5G phones are currently the hottest thing in the world of mobile devices. Why? Well, simply because they enable you to connect to a 5G network and enjoy the fastest data speeds ever. 5G connectivity also means very low latency, high reliability, increased availability, and more.
SafeLink is a popular Lifeline/ACP provider. Now, let’s see if it offers 5G phones free of charge.
What Benefits Does SafeLink Offer?
SafeLink is a wireless company that participates in two government assistance programs – Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP. Through these government-funded programs it offers eligible low-income households free and discounted phone, wireless, and internet services and connected devices.
Lifeline-eligible households can enjoy free phone services, while ACP-eligible customers get free internet services. However, the customers who qualify for both programs receive the greatest benefits. Depending on where you live, you can receive the following benefits:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free calls to Canada and Mexico
- Up to 25GB of free high-speed data
- Up to 5GB of free hotspot data
- A free smartphone (restrictions apply)
Can I Get a SafeLink Free 5G Phone?
Most Lifeline and ACP providers are very secretive when it comes to the devices they offer, as the offer depends on the state, eligibility, availability, and other factors. SafeLink is no exception. As such, there is no way to know what kind of smartphone you may receive in advance. Instead, you can simply apply for SafeLink’s services and hope for the best.
Most Lifeline and ACP providers offer entry-level to mid-range Android smartphones. Therefore, it may be safe to assume that SafeLink’s offer is similar. Unfortunately, most 5G phones are considered more advanced, as such the chances of receiving a SafeLink free 5G phone through the company’s government assistance program are pretty slim. Nonetheless, it is still possible.
If you simply cannot wait to receive the device and wish to know whether or not you can receive a SafeLink free 5G phone, it’s best to contact SafeLink’s customer support service and ask.
How to Check if It is Possible to Receive a SafeLink Free 5G Phone?
The only way to know for certain whether or not you can receive a SafeLink free 5G phone is by contacting the company’s customer support service. Request to speak to a representative and ask if there are any free 5G phone models available. The agent will probably ask you if you qualify for both government assistance programs or just one (customers who qualify for both tend to get greater benefits), where you live, and other personal information. Depending on your answers, the agent may be able to tell you what kind of mobile device you can expect to receive.
You can contact the company’s support team by phone at 1-800-SafeLink (723-3546), via mail at PO Box 160490, Hialeah, FL 33016-9997, or via online chat at safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/contactUs. Keep in mind that the support team is available from Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 10 PM EST and on Sundays from 8 AM to 7 PM EST.
What is the Process of Receiving a SafeLink Free 5G Phone?
If you have contacted the company’s customer support service and the agent assured you that you can get a SafeLink free 5G phone, congratulations are in order.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the process of receiving a SafeLink free phone.
- First, you must make sure that you qualify for the company’s Lifeline and ACP benefits. You must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor, the only applicant in your household (as the benefit is limited to one per eligible household), and a resident of one of the states where the provider offers its services. Furthermore, you must meet one of the FCC-determined eligibility criteria.
According to the FCC rules, a household is Lifeline-eligible if its annual income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if a member participates in a qualifying government assistance program, such as SNAP, SSI, FPHA, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or a Tribal Assistance program.
A household is considered ACP-eligible if its annual income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, the household received a Federal Pell Grant, if a member participates in Lifeline or any of the Lifeline-qualifying programs listed above, if a member participates in WIC or Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
- You must be able to prove your eligibility. Lifeline and ACP providers offer a long list of amazing benefits, as such, many people would love to join. However, to make sure that the benefits only get to the hands of those who truly need them, you will be required to prove your eligibility during the application process.
To prove your eligibility, provide copies of valid official documents that prove that you qualify and verify your personal information.
- Finally, you must apply for the government assistance programs. It’s best to first do so through the National Verifier at nv.fcc.gov/lifeline or via mail. Afterward, you must also apply through the company itself. To apply for SafeLink’s program, visit safelinkwireless.com, enter your ZIP code in the provided box, press ‘Start’, and fill out the provided application form. Provide and submit all the required information and documentation.
Can I Bring My Own 5G Phone to SafeLink?
In case you are unable to receive a SafeLink free 5G phone, it’s not the end of the world, as there are still other options to enjoy your SafeLink benefits on a 5G phone. One of those options is to bring your own device.
SafeLink offers a Keep Your Own Smartphone program, which enables you to buy a 5G phone or receive it free of charge elsewhere and then bring it to SafeLink.
To take advantage of this option, you must bring a smartphone that is carrier-unlocked and compatible with SafeLink’s network and services. Most GSM smartphones are compatible and as SafeLink uses the networks of all three major American carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon), a device received from any of those companies (or any of their MVNOs) should work fine.
Fortunately, nowadays, many carriers and wireless companies offer free 5G phones. However, these offers are limited-time only and they all come with certain conditions. For example, you may be required to sign a lengthy contract with the provider, add a line, trade in an old device in good working condition, etc. To find a free 5G phone, it’s best to check the special deals from T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc.
In addition, there are also some Lifeline and ACP companies that are more straightforward about their devices and surely offer free 5G phones. These government assistance providers include Assurance Wireless, AirTalk Wireless, Cintex Wireless, and NewPhone Wireless. To receive a free 5G phone from them, simply follow the steps described in the previous section.
Can I Purchase a SafeLink 5G Phone?
In addition to the mysterious Lifeline and ACP free phones, SafeLink also offers a decent selection of upgrade phones. Obviously, these devices are not free of charge, however, they tend to be somewhat discounted.
Some of SafeLink’s upgrade phones do offer 5G connectivity, including:
- Nokia G300 5G
- OnePlus Nord 200 5G
- TCL Revvl 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
- Motorola One Ace 5G
- Motorola G Stylus 5G
- Motorola Edge 5G
- Google Pixel 6 5G
- Google Pixel 6 Pro 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G
See the entire selection of payable SafeLink phones at shop.safelinkwireless.com/shop/?_product_categories=phones.