The internet has become an important part of our lives today. But it can be difficult for low-income families to afford a 5G smartphone and a mobile plan. To help with this problem, the US government offers free 5g government phones with free internet service through ACP and Lifeline programs.
With improved network speeds and reliability, 5G phones provide better access to information, jobs, education, and more. Even if you can’t afford it, government programs can help you get this new technology.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting free 5G government phones in 2023.
Is It Possible To Get Free 5G Government Phones?
Yes, If you participate in SNAP, Public Housing, Medicaid, or another government assistance program, Or if you are a low-income American, You might qualify for a free 5G government phone!
The Lifeline program, run by the FCC, provides discounted or free mobile services to eligible low-income households. It offers up to $9.25 per month support for phone bills or may give a free smartphone (Including 5G phones) with voice minutes, texts and mobile data.
Besides Lifeline, all major states offer additional assistance through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). For Lifeline recipients, it provides up to $30 per month support towards broadband or phone bills.
ACP Program even offers a $100 discount on laptops, desktops, and tablets to eligible households that contribute between $10 and $50 toward the purchase.
The type of free phone you get depends on the provider where you apply. Most providers offer basic or mid-range cell phones, but a few providers of Lifeline and ACP programs offer high-end 5G phone models. You can apply for ACP programs to see if you qualify for a free 5G government phone.
Who is Eligible to Get a Free 5G Phone from the Government?
To get a free 5G government phone, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. Not everyone qualifies for this service.
- Income Requirement: Your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Federal Assistance Programs: You can be eligible for a free government smartphone if you are receiving benefits from one of the following government assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)/CalFresh
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
How to Apply for Free 5G Government Phones?
If you match any of the eligibility criteria described above and are looking to get a free 5G phone, here is how you apply
1. Choose a Provider
First, you need to choose an approved provider for Lifeline or ACP in your state. You can search for providers on the Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier website or the Affordable Connectivity Program website. Be sure to select a provider that offers 5G service. Some approved providers are:
- StandUp Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
2. Check Eligibility Status
To check if you are eligible for Lifeline or ACP benefits after choosing a provider, you can use the National Verifier tool or the National Lifeline Eligibility Database. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, last 4 digits of your SSN, and either your income or proof of government program participation.
3. Submit Application
If you are eligible, You can submit the application. For that, you will need to provide some documents, such as
- government ID
- Income statements
- Program participation documents.
Your chosen provider will then use this information to verify your eligibility.
4. Get a free 5G Phone
If approved, your provider will send you a free smartphone for use with your Lifeline or ACP benefits. The phone will likely use 4G LTE or 5G networks. You can continue receiving free service and phone upgrades as long as you remain eligible each year.
What Service Providers Offering Free 5G Government Phones
Below are some companies that offer free government phones through the ACP/ Lifeline programs.
1. AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless is one of the companies that provide free 5G smartphones as part of the Lifeline and ACP program. They offer free phones in all 50 states of the US. If you qualify for this program, you can get a free smartphone from well-known brands such as iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, Samsumg Galaxy S8, Motorola Moto G Pure, Samsung S9 Plus, Google Pixel 3A, and more.
AirTalk Wireless, customers will get:
- A free 4G/5G smartphone (either iPhone or Android)
- Free unlimited high-speed 4G LTE/5G data
- Unlimited monthly minutes
- Unlimited monthly texts
2. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless participates in the Lifeline & ACP programs. If you’re eligible and sign up with them, you’ll get a free Android smartphone, unlimited data, unlimited calls and texts, and 10GB of free Hig speed data.
3. Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is a Lifeline and ACP provider that offers a free 5G government phone and tablets. They also offer free iPhones, including iPhone 7 and iPhone 6s Plus.
