Free Government Tablet and Tablet Stands Meaning
The government is offering several government assistance programs for people in need. Some of these programs provide food for low-income households, others cover medical expenses, and the Lifeline assistance program offers discounts on monthly phone, wireless, and internet services, and sometimes, it also provides free government phones.
However, recently, the government has launched a brand new assistance program, called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). It was first launched as the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) during the pandemic, however, it was soon modified and extended due to its popularity. The new ACP program offers discounts of up to $30 per eligible non-Tribal household and $75 per eligible Tribal household on monthly internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase an internet-connected device, such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Indeed, the government offers free government tablets for eligible low-income people through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
A fair warning, though – ‘free government tablets’ are not completely free of charge, as according to government rules you must pay a mandatory co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50 to obtain the device. Still, many ACP providers offer high-quality tablets for only $10.01, as such, we can easily use the phrase ‘free government tablet’.
Now, how to find a free government tablet near me? Well, one way is to internet-search ‘free government tablets stands near me’.
Free government tablet stands can actually be small stands set by ACP providers that offer ACP plans or they can represent fixed local stores or offices of those wireless providers or their representatives.
While nowadays, you can get all the ACP information online and you can even apply online, you can also do all that by visiting a store, office, or stand near you. This way, a representative will guide you through the entire process, which may provide you with some comfort.
What Type Of Services Provide Free Government Tablet Stands Near Me
Not all tablet stands are the same. Some are very basic temporary promotional stands, while others are actual permanent stores, which also offer a wide selection of devices and accessories, which is typically not the case with temporary free government tablet stands.
Some of the services that are usually offered by tablet stands include:
- Eligibility checking. The representative will help you figure out if you qualify for the ACP program and the free tablet or not.
- Eligibility documents submission. The representative will help you collect and submit valid official documents needed during the application process.
- Application process guidance. The agent will guide you through the ACP application process.
- Collecting the tablet after you have successfully applied.
- Upgrading your device if necessary.
- Replacing the device if necessary.
- Yearly recertification assistance. In order to keep receiving the ACP benefits, you must recertify for the program every year.
As mentioned before, you can also do all of that online. Doing so online may be a great idea, especially if you are reasonably computer-savvy and have access to the internet. This way, you won’t have to waste your time trying to find a free government tablet stand near you, visiting it, and standing in lines to speak to a representative. You can see the online application process below. Moreover, if you do get any issues or questions, you can always contact your service provider and speak to a representative via phone. They will be able to offer similar assistance remotely.
How to Find Out Which Providers Offer Free Tablets Near Me
Finding out which providers offer free tablets near me is relatively easy.
Using an ACP Search Tool
The best way to find an ACP provider that offers free government tablets near you is by using the official ACP search tool. It will generate a list of all the ACP companies in your area. You can then contact each one of those companies to ask about their options.
- First, go to https://cnm.universalservice.org/.
- Enter your ZIP code or city and state in the provided search box.
- Select the ACP program, and press ‘Search’.
Once the system gives you the list of providers in your area, make sure to notice which ones offer discounts on devices, as those are the ones that potentially offer free government tablets. You can then contact each one to get more information about their offer.
Using Internet Browsers or Social Media Sites
Alternatively, you can find free government tablet providers in your area through your internet browser or through social media. Simply visit your favorite search engine, such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo, and search for “free government tablet stands near me” or find relevant information through a social media platform, such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and others.
Once you have found the provider that best suits your needs, you can also search online by the carrier’s name. If you wish to visit the provider’s physical store, simply search for “(provider name) stand near me”.
Free Government Tablet Stands Near Me In My State
With the ACP search tool, you can easily find a list of all the ACP companies in your city and state.
To do so, simply visit https://cnm.universalservice.org/, key in your city and state or your ZIP code, select the program, and press Search. In this case, check the ACP program, as only ACP companies offer free tablets. If, on the other hand, you would be interested in getting a free government phone, you would have to check the Lifeline program. Note: Most ACP companies offer Lifeline services as well.
