The upcoming government internet phone will help financially disadvantaged Americans navigate through the digital divide.
The Lifeline program has handed out free government cell phones to an estimated 15- 20 million needy Americans in the last five years. Unfortunately, they’ve been cheap phones with no internet capability, and being able to connect to the web is a practical necessity today. But this is about to change in a big way.
In the noble quest to bridge the digital divide and get all Americans online, the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) will be soon expanding the Lifeline program to provide internet-enabled smartphones that come with a mobile internet plan. According to the experts at CheapInternet.com, they could become available as soon as 2014. What is now called the Lifeline phone program will become the Lifeline Internet phone program.
The same people who qualify for free cell phones will qualify for the internet-enabled smartphones. This includes households who earn less than between 135-150% of the U.S. poverty level and families participating in at least one government aid program such as Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SSI, housing assistance and others.
The FCC’s roadmap to free mobile Internet is very clear if you simply follow their own words and actions. They formally announced their intent early last year, and at this very moment some of the leading providers of Lifeline free cell phones are in a pilot program giving out smartphones and internet plans to a lucky few in test programs across the country.
From Free Phones to Free Internet
The Lifeline free cell phone program has grown from serving the one state (Tennessee) in 2008 to serving 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico today. Unfortunately, as with many ambitious government programs, waste and fraud plagued the program and calls were made for reforms. In January of 2012, the FCC enacted the Lifeline Reform Order which would crack down on abuses and save an estimated $2 billion over three years.
The FCC decided to use these projected savings to transition the Lifeline program to solving a more critical communications need — providing Internet to low-income Americans. Here’s the relevant statement from page 4 the order:
“Consistent with previous efforts, we act here to eliminate waste and inefficiency, increase accountability, and transition the Fund from supporting standalone telephone service to broadband.”
They clearly stated their mission to transform the Lifeline program to deliver broadband internet. The following on page 5 told us what was next:
“Using savings from the reforms, the Order establishes a Broadband Adoption Pilot Program to test and determine how Lifeline can best be used to increase broadband adoption among Lifeline-eligible consumers.”
So the projected $2 billion in savings from reducing inefficiency and fraud will be spent to expand the Lifeline program so that it provides internet to the same people who qualify for Lifeline phones today.
There is no word on cost, but in our expert opinion, as with the cell phone program’s model, there will be free internet with low-cost upgrades for higher speed and usage allowance. Worse case, we think they could charge $10 a month for service, but they’ll give you the phone for free.
It Begins with the Lifeline Broadband Pilot Program
How does the FCC get from here to there — from dumb cell phones to internet phones? As with all government projects, it begins with a study. And that’s where we are now.
The FCC and Lifeline are nearing the end of a $13.8 million, nine-month pilot project called the Lifeline Broadband Pilot Program, ending on November 1, 2013. The program is testing the best way to give free or heavily discounted internet to low-income Americans. You’ll find more detail on the specifics on our Lifeline Internet page.
(This is separate from the FCC-enabled, non-governmental programs Internet Essentials from Comcast and Internet Basics from CenturyLink, which provide $9.95 cable and DSL Internet to eligible low-income Americans.)
The pilot program is testing 14 projects in 21 states and Puerto Rico. The participating companies are testing both wireline and wireless internet plans. In the wireline area, only one project is testing cable internet and the others are testing DSL. That makes sense, considering the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC), the organization which handles the Lifeline program, has a decades-old history of working with landline telephone companies, not cable companies.
And the Winner is (will be): the Free Government Internet Phone
After analyzing the details of the pilot program, here’s what we think is the really big news: Mobile Internet plans are being tested in twelve states by two of the biggest names in the Lifeline free phone program — Tracfone (Safelink Wireless) and Nexus (ReachOut Wireless). This is very telling because the most efficient way to bring internet to Lifeline-qualified Americans is to have the very same companies that are already giving out free cell phones replace those phones with internet-enabled smartphones.
Lifeline already has a relationship with free phone providers such as pilot program participants Safelink Wireless and Reachout Wireless. The mechanisms for billing and reimbursements are already in place. And those companies already have a relationship with qualified customers clamoring for internet — the very people the FCC wants to get online.
