What Does Free Cell Phone Service for Life Unlimited Everything Mean?
The most popular catchphrase in the telecommunications industry today is ‘lifetime free cell phone service with unlimited everything.’ Numerous providers now claim to offer this very service. But what does ‘free cell phone service for life unlimited everything’ mean?
What the providers want you to believe it means is that they can provide you with unlimited talk, text, and data plans from now on until the rest of your life. But in reality, it’s not as dreamy and simple as it sounds. Indeed, the words ‘unlimited’, ‘free’, and ‘for life’ are quite catchy and for a good reason – to entice customers to join a provider’s program and thus pay certain expenses. Even if the cell phone service is free of charge, you may still be charged some activation fees, initial costs, additional minutes or data, etc. And that makes sense – after all, the provider also must make a living right? Moreover, the phrase ‘for life’ is also a stretch, as these types of services are usually provided through promotional deals, which only last for a while.
Luckily, there is another option that may bring you closer to this advertised ideal – the Lifeline government assistance program that really is free of charge. However, it is only available to low-income people. Moreover, you must reapply once a year and the amount of monthly data is rarely (if ever) unlimited.
How Free Government Cell Phone Service for Life Unlimited Everything Works?
If eligible, you can get free unlimited government cell phone service for life ‘unlimited everything’ through a government assistance program. Such an assistance program is Lifeline, which offers discounts on monthly phone and wireless services and cell phones. Sometimes, both devices and services come completely free of charge. Recently, the Lifeline program is often complemented by a new program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers additional discounts on internet services and connected devices.
Both programs are managed by the FCC and provided by wireless companies that decide to participate in these programs. The government offers funds to these companies and through these funds, the companies are able to provide customers with free monthly services with free talk, text, and data, and even free devices. However, according to government rules, only eligible low-income households can apply and only one Lifeline and ACP benefit is available per qualifying household. Moreover, if your application gets approved, you can only expect to receive these benefits for a year. Afterward, you must recertify, as this way the company has the opportunity to assess whether or not you still qualify for the program.
14 Best Providers That Offer Free Cell Phone Service for Life Unlimited Everything
AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless (formerly known as FeelSafe Wireless) offers both Lifeline and ACP benefits. They offer eligible customers both free government-assisted cell phones and free monthly phone service. Qualifying customers may receive one of the following plans:
Lifeline Plan:
- 1000 monthly talk minutes
- Free unlimited texts
- 4.5GB of monthly data
ACP Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- 8GB of high-speed data
- A free basic smartphone
Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited picture messaging
- Free unlimited data (15GB of high-speed data)
- A 4G LTE/5G free smartphone (depending on availability you may get an Apple iPhone 8, a Samsung Galaxy S8, or another similar device)
They offer their services in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at https://airtalkwireless.com/.
NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone Wireless offers both Lifeline and ACP benefits. The company offers both free government-assisted cell phones and free monthly phone service. Qualifying customers may receive one of the following plans:
Lifeline Plan:
- 1000 monthly talk minutes
- Free unlimited texts
- 4.5GB of monthly data
ACP Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- 8GB of high-speed data
- A free basic smartphone
Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited picture messaging
- Free unlimited data (15GB of high-speed data)
- A 4G LTE/5G free smartphone (depending on availability you may get an Apple iPhone 8, a Samsung Galaxy S8, or another similar device)
They only offer their services in Louisiana and Wyoming.
Check out the company’s assistance program and apply for the benefits at https://newphone.com/.
Access Wireless
Access Wireless is one of the largest and most popular Lifeline providers in the country. The company offers both Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program benefits. It provides mobile phone service to income-eligible customers.
Through its Lifeline program, it offers:
- 1000 monthly talk minutes (California residents get unlimited minutes)
- Free unlimited texts
- 4.5GB of monthly data
Through its ACP program, it offers:
- 1000 monthly talk minutes
- Free unlimited text
- 10GB of high-speed data (unlimited slower-speed data)
- Hotspot data
Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan:
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
- Unlimited data (15GB of high-speed)
- Hotspot data
They offer the Lifeline program in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at accesswireless.com/lifeline/Availability.
Assist Wireless
Assist Wireless offers both Lifeline and ACP discounts to eligible customers.
