Why Would You Want to Switch from Q Link Wireless to SafeLink
Are you a Q Link Wireless customer thinking of switching to SafeLink? If so, you’re in luck, as this article provides the information you need.
But before exploring how to make the switch, let’s consider why you might want to change from Q Link to SafeLink in the first place.
There are various reasons why you might wish to make this change, such as:
- If you are moving to a state where Q Link isn’t available.
- If SafeLink has better coverage in your area.
- If you are moving to a place where SafeLink offers better coverage.
- If you wish to receive a free smartphone.
- If SafeLink’s Lifeline or ACP services better suit their needs.
How to Switch from Q Link to SafeLink Wireless
Q Link and SafeLink are both wireless companies that offer Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program government assistance benefits to qualifying low-income customers. Switching from one Lifeline and ACP provider to another can be done (not more often than once a month) and the process is relatively simple.
All you have to do is to contact SafeLink’s customer support service at 1-800-SafeLink (723-3546) and ask the representative to transfer your benefits. Make sure to tell the agent if you wish to keep your phone number, to answer all questions, provide all the required information, and follow any given instructions.
To transfer your Lifeline and ACP benefits from Q Link to SafeLink, you may be required to provide the following information:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Your home address
- The identity data provided in your application
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number or Tribal ID number
- Your phone number
- Your verbal or written consent for transfer acknowledging that once the transfer is complete, you will lose your benefit with the previous company and confirming that you are aware that consumers may not have more than one Lifeline benefit per household.
Steps for Switching from Q Link to SafeLink
To complete the transfer of assistance benefits from Q Link to SafeLink, follow these steps:
- Make sure that you still qualify for Lifeline and/or ACP benefits.
- Make sure that you are a resident of one of the states where SafeLink operates. See the list of states where SafeLink’s discounts are available in the next section.
- Contact SafeLink’s customer support service. Ask the agent you wish to transfer your benefits, mention whether or not you wish to keep your phone number, and provide all the information.
- If the representative tells you to reapply for SafeLink’s services, follow their instructions to do so.
- Get a SafeLink SIM card. The agent will probably send it to your address after your phone call.
- Get a SafeLink phone. You can either apply for a new phone from SafeLink or bring your own compatible and carrier-unlocked device.
- Carefully insert your new SafeLink SIM card into your SafeLink phone. Turn the phone on and activate your service. Enjoy your benefits!
Comparison Between Q Link Wireless and SafeLink Wireless
To compare the two Lifeline and ACP providers and their services, take a look at the table below.
Q Link Wireless | SafeLink Wireless | |
States of operation | Q Link operates in 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. | SafeLink offers its benefits to residents of 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. |
Lifeline and ACP service offer | Free unlimited dataFree unlimited talkFree unlimited textFree unlimited picture messagingAccess to 10 million free Wi-Fi locations | Free unlimited data (25GB of high-speed data)Free unlimited talkFree unlimited textUp to 5GB of free hotspot dataFree calls to Canada and Mexico |
Lifeline and ACP device offer | Q Link offers a discount of up to $100 on a tablet for ACP-eligible customers. The tablet costs $10.01. | SafeLink offers qualifying customers a free smartphone. |
Network | Q Link runs on T-Mobile’s nationwide network. | SafeLink offers TracFone’s nationwide network, which is powered by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. |
Coverage | qlinkwireless.com/coverage | ww3.tracfone.com/coverage/check |
Support service | Reliable and responsive. The company can be contacted via the contact form at qlinkwireless.com/members/support.aspx or by phone at 1 (855) 754-6543. | Reliable and responsive. You can contact the company by phone at 1-800-SafeLink (723-3546) and via mail. |
As you can see, both companies have their pros and cons. The truth is that the final verdict of which company is better depends on you and your unique needs. For example, if you wish to receive a free smartphone, instead of a tablet, SafeLink is the right choice for you. In terms of coverage, SafeLink may be a bit better (again, depending on where you live). On the other hand, Q Link offers access to 10 million free Wi-Fi locations, which is pretty amazing as well.
FAQ
Are There Any Special Conditions for Switching From Q Link to SafeLink?
Yes. You must qualify for Lifeline and ACP, be a resident of one of the states where SafeLink operates, be the only applicant in the household, only receive benefits from one provider at a time, and not transfer your service less than one month after you have last switched to another Lifeline/ACP company.
If I Switch From Q Link to SafeLink, Can I Keep My Old Number?
Yes. Make sure to mention this intention when speaking to a SafeLink representative and they will make the transfer.
If I Switch From Q Link to SafeLink, Will I Lose Lifeline Eligibility?
No, you must be Lifeline-eligible to participate in Q Link or SafeLink. But you cannot receive two Lifeline benefits at a time.