Granted, this is also the case with landline Lifeline phone customers and their telephone companies. Lifeline will likely add some sort of Lifeline DSL plan that landline telephone companies can offer. But as with landline Lifeline telephones now, the service won’t be free, but will be steeply discounted. In our view, this cost structure is justified, because getting DSL and the required router installed and up and running is more costly and complex than is getting a smartphone in the mail and turning it on.
We see government-subsidized internet via the Lifeline program primarily being given to people through smartphones such as Android phones, with mobile internet service included. It’s a natural and cost-effective extension of the existing program.
There is no way to know exactly what the final details of the Lifeline Internet phone plans will be, but we believe we will see a free mobile internet plan which would include a smartphone such as an Android, with unlimited talk and text, and a 1-2 GB data usage limit. Higher usage plans would be available at a low cost of between $10 – 20.
When and From Whom?
The same companies provide free cell phones to millions of Americans will continue to dominate as the suppliers of these new smartphones. You’ll get your mobile internet phone from companies like Tracfone, Nexus and Virgin. It remains to be seen if they keep their current free cell phone company names of, respectively, Safelink Wireless, Reachout Wireless and Assurance Wireless. They may wish to rebrand their internet service with new names given the negative press and customer service reviews those companies have received.
We’re confident that 2014 will be the year in which Lifeline Internet become available to the large number of needy, unconnected Americans who simply require what has become a necessity in the modern world.
Keep tuned to CheapInternet.com for more details as they come out.
Sandra Taylor says
I would like to know if the program is available in Georgia & if so how do I sign up.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
All Lifeline free government cell phone companies are now required to offer limited internet service along with each cell phone plan. You can find out more about it over at our other website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. Here’s a link that will take you to all the plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Brian Hamm says
I wanna make sure,that I read& understand 1 of ur blogs/posts correctly,that u r eligible (&can) get both an in home disadvantaged internet(ex. century link)+ a gov’t smartphone,dif. provider(ex. Safelink) because they were 2 dif. FCC rulings, is this accurate ?? Also a MAJOR ISSUE that I had previously(&continue 2have) is that there is no mail delivery to my home,so they give me a PO Box, but ALL Cell Companies (especially gov’t 1’s) won’t send 2 a PO Box& THEY SAY they can’t send2 my home(even tho UPS/Fed Ex delivers there) because they use the p. ofc 2 verify the address& it comes up as No Such Address Exists. Any advice or better yet a SOLUTION ?? TNX & keep fightin the good(??) fight !!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Yes, you can have a free government cell phone AND a low-income internet plan. Good news, huh? You can read more about the cell phones at our other website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. Here’s where you can find all the Lifeline plans available in your state:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And here’s where you can read about all the low-income internet plans for which you may qualify:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Shona says
This did not answer Brian’s question about delivering to his home! Brian, I have the same problem, I get mail at post office, if they receive mail that has my physical address on it, street address, the post office sends it back. Even 911 has trouble getting to my home, because the address. So I have gotten a safe link phone in the position box YEARS ago. It may be changed by now though
Lorraine Wiley says
I never received my qlink free government smartphone and when I require about it they said I would have to pay $25 for a phone I never received the first one
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Try calling Q Link customer service, Lorraine, and ask to speak to a supervisor. Read the article at this link before you call. Be prepared to tell them you are prepared to file a complaint with the FCC, USAC, your state’s public utility commission, and the Better Business Bureau. Here’s the article:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-lifeline-service-complaint
Laura murguia says
Hi I would love to have government smartphone.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
All new Lifeline customers are supposed to receive smartphones, Laura. All you need to do is apply with one of the companies offering plans in your state:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Sandra Farley says
what is the name of your company? seeking to apply for smart phone, government smart phone, where do I apply?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’re a website, Sandra, not a free government cell phone company. But you can find a complete list of the free government cell phone companies in your state at this link (it’s a link to our other website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net):
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
holly krollman says
I have a gov phone and want internet ive asked my phone co. about it im being treated unfairly they only have 500 min and txt and did not give me my internet my son gets free lunch im on ssi and food stamps and their father has not worked over 2 yrs due to health so no support there how do i get things corrected and who do i call its 2016 at an end and im out of minutes and cant do this at home library is my only source and its hard withh 4 and 14 yr old kids. txt me 814 769 **** i cant come to lib fri to sun its closed. please help. we need unlimited phone time and our internet access unlimited due to school and drs.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sorry, Holly, but there is no program that offers unlimited minutes and unlimited internet for free. The new FCC regulations say that Lifeline companies must offer 500 minutes or 500 MB of data.
