Is Assurance Wireless a Part of T-Mobile?
Assurance Wireless is a telephone service subsidized by the federal Lifeline Assistance program and the new Affordable Connectivity Program – two government aid programs supported by the federal Universal Service Fund. The wireless provider is fully focused on providing free monthly wireless services and mobile devices to eligible low-income customers only.
If you have heard about Assurance Wireless before, chances are that you’ve heard it being mentioned in combination with T-Mobile. Now, what exactly does T-Mobile have to do with Assurance Wireless? Well, since the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile in 2020, Assurance Wireless is officially owned by T-Mobile.
Assurance Wireless is also a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), which means that it doesn’t have its own network towers, but uses a larger carrier’s (T-Mobile’s) towers instead. T-Mobile partners with lots of MVNOs, providing them with its huge nationwide 4G LTE and 5G networks. However, it only owns Metro by T-Mobile and Assurance Wireless, therefore Assurance has a natural advantage over other T-Mobile’s MVNOs when it comes to network coverage.
Can I Use All T-Mobile Phones on Assurance Wireless?
As mentioned before, Assurance Wireless participates in both Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program, therefore it focuses solely on its low-income subscribers. Depending on the location and the plan, eligible customers can receive many benefits, including a free monthly wireless service with free unlimited texts, minutes, and data, 10 GB of free mobile hotspot data, and a free smartphone.
As the company is generous enough to offer free smartphones to customers, it does not offer a Bring Your Own Phone program, which would allow customers to bring their own devices to Assurance Wireless. This is a shame, as many customers already have a device they love and do not wish to exchange it.
Since many other Lifeline and ACP providers offer such a program, Assurance Wireless may also change its mind in the future and enable customers to bring their own devices. If this happens, customers will only be able to bring carrier-unlocked GSM devices that are compatible with Assurance Wireless’ network and services. As Assurance is owned by T-Mobile and it uses its network, T-Mobile phones should (at least in theory) all work on Assurance Wireless. This means, that if you have purchased your phone at T-Mobile, you could easily bring it to Assurance – if and when the Lifeline provider starts offering a Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program.
Which T-Mobile Phones Are Compatible With Assurance?
Currently, Assurance Wireless does not offer a Bring Your Own Phone program, which is typically a precondition for users to use Assurance’s services on a phone that was not provided by Assurance. Officially, Assurance Wireless services only work on phones acquired directly by the provider.
Nevertheless, this may change in the future. After all, most Lifeline providers enable this simple option. Moreover, there are already several customers who claim that they use Assurance’s service on another phone.
If you could be able to use another phone on Assurance Wireless, the device would definitely have to be carrier-unlocked, GSM-enabled, and compatible with the company’s network and services. And guess which carrier’s phones check all of these boxes? T-Mobile’s! So, in theory, all of T-Mobile’s phones should be compatible with Assurance. However, as Assurance Wireless does not offer a compatibility checker (as it does not offer the BYOP program), it is impossible to know for sure.
Assuming that T-Mobile remains the owner of Assurance Wireless and that the Lifeline provider decides to offer the BYOP option, you should theoretically be able to bring any of the devices that are currently being sold at T-Mobile and those that have been sold in the past or will be sold in the future, including:
- Apple iPhone 14: You can get this brand-new iPhone in various colors and with up to 512GB of internal memory. The phone has dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide cameras, a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with 2532 x 1170 pixels, splash, water, and dust resistance, 5G connectivity, a battery that offers 16 hours of talk time, and many of the newest, most advanced, and most exciting features. iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, and 14 Plus should also work.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4: This is one of the most advanced smartphones by Samsung, even though it has a traditional flip design. It comes with a dual 12MP rear camera, a 10MP front camera, a large 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex display with a resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels, a powerful battery that can last up to 32 hours of talk time, IPx8 water resistance, up to 256GB of internal memory, and countless super-advanced features. Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 should also work perfectly on Assurance’s network, if the provider decides to offer a BYOP program.
- Apple iPhone 13: Until recently, this was the latest iPhone on the market, as such, you can bet it has some spectacular features. It offers up to 512GB of internal memory, dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide cameras, a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with 2532 x 1170 pixels, IP68 water resistance, a battery that can offer the user up to 13.5 hours of talk time, 5G connectivity, and lots more. T-Mobile’s iPhone 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max should also work well.
- Samsung Galaxy S22: This phone model from Samsung offers a professional triple rear camera with a 50MP wide lens, a 10MP Tele lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens that takes superb photos and 8K videos. It also has a 10MP front camera, a 6.1-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED-2X Flat display with 2340 x 1080 pixels, a long-lasting 3700 mAh battery with 29 hours of talk time, 5G connectivity, ample storage space, etc. Similarly, you can count on using the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and S22+ in the potential future Assurance BYOP program. T-Mobile’s Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G should also work.
- Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen): This is a classic iPhone model that just never seems to get out of style. The 3rd generation comes with up to 256GB of internal memory, a 12MP wide camera and a 7MP FaceTime HD Camera, a 4.7-inch widescreen Retina HD display with 1334 x 750 pixels, IP67 water resistance, 5G connectivity, and more. Moreover, in comparison to other Apple iPhones, this model is very affordable. When it comes to older models, you may also be able to bring an iPhone 12, iPhone 11, or older to Assurance.
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G: This is another one of the most recent and popular Samsung phone models. It offers 128GB of internal memory, a triple 12MP + 108MP + 12MP rear camera that has unparalleled features and capacities and enables taking the best-quality photos and videos, a 10MP front camera, a 6.9-inch WQHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with 3088 x 1440 pixels, a larger 4500mAh super-fast charging camera that can offer 35 hours of talk time, 5G connectivity, a precise S pen for taking notes, and much more.
- Google Pixel 6a: Google is another major name in the world of smartphone manufacturers. This particular model comes with 128GB of internal memory, 12MP ultra-wide + 12.2MP dual pixel wide camera, an 8MP front camera, a 6.13-inch FHD+ display with 2400 x 1080 pixels, an adaptive battery that can last up to 16.46 hours of talk time, IP67 water and dust protection, and several other amazing features. When it comes to Google phones, you may also be able to use T-Mobile’s Google Pixel 6 or potentially an older model at Assurance Wireless.
- OnePlus 10 Pro 5G: OnePlus smartphones have righteously earned a place among the best smartphones in the world. The 10 Pro 5G offers 128GB of memory, spectacular 48MP main + 8MP Telelens + 50MP 150-degree Ultra-Wide rear cameras, a 32MP front camera, a large 6.7-inch AMOLED QHD+ LTPO 2.0 display with 3216 x 1440 pixels, a fast-charging battery that offers 27.7 hours of talk time, and more.
- Motorola edge 2022: No phone list is complete without another giant among Android smartphone providers – Motorola. T-Mobile offers several Motorola phone models and all of them should be able to work with Assurance Wireless, should the Lifeline provider decide to open a BYOP program. This model has 128GB of internal memory, an amazing 50MO main camera + 13MP ultra-wide + 2MP depth camera in the back and a 32 MP camera in the front, a 6.6-inch FHD+ pOLED display with 2400 x 1080 pixels, a reliable camera that will last you up to 36 hours of talk time, and more.
Other T-Mobile Phone Models That May Work with Assurance Wireless’s Network and Services Are:
- Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- Cat S62
- Samsung Galaxy A715G
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
- Motorola moto g stylus 5G (2022)
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
- OnePlus Nord N20 5G
- TCL Stylus 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A13 5G
- Motorola moto g stylus 5G
- Nokia X100 5G
- Nokia G400 5G
- Cat S22 Flip
- Motorola moto g 5G
- T-Mobile REVVL 6 Pro 5G
- OnePlus Nord N200 5G
- Sonim XP3plus
- T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G
- TCL 30 XE 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A13
- T-Mobile REVVL 6 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Motorola moto g pure
- Wiko Voix
- T-Mobile REVVL 4
- TCL Flip Go
- Schok Flip
In case you also need information Latest Assurance Wireless Compatible Phones 2022
How Does Assurance Wireless Participate in the New Federal Affordable Connectivity Program With T-Mobile?
While Lifeline (a government aid program designed to help make communications services more affordable for low-income people) was around since the 1980s, at the end of 2021, the FCC launched a new government assistance program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The philosophy behind the program is that everyone deserves access to high-speed internet, regardless of their income. The ACP program provides discounts on monthly broadband services of up to $30 a month. It actually replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit program that was launched during the pandemic and while it offered similar benefits, it was always considered a temporary program.
T-Mobile has participated in the now-expired EBB program and has decided to participate in the new assistance program through its primary Lifeline assistance brand – Assurance Wireless, as well. However, T-Mobile itself does not participate in the ACP program and it does not provide ACP benefits.
Assurance Wireless’s ACP-eligible customers can receive free unlimited data, free unlimited texts, free unlimited calls, and free 10GB of monthly mobile hotspot data on Assurance’s unlimited plan. Customers will also automatically get access to the country’s largest 5G network with huge nationwide coverage. Qualifying users will also get a free Android smartphone (the exact phone model depends on availability), and other perks, such as Scam Shield with free Scam ID, free Scam Block, and free caller ID.
T-Mobile’s goal is to help bridge the digital divide by participating in the ACP program through its Assurance Lifeline brand.
Can I Switch From Assurance Wireless to T-Mobile?