Through their Lifeline and ACP program and for qualifying customers only, Assist Wireless offers:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited data (limited amounts of high-speed data, which depend on the location)
- A free 5.5-inch phone (depending on availability)
The company offers Lifeline plans, ACP plans, and Lifeline and ACP combo plans. Plan benefits depend on the location. The combo plans for example can get you:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Up to 10 or 12GB of high-speed data (and unlimited amounts of slower-speed data)
They offer government assistance in Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at assistwireless.com/lifeline-plans.
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless combines its Lifeline program with the Affordable Connectivity Program to provide eligible customers with the following benefits:
Through their Lifeline program, they offer:
- 1000 monthly talk minutes
- Free unlimited texts
- 4.5GB of monthly data
Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan:
- Free unlimited minutes
- Free unlimited texts
- Free unlimited data
- Free 10 GB monthly hotspot data
- A free Android smartphone (depending on availability)
This provider offers its benefits in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at assurancewireless.com.
Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is a proud Lifeline and ACP provider. Through its combined Lifeline and ACP program you can apply for one of the following plans.
Through its Lifeline program, Cintex offers:
- 1000 monthly talk minutes
- Free unlimited texts
- 4.5GB of monthly data
Through its ACP program, Cintex offers:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- 8GB of high-speed data
- A free basic smartphone
Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited picture messaging
- Free unlimited data (15GB of high-speed data)
- A 4G LTE/5G free smartphone (depending on availability you may get an Apple iPhone 8, a Samsung Galaxy S8, or another similar device)
They offer their services in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at cintexwireless.com.
enTouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless offers both Lifeline and ACP programs and through these programs, it offers free plans and free phones to eligible low-income customers.
Through its Lifeline program, they offer:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited texts
- 4.5GB to 6GB of monthly data
Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited data
- A free 5.5-inch smartphone from a reputable brand (depending on availability)
The provider offers free service and cell phones in 34 states – Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at entouch wireless free phone.
FeelSafe Wireless
FeelSafe Wireless offers both Lifeline and EBB benefits. They offer eligible customers both free government-assisted cell phones and free monthly phone service. When their EBB program ends, you will revert to receiving their standard free Lifeline plan (which includes free monthly service and a free cell phone), however, while the EBB program lasts, eligible customers may receive:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited MMS
- Free unlimited data (22GB at 3G and 4G speeds, remainder at reduced speed)
They offer their services in California, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at feelsafewireless.com.
Life Wireless
Life Wireless is a free cell phone and service provider that offers both a Lifeline and ACP discount. Eligible customers may receive:
Lifeline Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- 6GB of high-speed data
ACP Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- 6GB of high-speed data
Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited data
Life Wireless offers its benefits in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Life’s ACP-only states include Alaska, Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at lifewireless.com.
Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless is a Lifeline provider, which also offers ACP discounts. Through their government benefit program, you can get:
Lifeline Plan:
- 1000 free talk minutes
- Free unlimited text
- 4.5GB of high-speed data
ACP Plan:
- 1000 free talk minutes
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited data
- A free new tablet (instead of a smartphone)
Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited data
- A free new tablet (instead of a smartphone)
This provider serves in the states of Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at qlink wireless free phone
SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless is a service provider owned by TracFone. The provider offers both a permanent Lifeline program, as well as an ACP benefit. Eligible customers may apply for:
Lifeline Plan:
- 350 free talk minutes
- Free unlimited text
- 4.5GB of high-speed data
ACP Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- 10GB of monthly high-speed data
- 5GB of hotspot data
- Calls to Canada and Mexico
Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited data (25GB of high-speed data)
- Up to 5GB of hotspot data
- Calls to Canada and Mexico
They provide services to customers from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/newHome.
StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless is a popular Lifeline and ACP provider. Through a combined Lifeline and ACP program, customers may receive free monthly wireless service with:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- 10GB of high-speed data
- Unlimited additional data
- A free smartphone.
Through their ACP program, customers may also receive a one-time discount on a new tablet.
StandUp Wireless provides its benefits in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at standup wireless free phone
TruConnect
TruConnect is a Lifeline and ACP provider that serves eligible clients who sign up and offers free wireless internet service, as well as a free device. By signing up you can get:
Lifeline Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Up to 6GB of high-speed data
- Unlimited international calling
ACP Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- 8GB of monthly high-speed data
- Option to buy a tablet for $10.01
- Unlimited international calling
Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited data
- Option to buy a tablet for $10.01
- Unlimited international calling
The provider serves Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at truconnect.com.
