Everyone who knows me knows that I’m a tech enthusiast and all of my friends always contact me whenever they have any questions about how and where they can get an electronic device. Well, recently, a friend from Tennessee rang me and asked if there is a way to get free government phones for Tennessee residents. As always, I rolled up my sleeves and started to dig into exactly how it’s possible to get free government phones for Tennessee residents. And as I found a ton of great information that helped my friend get a free government phone in Tennessee, I decided to share this information with you and thus help you get a free government phone of your own. Let’s get started!
Top Government Programs That Offer Free Government Phones for Tennessee Residents
You might be familiar with the Lifeline Assistance program, a government initiative providing discounts on phone or internet services for individuals with low income or those participating in certain government programs. If your household meets the criteria, you can receive a complimentary plan and a free government phone in Tennessee.
Additionally, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is another government program that supports eligible residents in Tennessee, offering discounts on monthly internet services and a one-time discount on internet-connected devices, including smartphones. Both Lifeline and ACP contribute to enhancing communication accessibility for residents in need.
Top Government Phone Providers in Tennessee 2024
In this section, we will take a look at the companies that provide Lifeline (and ACP) assistance. We will first consider those that can provide you with a free Tennessee government phone.
Wireless Providers in Tennessee That Offer FREE Phones and FREE Deals
The Lifeline program typically provides a monthly discount on telecommunication services, and some companies go the extra mile by offering free devices and better deals. Explore the options available in Tennessee:
Access Wireless in Tennessee
Access Wireless boasts extensive nationwide coverage, free long-distance calls, and international calling availability.
- Lifeline Plan: Includes 1000 minutes, unlimited texts, and 4.5GB of free data monthly.
- ACP Plan: Includes 1000 minutes, unlimited texts, 10GB of high-speed data, and 5GB of hotspot data.
- Lifeline + ACP Plan: Includes unlimited talk, unlimited texts, unlimited data (12GB of high-speed data), and 5GB of hotspot data.
- Additional Features: Free voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, free domestic long-distance, nationwide coverage, and an Exclusive Wireless Rewards program.
- Phones: Free phones available; upgrade options with additional charges.
- Customer Care: Reach out through the online form or call the provided numbers.
- Online Contact Form: Access Wireless Contact
- Phone Support: New Customers – 1-888-900-5899, Existing Customers – 1-866-594-3644 or dial 611 from your Access Wireless phone.
- Address: Access Wireless / i-Wireless LLC, 1 Levee Way Newport, Kentucky 41071 United States.
- Find a Local Store: Access Wireless Local Stores
Assurance Wireless in Tennessee
Assurance Wireless, part of the Lifeline and ACP assistance programs, offers generous benefits to qualifying individuals.
- Lifeline Plan: Includes free 4.5GB of data, unlimited texts, and 1000 voice minutes monthly.
- ACP Plan: Includes free unlimited data with 25GB of high-speed data, free unlimited minutes, free unlimited texts, and 2.5GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data.
- Additional Features: No annual contract, nationwide Sprint® Network coverage, voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, 911 access, free unlimited calling to 211, and low international rates.
- Phones: Free Android smartphone provided based on availability.
- Customer Care: Contact through phone or email.
- Phone: 1-888-321-5880
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Assurance Wireless, P.O. Box 5040, Charleston, IL 61920-9907.
SafeLink Wireless in Tennessee
SafeLink Wireless, provided by TracFone Wireless, Inc., offers nationwide coverage and top-notch service.
- Lifeline Plan: Includes a free plan with 350 minutes, unlimited texts, and 4.5GB of data.
- ACP Plan: Includes free unlimited talk, free unlimited text, calls to Canada and Mexico, and 10GB of data, including 5GB of hotspot data.
- Lifeline + ACP Plan: Includes unlimited talk, unlimited text, unlimited data, and up to 10GB of hotspot data.
- Additional Features: Nationwide calling, voicemail, Wi-Fi connectivity, caller ID, 3-way calling, free domestic roaming, free 911, and 411 directory assistance.
- Customer Care: Available Monday to Saturday (8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. EST) and Sunday (8:00 a.m. – 7 p.m. EST).
- Phone Support: 1-800-723-3546
- Address: SafeLink Wireless PO Box 160490, Hialeah, FL 33016-9997
- Find a Local Dealer
TruConnect in Tennessee
TruConnect, participating in both the Lifeline and ACP programs, offers additional benefits to eligible individuals.
- Lifeline Plan: Monthly plan with free minutes, unlimited texts, and data.
- ACP Plan: Includes free unlimited talk, unlimited text, and at least 8GB of 4G LTE data.
- Lifeline and ACP Plan: Includes unlimited talk, unlimited text, unlimited monthly data, and free international calling.
- Additional Features: Voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, free domestic, long-distance, nationwide coverage, and exclusive rewards.
- Phones: Free phones are available, with upgrade options for an additional charge.
- Customer Care:
- Online Contact Form: TruConnect Contact
- Phone Support: New Customers – 1-800-430-0443, Existing Customers – 1-800-430-0443
- Find a Local Store: TruConnect Local Stores
Cintex Wireless in Tennessee
Cintex Wireless, a participant in the Lifeline and ACP assistance programs, offers beneficial plans to qualifying individuals.
- ACP Plan: Includes free unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and 8GB of high-speed 5G data.