You will then get a list of all the companies’ names, phone numbers, types of services, and other information, including a note about which companies offer discounted devices. If you click on a provider’s name, you will be redirected to its official website. There, you can find the company’s address and the addresses of its stores (if the company offers any).
13 Best Free Government Tablet Providers and Their Stands Near Me in 2023
AirTalk Wireless
- Local address: AirTalk Wireless has no physical stores
- Website: https://airtalkwireless.com/
- Email address: [email protected] or https://airtalkwireless.com/contact
- Contact number: 855 924-7825
- States: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
- Free tablet models: Unlike many other Lifeline and ACP providers, AirTalk allows its customers (at least the ones that qualify for ACP) to choose the free device they wish to receive. Currently, the company offers tablets such as Samsung Galaxy Tab S, Apple iPad Air 2, Apple iPad Mini 3, Alcatel Joy Tab 2, Apple iPad 3, Samsung Galaxy Tab 4, etc.
- Plans: The plans vary by state, however, generally there are the following three plans – ACP Plan, Lifeline Plan, and Lifeline & ACP Combo plan, which offers unlimited monthly talk, unlimited text, and picture messaging, 15GB of high-speed data, and some caller features. Plus, of course, a discounted tablet.
Cintex Wireless
- Local address: Cintex Wireless has no physical stores
- Website: https://cintexwireless.com/
- Email address: [email protected] or https://cintexwireless.com/contact
- Contact number: 855 655-3097
- States: Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
- Free tablet models: Cintex allows its ACP customers to choose the free device they wish to receive. Currently, the company offers tablets such as Samsung Galaxy Tab S4, Apple iPad Mini, Apple iPad Air, KonnectONE Moxee Tablet, Alcatel Joy Tab, etc.
- Plans: The plans vary by state, however, generally there are the following three plans – ACP Plan, Lifeline Plan, and Lifeline & ACP Combo plan, which offers unlimited monthly talk, unlimited text, and picture messaging, 15GB of high-speed data, and some caller features, as well as the discounted tablet.
Easy Wireless
- Local address: See Easy Wireless store locations at https://myeasywireless.com/store-locations/, the main address is PO Box 831478, Ocala FL 34483
- Website: https://myeasywireless.com/
- Email address: [email protected]
- Contact number: 877 476-3451
- States: 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.
- Free tablet models: The company doesn’t disclose the tablet model in advance as it depends on availability, plan, state, and other factors. However, the company promises to provide an 8-inch tablet of $120 value for only $10.99.
- Plans: The plans vary by state, however, generally there are ACP Only, Lifeline Only, and Lifeline + ACP plans that offer unlimited monthly minutes, unlimited texts, and a limited amount of monthly high-speed data and hotspot in addition to the tablet.
Excess Telecom
- Local address: Excess Telecom has no physical stores, the main address is 1301 S Main St Ste 301, Los Angeles, California, 90015
- Website: https://www.excesstelecom.com/
- Email address: https://www.excesstelecom.com/contact-us/
- Contact number: 1-800-615-0898
- States: Excess Telecom is based in California but licensed in all 50 states.
- Free tablet models: The company doesn’t disclose the tablet model in advance as it depends on availability, plan, state, and other factors. However, you can expect to receive an entry-level to mid-range Android tablet.
- Plans: The plans vary by state, however, the standard free plan includes unlimited minutes and texts, 15GB of monthly data, and customer support. The tablet is included in the most expensive prepaid premium plan for $420 a year.
Go Technology Management
- Local address: Go Technology Management has no physical stores, the main address is 6445 Powers Ferry Rd NW # 350, Atlanta, GA 30339
- Website: https://goknows.com/
- Email address: [email protected]
- Contact number: (877)223-1978
- States: Over 30 undisclosed states.
