When you have a cell phone, it makes life so much easier to deal with.
Although having a phone can make life easier, some people cannot afford to have one due to their financial situation.
Sometimes, people feel hopeless about their current situation.
If you are one of these people, there are options available if you need a phone.
These options are available thanks to carriers that offer free phones!
Other than free phones, there are support options that offer unlimited data, calling internationally, and so on at no cost.
Getting a Free Phone is Possible
Before you understand which carriers offer a free phone, you should know more about how this Lifeline opportunity exists.
The Lifeline Program is available through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Even though the program comes from the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administers it.
If you need help with applying, recertification, and so on, the USAC can help you.
The aim of the Lifeline Program is to make communication services affordable for eligible recipients who have limited resources.
Usually, this option offers a discount per month on qualifying services.
This includes services for telephones, broadband internet, or bundled broad-band packages.
The amount for the discount is worth $9.25.
However, the maximum amount is $34.25 to those who reside on tribal lands.
Those that want to be eligible for this option, then applicants need to be at or less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Individuals can also be eligible in the case they currently receive benefits from the programs below:
- Governmental Public Housing
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Medicaid
- Particular Tribal Programs
Which Carriers Are Offering Free Phones?
You might not be able to get a phone for free from every single carrier, but there are options.
Carriers that offer free phones are:
Keep in mind, besides the carriers above that offer a phone on a reliable network, there are other carriers that have free phone opportunities.
Also keep in mind, you might not find every carrier available in every location.
This is why you should look for carriers that offer services in your area!
Verizon
Verizon makes upgrading to a new phone affordable with various promotions, particularly if you’re interested in a 36-month bill credit plan to get a phone for free.
These offers are especially appealing to those looking to enhance their tech without overspending.
Verizon often includes a range of models and brands in their free phone promotions, and sometimes, you might have the option to trade in your current or an older device for a free upgrade.
Their buy-one-get-one-free deals are also an excellent choice for families or anyone needing more than one phone.
So, for an affordable and straightforward phone upgrade, keep an eye on Verizon’s promotions.
Safelink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless provides an opportunity for those enrolled in ACP with other providers to switch to their ACP program and receive a free smartphone, coupled with unlimited talk, text, and data on a premier network.
Additionally, Lifeline recipients at SafeLink have access to perks like unlimited texts and 4.5 GB of data.
This makes SafeLink, along with carriers like AirTalk Wireless, stand out for offering diverse options that cater to the specific needs of their users.
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro’s current promotion is a real eye-catcher: they’re giving away 5G phones, like the Google Pixel 6a and REVVL 6 5G, absolutely free.
When they say free, they mean it – the price is transparent, with no unexpected charges.
To grab one of these phones, head to a Metro store, transfer your number, choose a plan of at least $40 per month, and take care of the tax.
Online shoppers aren’t left out either; the Galaxy A14 5G is available with no activation fees, and you can even add an extra voice line to your plan.
AirTalk Wireless
The final carrier on this list that offers a free phone is AirTalk Wireless.
AirTalk presents a compelling option for ACP recipients thinking about changing providers by offering a free smartphone.
Along with this attractive offer, AirTalk enhances your connectivity experience with several perks:
- Free unlimited international calls to over 50 countries
- Free Wi-Fi calling
- Complimentary monthly services that include 5G+ high-speed internet.
With AirTalk, you’re not only getting widespread national coverage but also the assurance of keeping your number and seamless connection even beyond the ACP program, all thanks to their Lifeline Plan.
This combination of benefits makes AirTalk a worthwhile choice for those looking to elevate their mobile plan.
The Final Verdict
Owning a cell phone definitely makes life easier, but not everyone can afford one.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t lose hope.
Various carriers offer free phones, making it easier for everyone to stay connected.
Along with the phones, they provide great perks like unlimited data and free international calls.
The Lifeline Program, administered by the USAC under the FCC, is designed to make communication services more affordable for those with limited means, offering monthly discounts on various services.
Providers like Verizon, SafeLink Wireless, Metro by T-Mobile, and AirTalk Wireless have stepped up to offer free phones on reliable networks, each with unique benefits and promotions.
These opportunities are not confined to these carriers alone, so it’s essential to check which ones are available in your area.
With such a range of options, getting a free phone and staying connected is more accessible than ever.
