Ten years ago, government assistance programs only offered basic cell phones and services to eligible low-income households. However, nowadays, certain assistance providers offer amazing touchscreen smartphones of high quality and with super-advanced features. One of such providers is enTouch Wireless. The wireless company participates in not one but two government assistance programs, Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Through these programs, enTouch offers some of the most generous and best devices and services completely free of charge.
I am living proof that it is possible to get an amazing and powerful enTouch Wireless free phone. As such, I will share with you the story of how I secured my own high-quality smartphone that left my friends in awe completely free of charge.
This way, you will learn exactly what it is that you need to do in order to receive an enTouch Wireless free phone of your own. Stay tuned to learn all there is to know about enTouch Wireless free phones, services, eligibility criteria, application process, and more.
About enTouch Wireless Free Phones and Services
enTouch Wireless is a beloved and popular wireless company that operates nationally on a leading 4G LTE network. Its aim is to bridge the digital divide and enhance people’s lives through digital citizenship by providing generous broadband data in all plans. Engaging in the Lifeline Assistance program and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), enTouch Wireless offers several amazing benefits for eligible low-income customers.
What Does enTouch Offer?
The company offers:
- Free monthly plans to qualifying households with:
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
- Unlimited data (limited time)
- No contract or hidden fees
- Complimentary premium smartphones from top trusted brands with:
- Large screen
- Android operating system
- High-quality and advanced features
- Options for bringing one’s device or upgrading to preferred smartphones.
Where Does enTouch Operate?
Serving eligible residents in numerous states, enTouch, through Lifeline and ACP, delivers free cell phone service and phones to low-income families. enTouch currently services California and many other US states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
How Does the Company’s Lifeline and ACP Program Work to Offer enTouch Wireless Free Phones?
To obtain a free phone and plans from enTouch Wireless through government programs, adhere to these essential steps:
- Confirm your eligibility for Lifeline/ACP, as only qualifying households can enroll and receive government assistance benefits.
- Collect all necessary documentation proving your eligibility, which will be submitted during the application process.
- Apply for enTouch Wireless free phone and plans, following the instructions outlined below.
- Upon approval, notification of acceptance will be sent via email, and you can expect to receive government assistance benefits within a few days.
For additional information on obtaining an enTouch Wireless free phone, please read the following sections, which will comprehensively explore the Lifeline Program, detailing the application process in conjunction with enTouch Wireless.
Step 1 of Getting enTouch Wireless Free Phones: Checking enTouch Lifeline and ACP Eligibility
enTouch Wireless participates in both government assistance programs – Lifeline and ACP. As each program offers a set of different benefits, you will receive the best service and device if you qualify for both programs. As such, you must meet both the Lifeline and ACP eligibility criteria.
To qualify for an enTouch Wireless free phone and plan through both Lifeline and ACP, there are two avenues of eligibility:
1. LOW INCOME: Individuals or households falling at or below the 135% poverty threshold can access Lifeline support. For detailed information on acquiring a free government phone based on low income, please refer to the Free Government Phone for Low Income section.
- Lifeline Eligibility Requirements for Low Income: a. Annual household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- ACP Eligibility Requirements for Low Income: a. Annual household income must be at or below the 200% poverty threshold.
2. PROGRAM PARTICIPATION: Individuals or households with at least one member participating in specific government assistance programs are eligible.
- Lifeline Eligibility Requirements for Program Participation: A single household member must participate in any of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribal Head Start
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
- ACP Eligibility Requirements for Program Participation:
- Lifeline
- Any of the Lifeline-qualifying programs listed above (federal or Tribal)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at USDA Community Eligibility Provision schools
- A household is also ACP-eligible if it has received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
Additionally, applicants must meet the age requirement and the residence requirement:
- Age requirement: The applicant must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
- Residence requirement: The applicant must be a resident of one of the states where enTouch Wireless operates.
These criteria allow individuals to access enTouch Wireless’ FREE phone and plan through both Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Step 2 of Getting enTouch Wireless Free Phones: Preparing the Documentation to Prove Eligibility
When applying for Lifeline and ACP, you’ll need to provide specific proof documentation to establish your eligibility. Here’s a breakdown of the required documents:
1. Identity, Age, and Social Security Number (SSN):
- Lifeline: Official documents verifying your identity, age, and SSN. For instance a valid ID, passport, birth certificate, etc.
- ACP: Similar official documentation confirming your identity, age, and SSN.
2. Residency:
- Lifeline: Documents such as rent receipts, leases, utility bills, deeds, or mortgage statements proving your residency. You can also include documents proving your noncitizen status, such as a Permanent Resident Card or Employment Authorization Card.
- ACP: Similar documentation indicating your current address.
3. Income:
- Lifeline: Proof of earnings and hours worked, like pay stubs or employer letters, to demonstrate your income. Documentation showcasing additional income sources like workers’ compensation, Veterans’ benefits, pension, child support, or alimony.