True Wireless
True Wireless is a lesser-known Lifeline provider. The provider offers free or discounted cell phone service with their Lifeline program to qualifying low-income families. The plans vary by state. For example, in Oklahoma, you can get:
Lifeline Plan:
- 3000 talk minutes
- Unlimited texts
- 4.5GB data
- Free smartphone
Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text and picture messages
- Free monthly data
- Free smartphone
- A discount on a tablet
True Wireless may sometimes also provide a free or discounted government smartphone from a reputable brand, but this offer depends on state and availability.
True Wireless is a smaller five-state provider that offers its services in Arkansas, Maryland, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Texas.
Check out their assistance program and apply for the benefits at gotruewireless.com or True Wireless free phone
Comparison Table of Government Cell Phone Service Providers that Offer Unlimited Everything
| Company Name | Minutes | Texts | Data | Additional |
| Access Wireless | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to 15GB of high-speed | Hotspot data |
| AirTalk | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to 15GB of high-speed | Picture messaging, tablet |
| Assist | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to unlimited | |
| Assurance | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to 25GB of high-speed | 2.5GB hotspot data |
| Cintex | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to 15GB of high-speed | Picture messaging, tablet |
| Easy | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to unlimited | Hotspot, tablet |
| enTouch | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to unlimited | Free international calls |
| Life | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to unlimited | 5GB of hotspot |
| NewPhone | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to 15GB of high-speed | Picture messaging, tablet |
| Q Link | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to unlimited | Picture messaging, tablet |
| SafeLink | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to unlimited | 20GB of hotspot data |
| StandUp | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to 10GB of high-speed | Tablet |
| TruConnect | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to unlimited | Tablet, unlimited international calling, 2 months of Amazon Prime |
| True Wireless | Unlimited | Unlimited | Undisclosed | Picture messaging |
How to Get Free Cell Phone Service From Nationwide 19 Best Providers
The following companies offer free cell phone service nationwide, or at least in several U.S. states.
AirTalk Wireless
This Lifeline and ACP company offers free monthly services, phones (flip, Android, and iPhones), as well as discounted tablets. You can apply at https://airtalkwireless.com/.
Cintex Wireless
If you apply for Cintex Wireless, you can receive a free monthly service plan, a mobile phone (including Apple and Android smartphones), and ACP discounts on tablets. If you qualify, you can begin your application process at https://cintexwireless.com/.
NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone Wireless offers free monthly service plans, mobile phones, and ACP discounts on tablets. If you qualify, you can begin your application process at https://newphone.com/.
Access Wireless
Access Wireless offers free cell phone service with unlimited talk, text, data (25GB high-speed), and hotspot data through their Lifeline and ACP program. To get it, you must be Lifeline-eligible. Apply for the free service at accesswireless.com/lifeline or check out more info Access Wireless free phone
American Assistance
American Assistance is a Lifeline provider that provides Lifeline-eligible customers with a free smartphone and a free monthly plan with unlimited talk, text, and data. Customers can get these benefits through the provider’s Lifeline program. Apply for the benefits at americanassistance.com.
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless offers both free phones and monthly services to low-income customers through its Lifeline program. They provide free unlimited minutes, texts, data, 10 GB monthly hotspot data, and a free Android smartphone. Learn more about Assurance Wireless free phone and apply at assurancewireless.com.
FeelSafe Wireless
This is another Lifeline provider that offers free unlimited talk, text, MMS, and data (22GB at 3G and 4G speeds, remainder at reduced speed) through their EBB program. Through their Lifeline program, on the other hand, eligible customers may receive a more basic monthly service with a free cell phone. You can apply at feelsafewireless.com.
Infiniti Mobile
By combining the Affordable Connectivity Program with the Lifeline assistance program, Infiniti Mobile offers truly free unlimited mobile and broadband service. With it, you can get free unlimited talk, text, and data. Apply at infinitimobile.com.
Life Wireless
At Life Wireless, Lifeline-eligible customers can receive free monthly cell phone service (plans vary by state) and a free smartphone. The Life Wireless ACP plan includes free unlimited talk, text, and data. Apply at lifewireless.com.
Q Link Wireless
To get free cell phone service through Q Link Wireless, you must be Lifeline-eligible. Their free Lifeline plans include free unlimited talk, text, and data, access to 10 million free Wi-Fi locations, and a free new tablet (instead of a smartphone). Enroll to get their free government cell phone service at qlinkwireless.com.
