Life is a lot simpler when you have a cell phone, but not everyone can afford one. People tend to think there isn’t any help for what they are dealing with, which isn’t true. There are actually many opportunities available for those who need cell phones. Particular carriers offer opportunities for people to get phones without paying a penny. There are also opportunities for individuals to get unlimited calls that they can make internationally, and more. The best part is that it is completely free of charge!
How to Get a Free Phone
It might sound fake that you are able to get a phone for free without someone scamming you. However, there is no scam and there are plenty of carriers that provide this option as well as provide support through the Lifeline Program.
The Lifeline Program
Before you find out which carriers offer a free phone, you should probably understand the Lifeline Program more. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for the Lifeline Program. However, they do not manage it, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) does. The USAC is in charge of supporting people with the application process, the process of recertifying their status, figuring out whether they qualify or not, and so on.
Low-income recipients who are eligible will be able to better manage the expenses of communication services. Usually, eligible recipients can receive a discount every month on qualifying services. These include telephone and broadband internet services, or bundled voice-broadband packages. You are probably wondering how much the discount amounts to. It normally amounts to $9.25 per month. If you are currently staying on tribal lands, you can receive a maximum amount of $34.25 per month.
To be eligible for this program, your financial situation should be at or less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Furthermore, you can be eligible if you currently receive benefits from any of these programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Specific Tribal Programs
Which Carriers Offer a Phone for Free?
While the more popular carriers may not offer this opportunity, there are carriers out there that do. Carriers that offer this opportunity are:
You might not find every carrier for every location which is why you should look up carriers that offer services in your area. Fortunately, the USAC offers an online tool to show you where you can find this opportunity near you.
Verizon
First up is one of America’s largest cell phone company service provider, Verizon. Upgrading your phone doesn’t have to be an expensive pain in the butt, thanks to Verizon’s variety of promotions. They frequently offer a selection of models and brands for free, particularly through their 36-month bill credit plan. This is a perfect chance for those looking to modernize their phones while staying within a budget. Additionally, Verizon provides an option to trade in your existing or older phone for an upgrade at no cost. Their buy-one-get-one-free deals are particularly attractive for families or those in need of multiple phones. Overall, these opportunities make it both easy and financially feasible to get a new phone with Verizon.
AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk presents a great option for those on the ACP program looking to switch providers, offering a free smartphone as part of their deal. They don’t just stop at the phone. There’s more! Their package includes multiple perks like:
- Unlimited free calls to over 45 countries
- Complimentary Wi-Fi calling
- Monthly cell phone services with advanced 5G+ internet
Plus, with AirTalk, you’re covered nationwide and can maintain your current phone number and connection, even when the ACP program concludes, thanks to their Lifeline Plan. This makes AirTalk an appealing choice for those seeking to enhance their mobile experience without additional costs.
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro’s exciting promotion brings the chance to own a 5G phone, like the Google Pixel 6a or REVVL 6 5G, absolutely free. Metro assures customers of clear pricing with no hidden costs. To enjoy this offer, just visit a Metro store, switch your number to Metro, choose a plan that’s $40/month or more, and handle the tax. There are also additional opportunities for online shoppers to get their own perks. This carriers makes the latest 5G technology accessible and straightforward for everyone!
Safelink Wireless
The final carrier on this list is Safelink Wireless. SafeLink Wireless focuses on the needs of their users with a range of tailored options. For those in the ACP program looking for a new provider, switching to SafeLink’s ACP program brings the benefit of a free smartphone, along with unlimited talk, text, and data on a robust network. In addition, Lifeline recipients at SafeLink gain access to perks such as unlimited texts and a substantial 4.5 GB of data, enhancing their connectivity experience. This means that different types of users can see opportunities for aid!
Overall
Access to a cell phone is essential in today’s world, but not everyone can afford one. Thankfully, there are solutions for those in need, with carriers like Verizon, AirTalk Wireless, Metro by T-Mobile, and Safelink Wireless offering free phones and additional perks. Besides these carriers, people can benefit from the Lifeline Program. This program is managed by the USAC and initiated by the FCC, which provides monthly discounts on communication services to eligible low-income individuals. To qualify, one’s income should be below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or they should be enrolled in certain assistance programs. Each carrier has unique offers, from Verizon’s bill credit plans and family deals to AirTalk’s comprehensive package for ACP recipients, making mobile technology accessible and affordable for a wider audience. Make sure you take the time to explore what’s available!
