What Is a Hotspot and Hotspot Device?
Before we dive into the subject of this article, let’s first clarify certain important terms.
So, First of All, What is a Hotspot?
A hotspot or a Wi-Fi hotspot is a physical location or access point where people can connect to a Wi-Fi network. Wireless internet and mobile data are both transmitted through the air. While you can connect to a Wi-Fi network directly using your computer, your computer is unable to connect to mobile data, as it does not have a SIM card (which is a kind of antenna for mobile data). Therefore, in order to use mobile data with your computer or any other device that does not have a SIM card, you must use a hotspot device.
Secondly, What is a Hotspot Device?
A hotspot device is an electronic device that has the ability to cast a wireless signal for other devices to connect to while on the go. A hotspot device must have a SIM card, as the SIM card serves as the antenna that receives the cellular data. The hotspot device then shares what the SIM card has received with other nearby devices.
For example, if you are in a place where there is no Wi-Fi or cable internet, you will not be able to access the internet with your computer. You will, however, be able to access the internet with your phone using your service’s mobile data. As most modern cell phones also have a mobile hotspot feature, you will then be able to enable the feature on your phone and connect with your computer to your phone’s hotspot network.
Lastly, Which Devices Can Be Used As Hotspot Devices?
Any electronic device that has a SIM card can serve as a hotspot device. When we talk about hotspot devices, we usually refer to:
- Dedicated hardware devices (similar to Wi-Fi routers but not to be confused with them)
- Cellular phones
- Tablets
Is It Possible to Get a Free Government Hotspot Device?
As you can see, a hotspot device is a pretty convenient device as it enables you to share mobile data with other nearby devices that are unable to access mobile data directly. But is it possible to get a free government hotspot device from the government?
The answer is yes! However, it depends on exactly what kind of hotspot device we are talking about.
Dedicated hotspot devices are generally not offered by the government. However, government assistance programs do provide eligible low-income citizens with free phones and tablets, which is even better as dedicated hotspot devices only serve one purpose, while phones and tablets come packed with countless other features and options.
So how can we get a free government hotspot device (phone and/or tablet)? Through Lifeline and/or the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Lifeline is a government-funded benefit program designed to help make communications services more affordable for low-income people. It offers discounts on monthly phone, wireless, or internet services and cellular phones.
The Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP is a brand new government assistance program that provides a discount on monthly broadband services and internet-connected devices, such as tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Note: Not all ACP providers offer discounts on devices. Most of them only offer discounts on monthly services. In order to receive this one-time discount on a device, you must (according to government rules) pay a mandatory co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50. As such, a ‘government free’ tablet is actually never completely free of charge.
What is the Process of Getting a Free Government Hotspot Device?
Phone, wireless, and internet companies that participate in the Lifeline and ACP programs generally do not offer dedicated hotspot devices, however, they do offer free government phones and free (discounted) tablets, both of which can also serve as hotspot devices.
In order to receive a free government hotspot device (phone or tablet) through the Lifeline/ACP program, you must follow a very precise and rigid, yet simple and quick process:
- First of all, you must realize that Lifeline and ACP aren’t ‘open clubs’ that allow anyone to join in. Instead, in order to subscribe, you must meet certain requirements. See whether or not you qualify for Lifeline and ACP in the following section.
- Secondly, as nobody will take your word when it comes to Lifeline and ACP eligibility, you will be required to prove it. To do so, make sure to provide certain documents that verify the vital information. See the list of acceptable documents below.
- Then, you can proceed to apply for Lifeline and ACP to receive a free government hotspot device. Learn exactly how to do that in the section ‘How to Apply for Lifeline and ACP to Receive a Free Government Hotspot Device?’.
- Finally, you must find a Lifeline/ACP provider that offers free government hotspot devices (phones, tablets, or even both) in your state of residence. Apply for the company’s services. If approved, you will receive your hotspot device via mail in a matter of days.
How to Qualify for a Free Government Hotspot Device?
As mentioned above, in order to enrol in the Lifeline/ACP program, you must meet certain government-determined requirements.
Lifeline Eligibility
A household is Lifeline-eligible if:
- The annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. The guideline depends on the state or the household size.