SafeLink Wireless
This is a Lifeline provider by TracFone that offers free unlimited talk, text, data, international calling, hotspot data, and a free smartphone. Only Lifeline-eligible customers may get the free phone service and device. You can apply at safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/newHome.
SafetyNet Wireless
This Lifeline provider offers free monthly plans with free talk, text, and data (the amount and cost of data vary by state), as well as a free mobile device. However, only Lifeline-eligible customers may receive these benefits. You can learn more and apply at safetynetwireless.com.
Sprint
This large carrier that is now owned by T-Mobile offers a free third line. To get this free cell phone service, however, you must already have and pay for two lines, which means that it is a promotional deal. Learn more at sprint.com/en/landings/free-line-on-us.html.
StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless is another Lifeline and ACP provider. Get free cell phone service at standupwireless.com.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers discounted cell phone services for people in need through its Lifeline program. The provider offers discounts on its generally available consumer rate plans, particularly its Basic Rate Plan which includes unlimited talk and text for $20. Read more about T-Mobile Lifeline government discounts and enroll at t-mobile.com/offers/lifeline-program. T-Mobile also offers affordable plans for first responders, the military, veterans, and senior citizens.
TAG Mobile
Tag Mobile is a Lifeline provider that offers free cell phone service to Lifeline-eligible customers in 19 U.S. states. The plans vary between states, however, in California, for example, you can get unlimited monthly talk and text, and 8GB of free LTE data. Learn more and apply at tagmobile.com.
Tempo Wireless
Tempo is also a Lifeline provider that offers free cell phone service through its Lifeline program. However, by paying an extra fee, you can purchase additional minutes and data. Lifeline-eligible customers can apply at mytempo.com/lifeline-wireless.
TerraCom Wireless
TerraCom Wireless is a Lifeline provider that offers free cell phone service in various U.S. states. Their Lifeline plans depend on the state of your residence. To see how much talk, text, and data you may expect to receive according to your state, visit terracomwireless.com/lifeline-free-plans.php.
TruConnect
TruConnect offers free cell phone service through its Lifeline program. Enroll for the Lifeline benefit at truconnect.com.
In addition to these nationwide cell phone service providers that offer free plans, there are also some commercial providers that offer affordable (but not free) cell phone service, including:
- FreedomPop (cheapest plans start at $2.99 – first month only)
- Tello (cheapest plans start at $10 a month)
- Republic Wireless (cheapest plans start at $15 a month)
- Virgin Mobile (cheapest plans start at $15 a month)
- Airvoice Wireless (cheapest plans start at $20 a month, $18 with autopay)
- Mint Mobile (cheapest plans start at $20 a month)
- Lyca Mobile (cheapest plans start at $35 a month)
How to Get Free Cell Phone Service From State Providers
Depending on your state of residence, you may receive a free cell phone service from one of the following state providers.
Alabama: In addition to nationwide providers, Alabama residents can also get a discounted or free cell phone service from several state providers, including CSpire, Pine Belt Communications, Southern Linc, and TWire. The discounts are only available for Lifeline or ACP-eligible customers.
Alaska: In Alaska, low-income people have various state options. They can get a discount on their cell phone service from Copper Valley Telecom, Cordova Telecom Cooperative, GCI, and TelAlaska (all Lifeline providers).
Arizona: CellularOne provides a free smartphone and a Lifeline cellular plan, while Choice Wireless offers standard and tribal Lifeline plans.
Arkansas: Low-income Arkansas residents may get a discount on cell phone service at Easy and True Wireless.
Colorado: In the state of Colorado, Lifeline-eligible households can get a discounted or free cell phone service from Choice Wireless and Viaero Wireless.
Georgia: Southern Linc provides a discounted Lifeline plan in Georgia.
Hawaii: In Hawaii, Sandwich Isles Communications Inc. offers a Lifeline program.
Idaho: In Idaho, Inland Cellular offers a discount on cell phone service for Lifeline-eligible Idaho residents.
Illinois: IV Cellular has a Lifeline program in the state of Illinois.
Kentucky: Bluegrass Wireless offers discounts on monthly cell phone service in Kentucky.
Louisiana: Louisiana residents can get a Lifeline benefit at New Phone Wireless, which offers free service and phones.