- ACP: Documents confirming your annual household income, which may include paycheck stubs or tax returns.
4. Program Participations:
- Lifeline: Proof of participation in another qualifying government assistance program, such as an approval letter, benefit award letter, benefit verification letter, or statement of benefits.
- ACP: Similar documentation indicating your participation in a government assistance program.
These documents serve as crucial evidence to validate your eligibility for Lifeline and ACP. It’s essential to provide clear and accurate copies of these documents, either physically or digitally, during the application process. Remember never to submit original documents; copies are sufficient for verification purposes.
Step 3 of Getting enTouch Wireless Free Phones: Applying for enTouch Wireless Free Phones
The most convenient method is through the online application, which involves just four straightforward steps:
- Navigate to https://entouchwireless.com/ and click the “ENROLL TODAY” button.
- A pop-up window will prompt you to select your state; proceed accordingly.
- Upon choosing your state, view the available government assistance plans tailored to your residence, such as Lifeline Only, ACP Only, or Lifeline + ACP. Once you find a suitable plan, click ‘Enroll now.’
- Complete the brief online application in 2-3 minutes. Start by providing your email address and ZIP code. Ensure all necessary information is supplied and submit supporting documentation to verify your details and eligibility.
Alternatively, you can apply by mail. Submit copies of required documents, print and fill out the application found at https://entouchwireless.com/paper-application/. Upon visiting the site, you may encounter a notification regarding National Verifier application approval. If not approved, visit https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ to apply for eligibility through the National Verifier. After approval, include your National Verifier application ID with your paper application before mailing.
For those who have applied through the National Verifier, disregard the notification, click ‘Download the Paper Application,’ and download it. For ACP program applicants, consider downloading a household worksheet from the website. Complete all forms, attach proof documentation, and send everything to 3030 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1320, Dallas, TX 75234.
Any inquiries can be directed to enTouch Wireless support at 1-866-488-8719.
Step 4 of Getting enTouch Wireless Free Phones: Receiving the Benefits
Once you have applied for your enTouch Wireless free phone and plan, the company will review your application form and determine your eligibility. As soon as a decision has been made, you will be notified. If approved, you will likely receive a free SIM card, your free Android smartphone, and other documentation via mail within a few business days.
You can then charge the device, locate its SIM card slot, and carefully insert your new SIM card (if it’s not already inserted). Then, turn on the device, find the activation instructions between the papers sent to you, and follow them to activate your device and account.
Once activated, you will be able to use your enTouch Wireless benefits, including the device and the plan with free talk minutes, texts, and data. Make sure to use your plan at least once a month, otherwise, you will lose the benefits. Moreover, make sure to reapply once a year, as government assistance benefits are only offered for one year at a time. To reapply, you will receive instructions and you will simply have to follow them.
enTouch Wireless Plans
enTouch Wireless operates in various states and they all follow the same plan options, except for California, which has its own version of the Lifeline Assistance program. Below you can find the details concerning all plans available for free at enTouch Wireless. Most states offer two types of free plans – Lifeline Only and Lifeline + ACP, however, you may also be able to apply to an ACP Only plan.
ACP + Lifeline Plans
- CA Tribal: This FREE plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, unlimited data, and free international calling.
- CA Non-Tribal Broadband: This FREE plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, unlimited data, and free international calling.
- Tribal States: This FREE plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, unlimited data, and free international calling.
- Non-Tribal (excludes OR, KY, CA, P.R.): This FREE plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 10 GB of monthly data, and free international calling.
- Non-Tribal – OR & P.R.: This FREE plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 5 GB of monthly data, and free international calling.
- Non-Tribal Kentucky: This FREE plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 11 GB of monthly data, and free international calling.
Tribal Lifeline Plans
- Base Tribal Lifeline Plan: This FREE plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 4.5 GB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
- Tribal Unlimited Talk & Text + 5 GB: This $1 a month plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 5 GB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
- Tribal Unlimited Talk & Text + 6 GB: This $5 a month plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 6 GB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
Non-Tribal Tribal Lifeline Plans
- Base Non-Tribal Plan: This FREE plan includes 500 texts, 1000 minutes, 100 MB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
- Non-Tribal 1000 Talk, Unlimited Text, and 100 MB Plan: This $1 a month plan includes unlimited texts, 1000 minutes, 100 MB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
- Non-Tribal 1200 Talk, Unlimited Text, 250 MB Plan: This $5 a month plan includes unlimited texts, 1200 minutes, 250 MB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
- Non-Tribal 1200 Talk, Unlimited Text, 1 GB Plan: This $10 a month plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 1 GB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
- Non-Tribal Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 4.5 GB Plan: This $25 a month plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 4.5 GB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
- Non-Tribal Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 5 GB Plan: This $26 a month plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 5 GB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
- Non-Tribal Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, 6 GB Plan: This $30 a month plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 6 GB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
California Lifeline Plans
- CA Basic Plus: This FREE plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 4.5 GB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
- CA Standard Lifeline Plan: This FREE plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 6 GB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
- CA Tribal Lifeline Plan: This FREE plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 8 GB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
Kentucky Lifeline Plan
- KY Lifeline Plan: This FREE plan includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, 1 GB of monthly data, voicemail, and free international calling.