- A household member participates in a qualifying government assistance program, such as:
- 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
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
ACP Eligibility
A household is ACP-eligible if:
- The annual household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. The guideline depends on the state or the household size.
- A household member participates in Lifeline.
- A household member participates in any of the Lifeline-qualifying government assistance programs listed above.
- A household member participates Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
- A household participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
- A household has received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
Note: Both Lifeline and ACP benefits are only available to one person per eligible household.
In order to qualify for any of the two government assistance programs, you must also be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor and a resident of one of the states where your selected provider offers its services and benefits.
What Documents Do I Have to Provide to Get a Free Government Hotspot Device?
Getting a free government hotspot device, whether that is a phone, a tablet, or even both, is great. Therefore, non-eligible people may try to abuse the system. In order for that not to happen, each customer must prove their eligibility. Lifeline and ACP eligibility can be proven by providing copies of certain unexpired valid official documents that contain vital information and verify their validity.
You must prove the following information and provide one of the following documents for each category:
- Identity proof
- A valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- U.S. Driver’s license
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
- Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
- Or another official document that includes 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 official document that includes your full legal name and physical address
- Proof of income (if you qualify based on your low income)
- Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- Prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
- A Social Security statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- A retirement/pension statement of benefits
- Divorce decree or child support award
- Or another official document that includes your full legal name and annual household income
- Proof of participation in a qualifying government assistance program (if you qualify based on your program participation)
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
- Or another official document that includes your full legal name, the name of the program, the name of the government or Tribal entity, program administrator, school, university, or college that issued the document
You may also be required to provide a duplicate address, proof of life, Social Security Number, or proof of emancipation (if you are an emancipated minor).
Depending on whether you choose to apply online or via mail, make sure to make clear digital or physical copies of the documents and make sure not to submit originals.
How to Apply for Lifeline and ACP to Receive a Free Government Hotspot Device?
Generally, there are three ways to apply for Lifeline and ACP to receive a free government hotspot device (phone or tablet) – online, via mail, or directly through your chosen provider.
How to Apply for Lifeline and ACP Online
To receive a free government phone, which can be used as a hotspot device, you must apply for the Lifeline assistance program. To do so online follow these steps:
- Visit nv.fcc.gov/lifeline.
- Select your state or territory and press ‘Get Started’. You may be required to log in or create a new account.
- You will then be redirected to the online Lifeline application form. Fill it out by providing all the necessary information and documentation. At the bottom of each page, press ‘Next’, and at the end of the form, press ‘Submit’.
To receive a tablet, which can serve as a free government hotspot device, apply for the ACP program. Do so online by following the instructions below:
- Visit nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?id=nv_flow&ebbp=true.
- You may be required to log in or create a new account.
- You will be redirected to the online ACP application form. Fill it out by providing all the necessary information and documentation. At the bottom of each page, press ‘Next’, and at the end of the form, press ‘Submit’.
How to Apply for Lifeline and ACP Via Mail
Apply for Lifeline via mail by following these steps:
- Print out a physical Lifeline application at lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf.
- Fill it out.
- Add copies of your proof documentation.
- Send the package to Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Apply for ACP via mail by following these instructions:
- Print out an ACP application at affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf.
- Optional but recommended: Include a Household Worksheet available at affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf.
- Fill out both forms.
- Add copies of your proof documentation.
- Send the package to ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
How to Apply for Lifeline and ACP Directly Through the Selected Provider
While some Lifeline/ACP providers require you to apply for the government assistance programs through the Lifeline/ACP Support Center first, other companies include such an extensive application process that you can apply directly through them.
The Best Companies That Offer Free Government Hotspot Devices
While Lifeline and ACP providers do generally not offer dedicated hotspot devices free of charge, they do offer free government phones and tablets, both of which can also be used as hotspot devices. In this paragraph, we will review some of the best companies that offer these kinds of free government hotspot devices.
Access Wireless
Access Wireless is a Lifeline and ACP provider that offer free monthly services with unlimited talk, text, and data. It provides services and free government hotspot devices to eligible residents of 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.
What type of free government hotspot devices does the company offer?