Maryland: True Wireless has a Lifeline program in Maryland.
Michigan: ThumbCellular offers a Lifeline discount for Michigan residents.
Mississippi: In Mississippi, CSpire and Southern Linc offer a Lifeline program.
Missouri: Northwest Missouri Cellular has a Lifeline discount for qualifying customers.
Nebraska: Viaero Wireless offers a Lifeline program in Nebraska.
Nevada: In Nevada, Choice Wireless provides both standard and tribal Lifeline plans.
New Mexico: Choice Wireless offers Lifeline plans in New Mexico.
North Dakota: Lifeline clients in North Dakota can get a discount from Red Rock Telecom.
Oklahoma: In Oklahoma, there are two state Lifeline providers – Panhandle Telecommunications Systems and Pine Cellular.
South Dakota: Lifeline customers can get a discount at Red Rock Telecom.
Texas: In Texas, Lifeline members can get a discount at Panhandle Telecommunications Systems and West Central Wireless.
Utah: Choice Wireless offers Lifeline plans in Utah.
Washington: Here, Lifeline members can get a discount at Inland Cellular.
Wisconsin: Cellcom offers a Lifeline discount for Wisconsin residents.
Wyoming: In Wyoming, Union Wireless offers a discount for Lifeline members.
How to Choose the Best Free Government Cell Phone Service for Life Unlimited Everything
As you can see, you have tons of options when it comes to choosing the best Lifeline/ACP provider for you. As their offers vary a lot, it’s impossible to determine the single best company, as it depends on your preferences (some of you may value getting a discounted tablet, while others don’t need it and would prefer unlimited international calls to stay in touch with loved ones abroad).
As such, to choose the best provider for you, follow these steps:
- Go to https://cnm.universalservice.org/.
- Enter your location, choose a program, and press Search.
- Review the list of all the providers available in your area.
- Visit each company’s website to review its offer and see which one best fits your needs. Make sure to keep in mind the amount of free minutes, texts, and data that is available in your state, extra perks, and the coverage in your area.
- If you have additional questions, contact the customer support services of the companies you are interested in.
Ways to Get Free Cell Phone Service for Life Unlimited Everything in 2023
As mentioned above, there are no service providers that offer free cell phone service for life with unlimited everything. However, there are:
- Commercial telecommunication providers that offer unlimited free services for a limited amount of time as a part of a promotion. They sometimes also offer free phones as a part of a promotion.
- Government-supported Lifeline assistance providers that offer eligible low-income people free cell phone service with unlimited talk and text (and a limited amount of monthly data) for one year at a time. Some Lifeline providers also offer free phones to eligible low-income customers.
How to Get Free Cell Phone Service From The Government
Currently, there are two ways to get free cell phone service from the government – through the Lifeline assistance program and the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was first designed in response to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency.
In this chapter, we will take a closer look at these two programs and the providers.
Process of Free Cell Phone Service for Life Unlimited Everything through the Lifeline program in 2023
Have you ever heard of the so-called ‘Obamaphone’ program? Well, that’s a popular, yet incorrect nickname for the Lifeline program.
Why is it incorrect? Well, because the program started way before Obama became president (although Obama did expand the program). Lifeline has its roots in the 1930s when the government recognized the need for universal phone service and it has been established as a program in 1985.
Lifeline is a federal program designed to help make communication services more affordable for low-income consumers. The program supports certain cell phone service providers (Lifeline providers) by funding their services and sometimes phones, which they can offer to eligible low-income people. Lifeline providers offer subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages. The program is designed to make sure that low-income people can afford telephone and broadband services and that they can contact their jobs, educational resources, healthcare, and more.
Only one Lifeline discount is available per household and the benefit is non-transferable. You can either use the benefit to receive a discount on your home phone service, cell phone service, or high-speed broadband internet service. You can, however, transfer your benefit between providers.
In addition, only Lifeline-eligible people can get this benefit. Lifeline is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, commonwealth, territory, and on Tribal lands. A household is Lifeline-eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:
Income-based eligibility
You can get Lifeline if your annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. The guideline is based on your household size and state. When you apply, you may have to provide proof of income, such as a tax return or three consecutive paycheck stubs to prove your income-based eligibility.
