Today, a phone and the internet are indispensable tools in daily life. Almost everything gets done online; thus, having a reliable internet connection and a digital device like a phone, it’s essential. However, the monthly internet bills and the initial price of purchasing a new phone can pose a challenge to many users. The good news is that through US government interventions, you can get a free phone and internet at $0.00 monthly for qualifying low-income households.
Free internet and a phone are ideal for students to learn, and other daily tasks such as business, communication, money transactions, and shopping depend on techy devices and services. Many students can benefit from online classes using platforms such as YouTube through a phone and a reliable internet. Besides, you can also transact online, do the shopping and communicate to oversee friends and family in the comfort of your home using free internet and phone.
There are various ways to get free internet and phone. One of the convenient ways is through enrollment in government programs such as Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP). Only eligible customers qualifying based on annual income or beneficiaries of a government subsidy program can stand a chance of getting free phone and internet from the government. The program collaborates with internet service providers like Access Wireless, FreedomPop, and others.
Best Ways To Get Free Phone And Internet
The government offers Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program, making phone and Internet services more accessible for low-income individuals. Eligible applicants can qualify for a free smartphone and monthly internet by enrolling in the Lifeline program. If you benefit from specific assistance programs, including Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI, you automatically qualify for free internet and phone from both federal programs.
Qualifications For Free Phone And Internet
As said earlier, you can get a free phone and internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program or Lifeline enrollment. Their eligibility is as discussed below:
- Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) Free Phone and Internet Eligibility Requirements
A household is eligible for a free phone and Internet through ACP if a household member attains one of the criteria below:
Attainment of an income that is at 200% or below the federal poverty guidelines;
- A participant in specific assistance programs, including SNAP, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, or Lifeline;
- A Participant in Tribal specific programs, like Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Headstart, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
- Approved recipients of benefits through the free and reduced-price school lunch or the breakfast program
- Federal Pell Grant recipient during the current award year; or
- Meets the eligibility qualification for a participating provider’s existing low-income program
- Lifeline Free Phone and Internet Eligibility Requirements
The other qualifying program for free phone and internet is the Lifeline program. You can get this benefit upon meeting any of the following:
- A participant in any of the below programs, including Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, and Tribal Programs; or
- An annual income at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Applying Process To Get Free Internet And Phone From the Government
You can enroll by following any of the steps below:
- First, you can proceed to GetInternet.gov to fill out and submit an application or print out a mail-in application.
- Alternatively, you can contact your preferred participating provider to choose a plan and apply the discount to your bill.
Some wireless providers may set aside an alternative application they will ask you to complete. Eligible free internet and phone applicants must enroll in the program and contact a participating wireless provider to choose a service plan.
Cellular Providers That Provide Free Phone And Internet
1. FreedomPop
FreedomPop is an Affordable Connectivity Provider (ACP) which runs on the most prominent 5G network in the US, with coverage even in rural areas. You can enroll for a free wireless plan featuring unlimited text, talk, and 10GB of high-speed data at 5G speeds, thanks to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Additionally, you can pick another free plan option featuring a tablet for just $19 with your ACP discount or choose any other phone, including an iPhone. If you receive Federal Pell Grant, Medicaid, or SNAP benefits or meet one of many other eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for free service from FreedomPop.
2. TruConnect
TruConnect offers free wireless service through participating in government programs such as Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The internet service offers high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and a free Android smartphone at $0 cost to eligible customers.
Moreover, you can enroll in TruConnect’s free wireless plans and phone by entering your Zip Code and email address at truconnect.com.
3. T-Mobile
TMobile takes pride in participating in the new federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides internet service subsidies to eligible households. However, the program is available through Assurance Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile. Eligible households can obtain up to $30 off MetroPcs prepaid plans. Plus, free Assurance Wireless unlimited plan new eligible subscribers can obtain a free phone.
4. Access Wireless
Access Wireless is a telecommunication company serving the community by offering free cell phones and internet service to eligible low-income customers. You can get these benefits through a government-funded Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program program. Access Wireless will offer eligible customers unlimited voice, hotspots, unlimited data, unlimited data featuring a fixed amount at high speed, and a free smartphone.
Government Programs And Non-Profitable Organizations That Provide Free Internet And Phone
- Lifeline Assistance Program
Lifeline is a government program that provides eligible low-income individuals with a free cell phone and free phone service featuring data, free monthly talks, and unlimited texting. You can get up to a $9.25/month internet discount if eligible.
- Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) is a federal program that offers eligible households a monthly discount on broadband service and connected devices such as iPhones, tablets, and others. ACP offers eligible consumers a monthly broadband discount of up to $30 and a free smartphone.
- EveryoneOn
The EveryoneOn is a nongovernmental organization that focuses on bringing internet and computer technology to eligible low-income families and underserved communities. Besides, its primary program, Connect2Compete, partners with renowned broadband providers to offer reduced internet plans to eligible families.
- Human-I-T
Human-IT is one of the prominent nongovernmental working to curb the effects of the digital divide. This organization offers people the devices and internet access required to thrive in this digital world.
Bottom line
In this digital era, high-speed internet and phone access are basic necessities. However, it might be hard for the marginalized group to afford it. Through government programs and initiatives from private organizations, many US citizens can get free internet and phone. You can get them through the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for these programs.