- Free tablet models: The company doesn’t disclose the tablet model in advance as it depends on availability, plan, state, and other factors. However, you can expect to receive an entry-level to mid-range Android tablet.
- Plans: The plans vary by state
Maxsip Telecom
- Local address: Maxsip Telecom has no physical stores, the main address is 1150 Selmi Dr h501, Reno, NV 89512
- Website: https://maxsipconnects.com/
- Email address: [email protected]
- Contact number: (866) 629-7471
- States: Undisclosed
- Free tablet models: The company doesn’t disclose the tablet model in advance as it depends on availability, plan, state, and other factors. However, the tablet comes with a free 4G data plan
- Plans: The plans vary by state.
Moolah Wireless
- Local address: Moolah Wireless has no physical stores
- Website: https://moolahwireless.com/
- Email address: https://moolahwireless.com/help/
- Contact number: (855)685-2241
- States: Undisclosed
- Free tablet models: The company doesn’t disclose the tablet model in advance as it depends on availability, plan, state, and other factors. However, you can expect to receive an Android-powered device. Read more at https://moolahwireless.com/tablets/.
- Plans: The plans vary by state.
My Tablet ACP
- Local address: My Tablet ACP has no physical stores
- Website: https://www.mytabletacp.com/
- Email address: [email protected]
- Contact number: Undisclosed
- States: Undisclosed
- Free tablet models: Undisclosed
- Plans: Undisclosed
NewPhone Wireless
- Local address: NewPhone Wireless has no physical stores
- Website: https://newphone.com/
- Email address: [email protected]
- Contact number: 855 204-3667
- States: Louisiana, Wyoming
- Free tablet models: NewPhone allows its ACP customers to choose the free device they wish to receive. The tablets range from simple Android models to more expensive iPads.
- Plans: The plans vary by state, however, generally there are the following three plans – ACP Plan, Lifeline Plan, and Lifeline & ACP Combo plan, which offers unlimited monthly talk, unlimited text, and picture messaging, 15GB of high-speed data, and some caller features, as well as a discounted tablet.
Q Link Wireless
- Local address: Q Link Wireless has no physical stores
- Website: https://qlinkwireless.com/
- Email address: https://qlinkwireless.com/members/support.aspx
- Contact number: (855) 754-6543
- States: 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.
- Free tablet models: The company doesn’t disclose its tablet models in advance. However, the tablet comes with the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities and costs $10.01.
- Plans: The plans vary by state, however, generally there are ACP Only, Lifeline Only, and Lifeline + ACP plans that offer unlimited monthly minutes, texts, and data, as well as a new tablet.
StandUp Wireless
- Local address: StandUp Wireless has no physical stores, the main address is PO Box 72397, Newport, Ky 41072
- Website: https://standupwireless.com/
- Email address: [email protected] and https://standupwireless.com/support/contact-us/
- Contact number: 800-544-4441
- States: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
- Free tablet models: The company doesn’t disclose the tablet model in advance as it depends on availability, plan, state, and other factors. However, you can expect to receive a mid-range Android device.
- Plans: The plans vary by state, however, generally there are ACP Only, Lifeline Only, and Lifeline + ACP plans that offer unlimited monthly minutes and texts, 10GB of high-speed data, unlimited additional data, nationwide coverage, and more.
Stimulus
- Local address: Stimulus has no physical stores
- Website: https://stimulustabletjobs.com/
- Email address: https://stimulustabletjobs.com/contact-us/
- Contact number: 877-977-4375
- States: Undisclosed
- Free tablet models: The company doesn’t disclose the tablet model in advance as it depends on availability, plan, state, and other factors.
- Plans: The plans vary by state.
TruConnect
- Local address: See TruConnect’s retail locations at https://www.truconnect.com/locations
- Website: https://www.truconnect.com/
- Email address: [email protected] or https://www.truconnect.com/contact-us
- Contact number: 800 430-0443
- States: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
- Free tablet models: The company doesn’t disclose the tablet model in advance as it depends on availability, plan, state, and other factors. However, you can expect to receive an entry-level to mid-range Android device.
