Millions of Americans have received free phone service through the Lifeline program since it was expanded in 2016. This free government program helps eligible families and individuals stay connected to jobs, family, emergency services, and more.
Another federal benefit for lowering the cost of phone and internet services is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program offers monthly discounts on broadband service and one-time deals on internet-capable devices.
Access to reliable cell phones and high-speed internet service is essential for doing important things, including looking for jobs, communicating with family and friends, and obtaining vital information during disasters or pandemics. These services are also necessary for learning and doing homework, attending online meetings or webinars, and accessing health information.
Many people who need these services are poor, disadvantaged, or living in rural areas where reliable broadband is more complex or costly. The good news is that federal programs are available to make it more affordable for eligible households to get the cell phone and internet service they need.
One of the best programs is called Lifeline. The program provides free smartphones and wireless services (free data, monthly minutes, and unlimited texting) to those who qualify.
Another program is called the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP. It’s available to qualified households below the Federal Poverty Line or receiving government benefits. It offers a monthly phone or internet service discount for customers living on tribal lands. It also provides a one-time value on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
There are a variety of free government phone carriers that participate in the Lifeline and ACP programs. Most carriers offer discounts below retail prices for smartphones and other mobile devices.
The number one choice for free government phones offers a basic plan with free unlimited talk and text plus up to 15GB of data. This plan also comes with a Google Play-certified Android smartphone!
Another top choice for free government phones in Ohio offers an affordable cell phone and service to eligible customers for the Lifeline and ACP programs. This plan includes a free smartphone, monthly talk and text, data, and 5G compatibility.
The Lifeline and ACP programs greatly help millions of Americans who need to communicate. Whether you need to stay in touch with friends and relatives, receive emergency alerts, or find out about job opportunities, Lifeline and ACP are the way to go.
Lifeline
The nation’s most vulnerable citizens can stay connected in times of need thanks to Lifeline, a federal program that makes phone and internet service affordable for low-income households. The program also helps people find jobs, access health care services, connect with family, and call for help in an emergency.
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) runs the program on behalf of the Federal Communications Commission. The USAC website helps consumers understand the program and their eligibility requirements.
You can apply for Lifeline through the USAC website by completing a paper application or downloading a form and sending it back to the agency by mail. The agency will confirm your eligibility and add your discount to your monthly phone or internet service.
It’s important to note that you can only receive one Lifeline benefit per household. You must choose one landline and one wireless number, and you can’t get a discount on both lines from the same provider.
To qualify for Lifeline, you must participate in a state or federal public assistance program or have an income at or below the income guidelines in your area. In addition, if you live on Tribal lands, you may qualify for additional support under the Lifeline Tribal Program.
In addition to Lifeline, the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers a discount on broadband service for eligible low-income consumers. ACP subscribers can receive a one-time discount on a new internet-capable device, such as an iPhone or Android smartphone when they purchase their new home broadband service from a provider that accepts the program.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is the latest government benefit program operated by the FCC to grant low-income Americans discounts on monthly broadband internet access service and specific connected devices. It discounts monthly broadband service and on specific connected devices.
The ACP replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), a COVID-19 relief program that expired in December 2021. The ACP is designed to ensure that households can afford the broadband connections they need for work, school, and health care, among other things.
Eligible customers can sign up for Internet Essentials Plus, which offers download speeds of up to 100Mbps with no credit check, no contracts, and free equipment for a month or free for ACP participants. It’s also possible to qualify which features up to 25Mbps download speeds for 100Mbps monthly.
As of February 27, over 16.4 million households in the US have signed up for ACP. The program is available to anyone who participates in a federal or state government benefit program, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the Food Stamps Program, and the National School Lunch Program. In addition, anyone who shares a household with a child in one of these programs may be eligible.
Easy Wireless
For many families, a cell phone is the only way to keep in touch with each other and stay connected with friends and family. With a cell phone, reaching the people who can help them in their time of need can be easy.
In addition, a cell phone can be the key to finding employment or keeping up with important information about local services and events. A cell phone is also a critical communication tool for senior citizens.
With the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline programs, Easy Wireless offers free government-subsidized phone and internet service to deserving households across the States. Those who qualify for these programs can receive a free smartphone with 1,000 free minutes and a monthly plan that includes unlimited talk, text, and data!
To qualify, you must live in an income-eligible household and participate in a public assistance program. You must also have income at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
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