Government assistance program-based eligibility
You can get Lifeline if you or any of your household members participate in one of the following federal assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
If you live on Tribal lands, you can get Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or if you or any of your household members participate in one of the following Tribal assistance programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Any of the federal assistance programs listed above
When you apply, you may have to show proof of participation, such as a benefit letter to prove your program-based eligibility.
You can also get Lifeline if your child or dependent participates in any of the programs listed above.
To apply, you must find a Lifeline provider that offers its services in your state of residence and apply for the Lifeline benefit by filling out an application form on their official website. While doing so, you will be required to provide some personal information and perhaps some documentation that proves your Lifeline eligibility.
Process of Free Cell Phone Service for Life Unlimited Everything through the Affordable Connectivity Program in 2023
Unlike Lifeline, the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP is a government assistance program by the FCC designed to help families and households struggling to afford internet service. The program is the long-term extension of the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), which was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to $30 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on Tribal lands. An eligible customer may (depending on the provider) also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a desktop computer, a laptop, or a tablet from a participating provider under the condition that they pay a co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50.
The ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per eligible household.
In addition, only ACP-eligible people can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. A household is ACP-eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:
Income-based eligibility
You can get ACP if your annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. The guideline is based on your household size and state.
When you apply, you may have to provide proof of income, such as a tax return or three consecutive paycheck stubs to prove your income-based eligibility.
Government assistance program-based eligibility
You can get ACP if you or any of your household members participate in a federal assistance program, such as:
- Lifeline
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- SSI
- WIC
- FPHA
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
You may also get the ACP discount if you or any of your family members:
- Were approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, 2021-2022, or 2022-2023 school year.
- Have received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
When you apply, you may have to show proof of participation, such as a benefit letter to prove your program-based eligibility.
To apply, you must find an ACP provider that offers its services in your state of residence and apply for the ACP benefit by filling out an application form on their official website. While doing so, you will be required to provide some personal information and perhaps some documentation that proves your ACP eligibility.
How to Get Free Cell Phone Service Other Than Government Free Phone Service?
If you are unable to get free cell phone service for life with unlimited everything from a government assistance provider, you should try your luck somewhere else. You may be able to receive free monthly service, a free phone, a discounted tablet, or other benefits. Check out the following options:
- Switch to a new provider (you may get a few months of promotional free services, a free phone, or even a free tablet)
- Buy a device and get one for free
- See other carrier deals on phones, tablets, and plans
- Contact a charity, non-profit organization, local school, library, or church
- Try your luck online (you can participate in surveys, online giveaways, become a reviewer or marketing agent, etc.)
Can I Get Free Cell Phones From Websites
In addition to free cell phone service for life unlimited everything, the government-funded and commercial nationwide and state providers listed in previous sections also often offer free cell phones. They either offer government-supported smartphones for low-income (Lifeline or ACP-eligible) people or promotional free phones in exchange for switching to their services, adding a new line, subscribing to a more expensive plan, or trading in an old eligible device. As such, nowadays, there are plenty of ways to get a free cell phone.
Moreover, there is another way to get a free cell phone – that is by signing up for one of the following websites:
- Craiglist
- Buy Nothing Groups
- OfferUp
- NextDoor
Most of these are platforms, where people can buy and sell items. Most users expect subscribers to pay for their used phones, however, sometimes it is possible to get a used phone completely free of charge.
What Are The Advantages of Free Cell Phone Service for Life Unlimited Everything?
As we have mentioned before, the phrase ‘free cell phone service for life unlimited everything’ is mostly an unrealistic catchphrase designed to attract customers without actually delivering what is mentioned in the phrase. However, there are similar contracts and deals, which come with a list of advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we will review the advantages of unlimited cell phone service.
- These types of offers and deals often come with plans that cost little to no money.
- These services allow a customer to pay an upfront cost without having to worry about monthly costs.
- Lifeline and/or ACP-eligible customers may in fact get free cell phone service for free.
- Lifeline and ACP providers, as well as commercial providers often also provide free smartphones for low-income customers or for those who in one way or another commit to their services.
What Are The Disadvantages of Free Cell Phone Service for Life Unlimited Everything?
In this section, we will take a closer look at the disadvantages of the ‘free cell phone service for life unlimited everything’ types of contracts and deals.
- These types of offers are never for life.
- These types of offers rarely offer unlimited everything, especially if they are for free.
- The free smartphones that may also be available are usually mid-range Android smartphones or older Android or Apple models. Yet, some people may need a more recent phone with more advanced features for work.