- Plans: The plans vary by state, however, generally there are ACP Only, Lifeline Only, and Lifeline + ACP plans that offer unlimited monthly minutes, texts, and data, unlimited international calling, and the option to buy a tablet for only $10.01.
How To Choose a Suitable Free Government Tablet Stand Near Me
Lifeline and ACP companies are available in all states and U.S. territories. Moreover, everywhere, there are several companies to choose from. So how to then choose the best option – the company that will best suit your needs?
Well, you will just have to search for each individual company online and compare their offers in your area. When doing so, make sure to pay special attention to the following:
- The tablet model that you can get. Even if the company doesn’t disclose the tablet model online, you can simply contact the provider’s customer support service and the agent will help you get a better idea of what to expect.
- The plans that the company offers in your area. As you can see above, different companies offer different plans with different benefits. Depending on whether you also wish to get a new smartphone, free hotspot, international calls, etc, you should select the right company for you.
- Network coverage.
- Customer support service.
- Simple application process.
- BYOP program.
Reasons to Know About Free Government Tablet Stands Near Your Location
As mentioned before, you can apply for a free government tablet online. However, doing so by visiting a stand near your location comes with certain benefits, including:
- Agent guidance instead of having to do everything yourself.
- Agent can answer all your questions in real-time.
- You can receive the device immediately in the store (if they hold the tablets).
- You can get an upgrade and replacement device (if they hold them).
- Guided application and recertification process.
Process to Get a Free Government Tablet and Services
To receive your free government tablet through an ACP company, you will have to go through a strict yet simple application process.
To apply for ACP, you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria listed in the following section. Additionally, it’s important to have copies of valid official documents that prove your eligibility ready to provide during the application process. The application process will require you to provide related information and documentation, so be sure to prepare in advance for a smooth experience. If you are approved for the program, you will receive a SIM card and a device and can begin receiving monthly benefits right away.
How To Get A Government Free Tablet in 2023
If you are thinking of applying for the new Affordable Connectivity Program, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Have an annual household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Participate in Lifeline or any of the Lifeline-qualifying programs listed below:
- 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
- Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands):
- 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
- Participate in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Participate 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
- Have received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
You must then prove your eligibility by providing valid official documents that verify your income-based eligibility, program participation-based eligibility, identity, age, address, or other personal information.
Finally, you must apply. To do so, either visit a store or do it online by following the instructions below.
How to Get a Free Government Tablet Online
Free government tablet online refers to applying for ACP assistance online. There are two places where you can apply online:
- Directly via the National Verifier website (https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?id=nv_flow&ebbp=true&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply)
- Through wireless providers (the ones that participate in the ACP program) official website. To locate wireless providers in your area, use this tool: https://cnm.universalservice.org/
In many cases, you will actually be redirected to National Verifier when applying through wireless provider’s sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are The Benefits of Having a Government Tablet?
If you are unable to purchase a tablet, getting one from the government would be invaluable for you. It would enable you to search for employment, work, study, access online webinars, browse the internet, watch videos, listen to podcasts and music, stay in touch with loved ones, contact your healthcare provider, contact emergency services if needed, etc.
What Are the Best Free Government Tablet Stands Near Me?
It depends on what kind of services, plans, and devices you are looking for. All the companies offer different benefits.
How Do I Find a Q Link Wireless, AirTalk Wireless, or TruConnect Tablet Stand in My Area?
Browse for these keywords online or contact the company’s customer support team.
Where Can I Get a Free Government Tablet Today?
While you can apply for any ACP provider today, it’s not guaranteed that your request will be processed on the same day. If you apply online, the tablet will be delivered via mail, which may take a few days or even weeks. However, if you apply in person, you may receive the device immediately (depending on availability).
Is There a Free Tablet?
Yes, many ACP companies offer free tablets for eligible customers.