You can check out the low-income plans that area available here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
michelle isaac says
i need more information about please.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’re updating all our service provider listings as quickly as we get the information, Michelle. Here’s where you can find all the companies and plans in your state:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
J says
I live in Kalispell Montana 59901. I don’t see your free cell phone or internet. can you HELP ME PLEASE.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Hey, both of my parents come from Kalispell and lots of cousins and aunts and uncles live in that beautiful little corner of the world.
Unfortunately, Montana is one of only two states that doesn’t offer free government cell phones. There are a few tiny plans available, but they are primarily directed at Native Americans. The state is so rural that cell phone providers have a tough time making a profit there.
As far as cheap internet, you may have a couple options. Go the the following link and check out PCs for People and 4GCommunity. We can’t guarantee that their service will be available in Kalispell, but they are your best bets:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
samantha says
I had one of these phones when they first came out. I could make good calls on it. It was bad on picking up to make calls. it was no good. I just quit using it. They sent me letters saying I could only have one but they both were crap. I said look at your records they have not been used in years because I could not make calls on them where I lived. they where junk.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sorry to hear that, Samantha. If you’re looking for a free government cell phone, check out our other website:
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net
Here’s a good page to get started on.
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Donna says
My mom and dad r senior citizens and they get food stamp and leap I was wondering if they could get a smartphone with internet
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Yes, smartphones are available from most companies, although they are only available as upgrades from some companies. Here’s an article from our other website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, that tells you more:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
As of December 1, virtually every phone will be a smartphone and will come with data plans.
Val Kotevski says
I came to ur site to apply for a phone but did not get an appication to fillout to get one, just a whole lot of useless writing..what do i have to do to apply and get a phone.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There’s nothing we enjoy more than helping needy people get free government cell phones, Val. We’re proud to say that the information we provide helps thousands of people every day of the year. So do not blame us because you lack the brainpower to comprehend that this is an independent website that’s not affiliated in any way with any Lifeline Assistance company.
If you had a couple more IQ points you might realize that all that “useless writing” is the information you need to get a phone. But, no, instead of reading that “useless writing,” you complain that we’ve spelled it all out for you in pretty simple terms that are apparently still too complex for you.
“What do I have to do to apply and get a phone” you ask (although you don’t really ask question because you didn’t use a question mark and the last time we checked with the Strunk & White’s Elements of Style, it said questions should end with question marks). The answer is simple.
Stop complaining. Get off your lazy ass. Read the information provided. Follow the instructions.
Joe Collins says
This is what I need
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Then this is what you should get.
Matthew says
I like to know about this. Phone I like to know. If I can get one
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Many of the Lifeline Assistance companies offer either smartphones or smartphone upgrades for a small fee. Read this article at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net to find out more:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Brittany curnutte says
Am I able to get data on my mobile device its through safelink
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Two part answer: (1) Yes, if you live in California you can get a smartphone from Safelink. (2) No matter where you live, you may be able to get a wifi-enabled phone.
Keep in mind, however, that you cannot be assured of getting either of those phones. Safelink, like most of the other free government cell phone companies, distributes all makes and models randomly, so you never know what kind of phone you’re going to get.
Here’s what we’d suggest: Check out all the free government cell phone companies that operate in your area to find the plan (minutes/texts/data/etc) that’s best for you and the phone that’s best for you. You can do that by clicking on the “States” link at the top of this page, then clicking on your state. Click through all the companies to see what they offer. You should m are your decision only after checking them all out. Being an informed consumer will really help.
Isabel Villanueva says
I have a safe link phone. I am interested in acquiring an internet smart phone. How can I go about having one? Please E Mail me as soon as possible. Thank You Kindly !