Access Wireless offers free smartphones that can be used as hotspot devices. Exactly which phone brand and model you may receive depends on the location, plan, and availability.
How to apply?
To apply, visit accesswireless.com. Enter your ZIP code in the provided search box and press ‘Apply Now’. If Access Wireless provides services in your area, you will be redirected to the website that contains all the plans offered in your area. Find the plan that best fits your needs and press ‘Apply’. You can select an online application form or one that you can print out. Fill out the application form, add the proof documentation, and submit the application. If your application gets approved, you will be notified via email.
AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk is one of the most popular nationwide Lifeline and ACP providers. It offers free monthly services with free unlimited talk, text, and data, and free government devices that can be used as hotspot devices. The company offers its services in the states of California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
What type of free government hotspot devices does the company offer?
The exact list of benefits offered by a provider depends on the provider itself. AirTalk Wireless is one of the very generous providers that offer both free government phones and tablets, both of which can be used as hotspot devices. Customers who qualify for both Lifeline and ACP can receive both a free smartphone (you can get a flip phone, Android smartphone, or iPhone and in this case, you get to select the phone model yourself) and a free ACP tablet.
How to apply?
To enrol, go to airtalkwireless.com. Press ‘Apply Now’. When redirected, enter your ZIP number in the provided search box. Assuming that AirTalk offers its services in your area, you will be redirected to your state’s plan offer. Choose the plan that best fits your needs. If you qualify for the Lifeline & ACP Combo plan, you should definitely apply for that one, as it offers the most benefits, including free monthly services, a phone of your own choice, and a tablet. Once you choose the plan, press the ‘Apply’ button once more. Fill out the application form and submit it at the end. If approved, you will be notified via email.
Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless (as well as NewPhone Wireless, which we will talk about later) is AirTalk’s affiliate company, therefore it has a similar offer and application process. It offers free monthly services and devices to eligible customers 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.
What type of free government hotspot devices does the company offer?
People who qualify for both Lifeline and ACP can receive two types of free government hotspot devices from the government – phones and tablets. And they can even choose the phone and tablet model themselves, which is very rare among government benefit providers, which tend to offer whichever device is currently available without notifying the customer in advance.
How to apply?
Begin your application process by visiting cintexwireless.com. Press ‘Apply Now’ and enter your ZIP code in the provided box on the next page. If the company’s government assistance program is available in your country, make sure to review the plans, and if possible, select the one with the best benefits. Fill out the application form and submit it.
Easy Wireless
Easy Wireless is a popular Lifeline and ACP provider that offers free unlimited talk and text, free unlimited data and hotspot, and free devices. These amazing benefits are available to eligible customers in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Note that both Lifeline and ACP discounts are only available in certain states.
What type of free government hotspot devices does the company offer?
Easy Wireless is another one of those rare and generous government benefits providers that offer both free phones and tablets, both of which can be used as hotspot devices. Both devices are only available for Lifeline and ACP subscribers.
How to apply?
Enrol by visiting myeasywireless.com. Enter your email address and ZIP code in the provided search box and press ‘Enroll Now’. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to choose the plan and fill out the online application form.
enTouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless is a Lifeline and ACP provider that offers high-quality services that include free monthly talk, text, data, and international calling to certain countries. The company’s services are available in 34 states, including 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.
What type of free government hotspot devices does the company offer?
enTouch Wireless offers one type of free government hotspot devices – free phones. Eligible customers can expect to receive a free 5.5-inch smartphone along with free government phone service.
How to apply?
Sign up by visiting entouchwireless.com. Press ‘Enroll Now’ and choose your state in the pop-up window. The system will show you the list of available plans in your area. If possible choose the Lifeline + ACP plan that offers the most benefits. Press ‘Enroll Now’. Check availability and start the application process by providing your email address and ZIP code. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to fill out and submit the application form.
NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone Wireless is Cintex and AirTalk’s affiliate company that provides qualifying customers with both Lifeline and ACP benefits. The company offers free monthly services with high-speed data, talk, text, and other exciting benefits to customers living in the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
What type of free government hotspot devices does the company offer?