- Additional Features: Nationwide coverage, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, and exclusive rewards.
- Phones: Free phones available; upgrade options with additional charges. Free phone options include iPhone 6s, Samsung Galaxy S7, etc.
- Additional devices: ACP-eligible Tennessee residents can also purchase a tablet with a huge discount.
- Customer Care:
- Online Contact Form: Cintex Wireless Contact
- Phone Support: 1-855-655-3097
- Address: Cintex Wireless, 9920 Brooklet Drive, Houston, Texas, 77099.
- Find a Local Store: Cintex only operates online.
AirTalk Wireless in Tennessee
AirTalk Wireless, participating in the Lifeline program, provides essential connectivity for eligible individuals.
- Lifeline Plan: Includes 1000 free minutes, unlimited texts, and up to 4.5GB of data.
- ACP Plan: Includes unlimited talk and text and 8GB of high-speed 5G internet data.
- Lifeline and ACP Plan: Includes unlimited talk, unlimited texts, and up to 15GB of high-speed 5G internet data.
- Additional Features: Voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, free domestic, long-distance, nationwide coverage, and exclusive rewards.
- Phones: Free phones are available, with upgrade options for an additional charge. Free phone models include Samsung, Motorola, Google, LG, and Apple smartphones.
- Customer Care:
- Online Contact Form: AirTalk Wireless Contact
- Phone Support: 1-855-924-7825
- Address: AirTalk Wireless, 9920 Brooklet Drive, Houston, Texas, 77099.
- Find a Local Store: AirTalk Wireless only operates online.
These providers offer essential connectivity, bridging the digital divide for Tennessee residents facing economic challenges.
Other Lifeline Discount Companies in Tennessee
Herein we will take a look at the companies that follow the general Lifeline Assistance program, which means they only offer the Lifeline general discount ($9.25 per month for monthly telephone service – wireline or wireless – or broadband or bundled service) or the ACP general discount (discounted or free internet service and in certain cases, a free tablet or laptop).
- Maxsip Telecom
- PCs for People
- Selectel Wireless
- Culture Wireless
- Torch Wireless
- Straight Talk
- City Communications
- Whoop Connect
- Human I-T
- Clear Wireless
- SafetyNet Wireless
- Go Technology Management
- Clear Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Unity Wireless
- Boost Mobile Excess Telecom
- Mobile Nation
Eligibility Rules to Receive a Free Government Phone in Tennessee
You can get a free government phone in Tennessee if you qualify for Lifeline or ACP.
There are two ways to qualify for both Lifeline and ACP assistance programs:
Income-based Eligibility:
You qualify for Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. In Tennessee, this means that a 1-member household can have an annual income up to $19,683, a 2-member household $26,622, a 3-member household $33,561, a 4-member household $40,500, a 5-member household $47,439, etc.
You qualify for ACP if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. In Tennessee, this means that a 1-member household can have an annual income up to $29,160, a 2-member household $39,440, a 3-member household $49,720, a 4-member household $60,000, a 5-member household $70,280, etc.
Program Participation-based Eligibility:
You qualify for Lifeline if someone from your household is enrolled in one or more of the following government-supported programs:
- Medicaid
- Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pensions and Survivors Benefit Programs
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
For those of you who live on tribal lands, enhanced Lifeline benefits are available.
You qualify for ACP if someone from your household is enrolled in one or more of the following government-supported 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
- If your household received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
In order to have a chance of getting your hands on one of the free touch screen government phones, you will have to comply with the above prerequisites.
Documents Required When Applying for Free Government Phone in Tennessee in 2024
To determine eligibility for a free government phone in Tennessee, you must provide supporting evidence. This involves furnishing specific personal details and copies of valid official documents. Ensure you possess the following:
- Crucial personal information, including your complete legal name, date of birth, email address, physical residence, the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN), or your Tribal Identification number. Additionally, have your contact information ready.
- Maintain clear copies of valid official documents, such as a valid ID, passport, driver’s license, or any official document with your complete name, date of birth, and residential address to confirm your identity. For income-related information, use a valid document displaying your full name and income, such as paycheck stubs or a prior year’s tax return. Establish participation in specific programs with an approval letter or any official document showing your full name, the program’s name, the issuing institution’s name, and a valid date. If you’re an emancipated minor, verify your emancipation status with a court document or emancipation certificate.
Tennessee Free Government Phone Program General Application Procedure
The application procedure to apply for a free government phone in Tennessee is no different than in any other state.
You can first apply through the National Verifier. It’s best to do so online at https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=nv_home for Lifeline and https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=acp&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply for ACP.
You may also be able to apply directly through a selected Lifeline/ACP provider that offers free government phones for Tennessee residents. To do so, you must:
- Find a company that offers free government phones for Tennessee residents at https://cnm.universalservice.org/.
- Apply for the selected provider’s services on its official website by providing all the information and digital documentation copies.
- If approved, you will receive a free government phone in Tennessee. The phone model will depend on the provider, but you can expect to get a mid-range Android smartphone. The most generous providers offer advanced smartphones such as Motorola Moto G9 Play, Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, or Apple iPhone 8.
- You can then enjoy the device and free monthly talk minutes, texts, and data.
Final Thoughts
There might not be as many Lifeline and ACP assistance program providers in Tennessee as there are in some other states, however, the information above will help you choose among the ones available and get the best possible free government phone in Tennessee.
