Many readers ask us if smart phones are available through the Free Cell Phone Program. To find the answer, we contacted the USAC (the organization that governs the free government cell phone program) and asked if companies are required to offer smart phones to consumers.
Here was their answer…
“As of right now, there are no requirements that Lifeline phone companies must offer smartphones. However, it is possible that this could change in the future. Please let me know if you have additional questions.”
So we contacted each Free Cell Phone provider and here is a summary of what we found:
Not all companies offer smartphones, but many of them do. In most cases, the cell phone a customer receives has been randomly selected. That is, you can request a smartphone, but that does not necessarily mean that you will receive one. However, most companies that do offer smartphones will allow you to upgrade to a smartphone for a small charge. That upgrade may cost you $30 or more, but it will often allow you to get smartphone.
What is a smartphone?
Basic phones have the ability to make and receive calls and text messages.
A smart phone runs on an operating system (IOS, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry OS), much like a computer. This allows you to install apps, go online to sites like google.com, and Facebook and play games.
Which companies offer “smartphones?”
Safelink Wireless
Only the state of California offers smart phones to the approved applicants, while all the other states offer regular phones. You can check further details about SafeLink California program on their website. In addition, the Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program is not offered to SafeLink customers yet.
Assurance Wireless
Only customers in select areas in California may use approved Android devices with an Assurance Wireless account. An iPhone® data platform cannot be used with Assurance Wireless account.
Budget Mobile
Budget Mobile is currently promoting a limited time offer of free Android smartphones for new customers.
Access Wireless
Access Wireless doesn’t overtly mention smartphones on its website, it does show a wide selection of upgrade phones from ZTE, Motorola, Samsung, Alcatel, and other manufacturers. Usually the initial phone provided by Access Wireless is a smartphone.
Life Wireless
The good folks at Life Wireless answered our inquiry with this message:
“We do offer smartphones, they are a a $45 charge.For further questions or concerns please contact our customer service department by dialing 1-888-543-3620. Our operating hours are to 8 am to 10pm Est Monday-Friday and 8 am to 8 pm weekends.”
ReachOut Wireless
Sorry Reachout customers, but the company seems to be on the way out.
True Wireless
Yes, True Wireless offers iPhone 4s and Vooz smartphones. You can see the entire selection of smartphones on their website.
Q Link Wireless
The free phones Q Link Wireless provides depend upon availability, and models shipped may vary. Q Link Wireless is only shipping smartphones, so you’ll be able to take full advantage of the latest calling features, picture messaging, the ability to connect your phone to Wi-Fi, and any available data options!
Tag Mobile
You can bring your own smartphone, and they do offer smartphones, but since phones are assigned randomly to customers, they cannot assure that you’ll receive a smartphone.
Terracom Wireless
When you apply for Terracom services the first phone is always a random selected refurbished phone. However, they do have upgrade options as well.
You can also bring your own older non-smartphone or a smartphone … as loons as it is compatible with our services.
Assist Wireless
Yes, Assist Wireless offers smartphones through an upgrade.
Yourtel Wireless
(Now part of Terracom Wireless. See listing above.)
StandUp Wireless
The assignment of phones is entirely random so you may or may not receive a smart device. However, smartphones are available to all customers as an upgrade. How much does that upgrade cost? Well, that also varies depending on the national network to which you are assigned. The example the rep gave was a $45 price for smartphone that’s compatible with the T-Mobile network. She also indicated that phones compatible with other networks vary in price.
EnTouch
The EnTouch website implies that the company offers smartphones to its Lifeline Assistance customers. They provide a free full featured, wireless cell phone. With the phone and Lifeline phone service you will be able to: call nationally, text photos, check email and go to websites. You can also bring a smartphone of your own choosing to the program.
US Connect
We reached out to US Connect and it’s customer service department sent us an email that said, “Thank you for contacting US Connect, currently we do not offer smartphones.” So if you really want a smartphone, you need to look elsewhere on this list.
SafetyNet Wireless/Amerimex
Free handsets provided by SafetyNet Wireless may be refurbished and will be capable of texting as well as making voice calls. Free handsets are not data capable; however, customer may purchase and upgrade to a data capable handset. The free refurbished handsets provided by SafetyNet Wireless are industry standard grade “A/B”.
Cintex Wireless
Currently offers only one Huawei smartphone model. And it’s not cheap. Our Cintex phone representative couldn’t tell us which Huawei smart model it was, but did reveal that upgrading to that phone will set you back $75.99.
Not cheap.
Wireless for Hope/Easy Wireless
Easy Wireless offers both Android powered and iPhone handsets. Easy Wireless phone models are dependent upon availability, and models shipped could vary. Easy makes every effort to ensure each phone given to the customer is the best model available. Easy distributes used or refurbished A and B stock phones only. Pictures can be sent upon request. Easy Wireless also has New, Used, and Refurbished models for purchase.
TruConnect
TruConnect offers a variety of mobile broadband devices and cheap mobile phones including Moxee and BLU prepaid phones, 4g lte smartphones, Novatel, Samsung, D-Link, Unimax 4g lte wifi hotspot.
Info on TruConnect
Summary:
Offers smartphones to all new customers: Q Link
Offer smartphones to some customers: Safelink Wireless, Assist Wireless, Assurance (California only), Budget Wireless, Access Wireless, Life Wireless, SafetyNet Wireless, True Wireless, Tag Wireless, Terracom Wireless, EnTouch Wireless (California only), Wireless For Hope (dba Easy Wireless), StandUp Wireless, Cintex Wireless
Does NOT offer smartphones: US Connect