NewPhone offers free government phones and customers who qualify for the most valuable Lifeline & ACP plan can even choose the device they wish to receive themselves. NewPhone offers high-quality devices from the most reputable brands, including Apple, Samsung, Motorola, etc. At times, NewPhone Wireless also offers the second type of hotspot devices – tablets. However, currently, the provider only offers free phones.
How to apply?
Commence your application process by visiting newphone.com and pressing ‘Apply Now’. On the next page, enter your ZIP code and press ‘Apply Now’. If the company offers its services in your area, you will be redirected to your state’s program offer. Choose the plan you qualify for by pressing ‘Apply Now’ once more. Complete the application form by providing all the relevant information and documentation. If your application gets approved, you will be notified.
Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless is a Lifeline and ACP provider that offers free unlimited data, talk, text, and a free government hotspot device to eligible customers in Arizona, Arkansas, 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, Wisconsin.
What type of free government hotspot devices does the company offer?
While most Lifeline and ACP providers offer free phones, only a few of them offer free tablets. Therefore, it is interesting that Q Link Wireless is more known for providing customers with free ACP tablets. Certain customers in certain states may also receive a free phone, but receiving a free tablet is more common. Whichever device you receive it can serve as a hotspot device.
How to apply?
To apply visit qlinkwireless.com. Enter your ZIP code and email address in the provided boxes and press ‘Get It Now’. Afterward, simply follow the on-screen prompts to select the plan and fill out the company’s online application form.
StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless is another popular Lifeline and ACP provider that offers amazing benefits, including unlimited talk, text, data (with 10GB of high-speed data), nationwide coverage, and a free device. The company offers its services in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
What type of free government hotspot devices does the company offer?
StandUp Wireless offers both types of hotspot devices that are commonly offered by the government – phones and tablets. While the phone is completely free of charge, customers must (according to government rules) pay a mandatory co-pay of $10.01 in order to receive the ACP tablet discount.
How to apply?
Applying for a free government hotspot device from StandUp Wireless is easy. Simply visit standupwireless.com, enter your information in the provided search box, and press ‘Begin application’. Then, follow the instructions that will guide you through the application process. If your application gets approved, you will receive your device and other benefits shortly.
Other Benefits That Eligible Customers May Receive in Addition to the Free Government Hotspot Device
While Lifeline and ACP providers do generally not provide free government dedicated hotspot devices, they do offer free phones and tablets, both of which can be used as hotspot devices. Lifeline and ACP providers also offer discounts on monthly phone, wireless, or internet services.
However, the exact list of additional benefits depends on the provider, the plan, the state, and other factors. You can see the exact list of benefits that you may expect to receive by visiting your selected provider’s website.
Still, most Lifeline and ACP providers offer the following benefits:
- Free monthly phone, wireless, or internet services with:
- Limited or unlimited talk
- Limited or unlimited text
- Limited or unlimited data
- Other features, such as caller ID, voicemail, etc.
- A free government hotspot device – a phone or tablet. As we have seen above, some companies offer both.
The Limitations of Applying for Lifeline and ACP and Receiving a Free Government Hotspot Device
Lifeline and ACP are both government assistance programs funded by the federal Universal Service Fund. As such, they come with certain rigid rules and limitations, including:
- Only Lifeline and ACP-eligible households can receive the benefits.
- Lifeline and ACP benefits are only available for one person per eligible household.
- Lifeline and ACP benefits are non-transferable between households or even members of the same household.
- In order to continue receiving the benefits, you must use them at least once every 30 days and reapply for the program every year.
Is There Any Other Way to Receive a Free Government Hotspot Device
In case you do not qualify for a free government hotspot device of any kind, there are other ways to receive one.
- T-Mobile offers free hotspots and hotspot devices through their Project 10Million. Read more at t-mobile.com/brand/project-10-million.
- You can receive free phones and/or tablets through carrier or retailer deals (note: these deals tend to include certain conditions).
- You can receive a free phone or tablet by becoming a reviewer or marketing agent.
- You can receive a free phone or tablet through online surveys, Amazon Vine, or by entering giveaways.
- You can receive a free government hotspot device from a charity or non-government organization, such as Adaptive.Org, Causes, EveryoneOn, On It Foundation, Smartriverside, The Salvation Army, etc.