Qualifying customers will get from Cintex:
- A free 4G/5G smartphone (Android or iPhone)
- Free unlimited high-speed data
- Unlimited talks & texts
- Free shipping nationwide
4. Safelink Wireless
Safelink Wireless is another carrier that offers free 5g government phones with free internet as part of the Lifeline and ACP programs. The benefits you can receive from Safelink Wireless may differ depending on your state. However, the basic benefits are:
- A free Android phone
- 25 GB of monthly data
- Unlimited talks & texts
- Up to 15GB of hotspot data
Other Leading Service Providers
- StandUp Wireless
- Access Wireless
- QLink Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Terracom Wireless
- TruConnect
- Wireless for Hope (Easy Wireless)
Key Advantages of getting Free 5G Lifeline Phones
Getting a free smartphone with 5G connectivity from federal or state assistance schemes has many important benefits:
Enhanced Connectivity: With 5G technology, users can experience lightning-fast internet speeds, ensuring smooth communication, video calls, and browsing.
Greater Affordability – Eligible households don’t have to worry about expensive monthly bills for 5G internet on phones or tablets. It is extremely useful for low-income families.
Reduced Digital Gap – It Has a massive societal impact as more citizens can actively use the latest technologies for personal growth and economic opportunities.
Future-Proof – 5G networks offer superior performance compared to older 3G/4G technologies in speed, responsiveness, and coverage. Free 5g Government phones empower wider adoption among low-income groups.
Facilitates Independence – Communications capabilities provide a lifeline during emergencies. It helps people apply for jobs, access remote education, healthcare, social services, and more.
How to get 5G service on your free phone?
After receiving your free 5G phone, you will have to set it up with your wireless provider and activate your SIM card. Follow the instructions to get everything set up.
A free government phone comes with a set number of voice minutes, text messages, and 4G or 5G data included every month. You can use it just like any other smartphone for making calls, sending messages, surfing the internet, and using apps.
If you exceed your monthly limits, you may have to purchase more minutes or data from your provider. But in general, the free allowances should cover basic usage.
Take advantage of your 5G capabilities by using data heavy apps and services when you are connected to 5G networks. This can allow you to video chat, stream media content, and access information quickly without using up your limited data.
Utilize your 5G capability by using data-intensive apps and services when connected to 5G networks. You can use this to video chat, stream media content, and access information more quickly.
How to keep your free 5G phone service active?
Keep your free 5G phone and Lifeline or ACP service active by:
- Each year, you should recertify your eligibility
- Notify your provider if you change addresses
- Each household can only receive one Lifeline or ACP benefit
- Regularly use your phone to keep your account active
As long as you comply with your wireless provider’s Lifeline and ACP program rules and usage requirements, you should be able to enjoy free phone service on an upgraded 5G device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits to qualify for a free 5G phone?
To qualify for a free 5G Lifeline government phone, your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These income limits vary by family size and are adjusted each year.
Who qualifies for a free government smartphone?
To qualify for a free phone, you need to have an income that’s at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Alternatively, you can participate in a government assistance program like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or Federally-subsidized housing. Please note that only one free phone is allowed per household.
What network providers offer free 5G phones?
Top Lifeline wireless carriers providing free 5G phones and monthly plans include Safelink Wireless, Assurance Wireless, Q Link Wireless, TruConnect and many more. Availability varies across different states.
How much data and minutes do free phones come with?
Most providers offer unlimited texts, a set amount of monthly minutes for calling (typically 500 minutes to Unlimited), and generous mobile data (around 6-10GB/month) that can be used for internet access on the free 5G smartphones.
Do I need to pay anything at all for the free phone service?
The 5G smartphone and monthly plan are completely free if you qualify. However, if you exceed the allotted minutes or data, you may have to pay for additional usage beyond the limits.
Can I get more than one free 5G phone for my family?
No, each household can only qualify for one free Lifeline phone. All adult members of a family must share the same government benefit.
How often do I need to re-certify for the free phone service?
You need to confirm your eligibility every 12 months by submitting proof of income or enrollment in government assistance programs to your Lifeline provider.
Conclusion
There are many programs that can help you qualify for a free 5G government phone. You can apply directly to the program, or you can apply with a participating wireless carrier. You will receive a free phone and/or free service once you are approved.
Choose your 5G phone provider carefully based on your lifestyle. Ensure that you follow best practices once you have acquired the phone. In 21st century, free smartphones unlock countless opportunities.