- Some deals seem to offer free phones, however, you would actually have to pay for it in smaller monthly installments and commit to their (oftentimes costly) services.
- Some free phones are only for lease.
Why Do People Try to Find a Free Cell Phone Service from the Government?
There are several reasons why people are going through a relatively lengthy bureaucratic process in order to get a free cell phone service, including the following:
- Regular cell phone providers offer relatively pricey cell phone service.
- Regular cell phone providers are sneaky, as their services tend to come with lengthy contracts, additional fees, taxes, and other unexpected expenses.
- Regular carriers only offer free services or devices under strict conditions (if you trade in an old device, if you buy another device, if you switch to the carrier’s services, if you add a line or purchase a pricey service plan, etc.).
- Lifeline and ACP providers offer the most benefits with no additional fees and with no strings attached.
Why Do Phone Companies Offer Free Phones and Life Unlimited Everything Services?
- You may wonder why any of these providers offer free cell phone service and free phones. Commercial and Lifeline providers do so for very different reasons.
- Commercial wireless providers offer free phone service and cell phones as a part of a promotion that attracts clients to subscribe to their services. While these promotions may start off free of charge (although often the customer must pay an activation fee, taxes, and perhaps trade in an old eligible cell phone), the promotion period only lasts for a while. Afterward, the customer must pay for their (often rather pricey) services.
- Lifeline providers, on the other hand, offer free services and cell phones through the financial aid of the government, which wants to make sure that every U.S. citizen, even the poorest ones, has a phone and cell phone service. Why? Well, because nowadays having a phone and phone service is a necessity, rather than a luxury. Nowadays, we all rely on phones to get and maintain jobs, for education, to contact medical and emergency services, to pay the bills, and to stay in touch with our loved ones.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Free Cell Phone Service for Life Unlimited Everything?
Are There Any Additional Restrictions for Lifeline?
Lifeline discounts on service and cell phones are only available to Lifeline-eligible customers. Only one Lifeline discount is available per household and the benefit is non-transferable. You can either use the benefit to receive a discount on your home phone service, cell phone service, or high-speed broadband internet service.
Are the Free Phones and Free Cell Phone Service Plans Any Good?
It depends on the provider, however, many free cell phone service plans (especially Lifeline plans) are great, as they offer unlimited everything on a reliable nationwide network.
All Free Cell Phone Service Plans Are Held to a Minimum Standard – What is it?
Under the FCC’s Lifeline program, all Lifeline providers must meet a minimum standard. Currently, this standard means they must offer at least 1000 minutes, 3GB of data, and 3G phones. However, many providers offer much more.
What Are Lifeline Benefits?
Lifeline benefits depend on each Lifeline provider. Read all there is to know about Lifeline in the ‘Lifeline process’ section.
What Are ACP Benefits?
ACP benefits depend on each ACP provider. Read all there is to know about ACP in the ‘ACP process’ section.
How to Find the Best Free Cell Phone Provider Near Me?
You can either find a company that operates in your area from our list of Lifeline and ACP providers above or you can go to https://cnm.universalservice.org/, enter your ZIP code, and get a list of all available providers there.
What Happens if You Cancel Your Service Before Your Contract Expires?
If you do so, you will simply stop receiving the benefits. If it is a company that also offers regular services, you will continue to receive the plan at a regular rate. Otherwise, you will have to find another provider.
Can I Get a Free Phone Without a Plan?
This is not a common practice. However, you can switch to another provider shortly after receiving a free phone. Some companies will allow you to keep the phone even if you won’t be using their services.
What if I Don’t Qualify for an Obama Phone?
Obama phone is an informal nickname for free Lifeline and ACP devices. If you don’t qualify for one, you can still get a free phone elsewhere. See your options above.
Why is My Free Phone Service Not Working at Home?
Perhaps you live in an area with poor coverage. There are also some other things that may disrupt the reception, including the proximity of large buildings or other physical obstructions, radio interference, electronic devices, the surrounding terrain, or even the weather.
How to Renew Your Free Cell Phone Service?
Both Lifeline and ACP benefits are only available for one year. Afterward, you must reapply every year so that the FCC makes sure that you still qualify for the discounts and assistance. Before the year ends, the company will send you a notification and instructions on how to reapply and continue enjoying your services without interruption.