ACP Only Plans
- California Tribal: Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 8 GB of data
- California Non-Tribal: Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 17 GB of data
- Hawaii: Not available
- Kentucky: Not available
- Oregon Non-Tribal: Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 5.5 GB of data
- Puerto Rico Non-Tribal: Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 5.5 GB of data
- All other states Tribal: Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 18.5 GB of data
- All other states Non-Tribal: Unlimited talk, unlimited text, 5.5 GB of data
Find out more at https://entouchwireless.com/lifeline-plans/.
Best Phones at enTouch Wireless
As of recently, enTouch Wireless offers free government phones for Lifeline/ACP-eligible customers. However, like most Lifeline/ACP providers, enTouch does not disclose exactly which phone brands and models qualifying households may receive, as the offer depends on various factors, including the customer’s plan, state of residence, timing, and availability.
Nevertheless, the company does reveal certain general characteristics of their free phones:
- Customers can expect to receive a premium smartphone
- The phone features a large screen
- The phone is powered by the Android operating system
- The phone is brand new
- The phone is a premium device from a trusted brand
You can expect to receive a high-quality yet affordable Android device completely free of charge. This offer includes a wide range of models and varies according to availability and stock. To check which exact devices are currently available at your exact location, call enTouch Wireless customer service at 1-866-488-8719.
What Other Phones are Compatible With enTouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that utilizes Verizon’s network towers and offers customers access to Verizon’s nationwide CDMA network. To bring your phone to enTouch, the device must be carrier-unlocked and compatible with enTouch’s services. Most phones that are purchased at Verizon or any of Verizon’s MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) should work perfectly with enTouch Wireless. The list of compatible devices ranges from simple flip phones to advanced Android and iPhone smartphones, including:
- LG K20
- HTC U11
- LG K10
- Samsung Galaxy S7
- LG G5
- OnePlus 10 Pro 5G
- BLU View 3
- Motorola moto g stylus (2022)
- Sony Xperia 5 III
- Microsoft Surface Duo 2
- Sony Electronics Inc Xperia PRO-I
- NUU Mobile A11L Phone
- Schok Classic Flip Phone
- Sony Electronics Inc XPERIA 1 III
- Motorola Edge (2021)
- Google Pixel 5a
- OnePlus Nord N200
- Motorola G Stylus 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
- Sunbeam F1
- American Network Solutions F30
What to Do if an enTouch Wireless Phone Gets Damaged, Stolen, Broken, or Lost?
Malfunctioned phone:
If you are having trouble with your phone, call customer service from a different phone at 1-866-488-8719. All enTouch Wireless devices come with a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer. As such, if the device started malfunctioning within the first year of use without any physical misuse, you may be able to receive a free replacement device. The warranty, however, does not cover out-of-warranty malfunctions or damage caused by improper use, storage, or charging, nor does it cover spills, drops, and other physical damage.
Stolen/Lost:
If your enTouch Wireless free phone got lost or stolen, call 1-866-488-8719 to suspend your account ASAP to avoid any additional cost.
While theft and loss are not covered by the one-year warranty, enTouch Wireless may be able to help you get a replacement phone (however, you will probably have to pay a reduced price to obtain it). Any remaining balance in your account will be transferred to your replacement phone.
How to Activate The Phone After Receiving an enTouch Wireless Free Phone
After receiving an enTouch Wireless free phone, you will have to activate it. To do so, simply follow the instructions below. If you have received a new phone directly from enTouch:
- Visit https://entouchwireless.com/activate/.
- Turn on your new enTouch Wireless device and call 866-488-8719 to activate it.
On the other hand, if you are using an enTouch SIM card with a phone that was not provided by enTouch, follow the BYOD SIM card activation process described at https://entouchwireless.com/activate/.
enTouch Wireless Phone Related FAQ’s
What Services Does enTouch Wireless Offer When You Join?
Generally, enTouch Wireless offers a certain amount of free monthly minutes, texts, and data, international calling, and perhaps voicemail, and a free government phone. However, the exact list and amount of benefits depend on the state, whether or not you live on Tribal lands, the plan, and other factors.
Does enTouch Wireless Offer Free iPhones?
No, enTouch Wireless only offers free Android smartphones to eligible customers.
Does enTouch Wireless Offer Free Tablet?
No, enTouch Wireless currently does not offer free or discounted tablets.
Why Does enTouch Wireless Offer Free Cell Phone Services?
enTouch Wireless offers free cell phone services because it participates in two government assistance programs (Lifeline and ACP) through which it receives funds from the government, which enables it to offer free cell phone and wireless services and devices to eligible low-income households. The government provides these funds for all people to have access to basic communication services and devices, which are nowadays considered basic needs.
