uncertain which devices you may receive from a Lifeline/ACP provider.
Can I Replace the Cloud Mobile Phone if It Doesn’t Work?
If your Cloud Mobile free phone doesn’t work, you should contact your provider immediately. Whether or not the device is under warranty, if you can get a replacement phone, and if the replacement phone can be free of charge depends fully on the company that provided you with the device.
Most Lifeline and ACP providers offer a limited one-year warranty on phones that malfunction. However, the warranty does not cover malfunctions that resulted from misusing the device, physical damage, spills, loss, or theft. It only covers product malfunctions that did not result from the customer’s abuse.
If you have received the Cloud Mobile phone directly from Cloud Mobile, contact the company at cloudmobileusa.com/contact-us and ask for a replacement phone.
If your phone has been lost or stolen, make sure to contact your wireless service provider immediately, as you are responsible for any extra charges that may occur.
What Are the Free Service Limitations of Cloud Mobile Free Phones?
Cloud Mobile has no service limitations as the company does not provide any services anyhow. Lifeline and ACP providers, on the other hand, must all follow a set of government-established rules and limitations, including:
- Both Lifeline and ACP benefits are limited to one benefit per eligible household.
- Lifeline and ACP benefits are non-transferable.
- A household can only receive the Lifeline and ACP benefits from one provider at a time.
- To continue receiving the benefits, you must use them at least once a month.
- If you are no longer eligible, you must notify the provider within 30 days.
Cloud Mobile Free Phones Related FAQ
Is Cloud Mobile a Part of TruConnect?
No. Cloud Mobile is an electronics manufacturer that offers devices to TruConnect, which then offers them to eligible low-income customers.
Is Cloud Mobile Phone Quality Good?
Cloud Mobile does not offer the most advanced phones, tablets, and other devices, however, they are all reliable and of good quality.
Does Cloud Mobile Offer Free Tablet?
Yes. You can find a free tablet on Cloud Mobile’s official website. You may also receive a free Cloud Mobile tablet from a Lifeline/ACP provider.
Can I Upgrade My Cloud Mobile Phone for Free?
It depends on your provider. Simply call the company’s customer support service and ask.