If you are Lifeline and/or ACP-eligible, you will probably have no desire to switch to T-Mobile, as Assurance’s monthly services are free, while T-Mobile’s are not. Nevertheless, in case you are no longer Lifeline or ACP-eligible, you can switch to T-Mobile. While Assurance is only available for Lifeline and ACP-eligible customers, T-Mobile is available for everyone. The carrier offers a large variety of mobile devices from the most reputable brands, versatile plans, frequent deals and discounts, nationwide coverage, and other great services.
The company also offers a Bring Your Own Phone program, which would enable former Assurance Wireless customers to bring their phone to T-Mobile and use it there, as the device should surely be compatible with T-Mobile. However, to make sure that your Assurance Wireless free phone is compatible with T-Mobile, visit t-mobile.com/resources/bring-your-own-phone#imeiextender, enter your phone’s IMEI, and press ‘Check phone’. The system will immediately inform you if you can bring your Assurance phone to T-Mobile and thus make the transition even simpler.
Is It Possible to Replace the Assurance Wireless Phone From T-Mobile?
Lifeline and ACP-eligible customers will receive a free Android smartphone by a reputable brand from Assurance Wireless. The exact phone model you may receive depends on the plan, state, and availability, however, the device is promised to be of high quality and offer all the basic features.
As such, it is unlikely that your device would start malfunctioning within a year. Still, if that were to happen, you would probably wish to replace it as soon as possible. Luckily, all Assurance phones come with a 1-year limited warranty from the manufacturer, which will cover all malfunctions that did not result from physical abuse within a year after the shipment. In such an event, the manufacturer should cover the repair or the replacement phone
Your Assurance Wireless free phone may also get lost or stolen. What then? Well, in this case, you could also get a replacement phone, however, you will have to pay a small fee.
Regardless of why exactly you need a replacement phone, the process is always the same. You simply have to contact the Assurance Wireless customer support service (in case of loss or theft make sure to do so as soon as possible) and explain the situation in detail to the representative. They will tell you what your replacement options are.
Since T-Mobile owns Assurance Wireless, you may wonder if it is possible to replace your Assurance Wireless phone from T-Mobile. The answer is, unfortunately, no – it’s not possible to get a replacement phone from T-Mobile.
Can I Get Assurance Wireless Free Phone Through T-Mobile?
Even though T-Mobile owns Assurance Wireless, the companies offer very different services and devices. As such, it is impossible to get an Assurance Wireless free phone through T-Mobile, just as it is impossible to get an Assurance Wireless replacement phone from T-Mobile.
You can only get Assurance Wireless free phones from Assurance Wireless, as Assurance Wireless is the only brand owned by T-Mobile that offers free smartphones through their Lifeline and ACP programs for eligible customers.
T-Mobile does not offer free government-funded devices. However, the carrier does offer numerous special deals and discounts on phones and other devices and services. These deals are only available for a short period of time and they tend to update frequently. Some T-Mobile deals on phones offer huge discounts and others even provide customers with free phones.
Nevertheless, when it comes to free phones through promotional deals, it is important to keep in mind that they always have some conditions. For example, the deal may require you to pay $0 upfront and pay off the device in full in small monthly installments, to switch to their services, add a line, choose a select plan, trade in an old device in good working condition, etc.
FAQ
Can I Use T Mobile SIM Card on Assurance Compatible Phone?
As both wireless providers offer the same type of phones, you should be able to use your T-Mobile SIM card on Assurance’s phone. However, the phone must be unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile’s services. Check the phone’s compatibility at t-mobile.com/resources/bring-your-own-phone#imeiextender.
Did Assurance Wireless Merge With T-Mobile?
Assurance Wireless was purchased by T-Mobile when T-Mobile merged with Sprint in 2020.
Is Assurance Wireless Changing to T-Mobile?
Assurance Wireless has been acquired by T-Mobile quite a while ago, in April 2020, to be exact. It was previously owned by Virgin Mobile.
What Network Does Assurance Wireless Use?
Assurance Wireless is an MVNO that uses its owner’s network. It uses T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G and the largest 5G network in the country.
Does Assurance Wireless Have 5G?
Yes, Assurance Wireless offers T-Mobile’s largest 5G network in the country. However, in order to connect to the 5G network, you must have a relatively advanced device that supports 5G connectivity.
Can I Buy Assurance Wireless Airtime From T-Mobile?
As many of Assurance Wireless’s plans (depending on the state and the customer’s eligibility) offer unlimited talk, text, and monthly data, there is generally no need to buy additional services. However, if your Assurance Lifeline or ACP plan doesn’t offer enough minutes or data, you can add them through the company’s top-up plans. See the plans at assurancewireless.com/info/more-minutes-and-data-options. Nonetheless, you can only buy Assurance Wireless airtime from Assurance Wireless itself.
How Do I Check T-Mobile Coverage in My Area?
Check T-Mobile’s coverage in your area by visiting t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map. Enter your address or location in the provided search box and the system will tell you if the network is available in your area and at what speeds.