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You need to visit our sister website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. Here’s a link to an article that will tell you which free government cell phone companies offer smartphones:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Patrick Hendrix says
I belive that is one good idea, and I myself would be interested in receving a phone.How do I sign up for one? I have a medicad card and id as well as a snap card.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out our sister website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, to find out more. Most of the free government cell phone companies either offer smartphones or will allow you to upgrade to one for a relatively small fee. Good luck.
salvatore guarino deland fla. says
how do i order this new phone already have assurance ?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out our sister website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, because it has all the information you need. Many of the Lifeline Assistance companies now distribute smartphones and virtually all of them allow you to upgrade to a smartphone for a small fee.
Carole sparacco says
I posted comment below I didn’t mention that I receive disability benefits (ssi) food stamps and medical assistance. Check it out I will provide whatever u need for proof DSS is helping me find housing as well if I am eligible to these things then what is holding me back fROM receiving a phone???
Marsha R Muncy says
My phone was stolen 4 days ago can I have a replacement Android am disabled 54yrs can’t walk ,
Steve says
I just activated with Life Wireless this last Monday, Life Wireless is like # 5 of Lifeline providers, says Free Gov Cell Phones . net.
I got I guess I got an internet capable phone (Logic M5) model but, it’s hardly a SmartPhone (touch screen) in fact the screens real estate is about 2″ w x 1 3/4″ tall.
It has a internet option but, when I use the internet service by going to Homepage It Tells Me My Current Balance Is To LOW to complete this transaction – Please RECHARGE your acc. bal.
Being My call&text service is free (with limits) on these two services with Lifeline, it appears NO INTERNET YET on this date
10-24-2015.
If you all want to help SPEED up FCC in making a change of adding Broadband to Lifeline. (READ the Below and ACT) now while you can…
[Help millions of Americans access broadband Internet. Add broadband Internet to the modernization of the Lifeline program.]
If you want to be herd and counted as making an effort in your part of having a say in bring the above message to the FCC, follow the link below and sign the Petition.
Link-
https://www.change.org/p/federal-communications-commission-help-millions-more-americans-access-broadband-internet
3,051 supporters have signed this petition !
Please be the next one to sign it.
Thanks
Linda says
I have SafeLink now and would really like to know if I can now get a free Android phone with SafeLink? I am disabled and would really like to be able to get the internet too. Thank you.
Rachel Morrow says
I am interested in the lifeline internet service both mobile and for home. I am 62 years of age and am disabled but I can use the computer. I also am raising my 13 year old grandson and he needs to be able to do his homework and communicate with his teachers.
Thank you
elaine says
I live in Fairbanks, Alaska. Do you service free phone and internet?
James says
help plesc
los Angeles…ca…
april ryan says
trying to get a smart phone from the government and not sure how,
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’re still waiting on the government to get this going.
ann says
I can not wait to receive the information & thanks !!!!
polee says
@ rattrap; These phones are not welfare. Started by Reagan in 1984, the Lifeline program is funded by the Universal Service Fee, a fee assessed against telecommunications service providers. Also, the word “lose” has only one “o.” And where are these “pay-phones” of which you speak, covering the streets? In your deluded memories of 1980? Finally, I’m guessing you are a racist. You are 0 for 3.
rattrap22 says
the phone deal was started for poor people living in the most remote of places without access to payphones and public access to phone services it was taken and given out as so much unearned welfare to voting blocs in communities where streets are covered with pay phones and cheap fax services so much so to where you cant walk Chicago without seeing people with multiple phones bragging about multiple accounts under fake names and the dealers talking about the thousands of hours they rack up for a few dollars of crack rock. You dont work we can find you a job you dont wanna work you should loose all your benefits at two years you are sucking off all those who get up every morning and break their back to maintain their home.The problem with socialism is sooner or later you kill the middle class thats carrying your bloated butt and run out of other peoples money
Sabra says
This is a great program, but I am skeptical about the functionality of using a phone for internet. What if you need to fill out applications or print out applications for a job? Let’s be realistic, using a phone to fill out any application would take forever to complete because the screen size is so small. Also how would you print out any forms or copies that you would need? I feel that a tablet or smaller size computer would best serve these needs especially if the goal is to help the underprivileged find employment. I would like some feedback on my comments. Thank you.
Cary L. Bruce Je. says
Sabra, a person can do just about anything on a smartphone as on a home computer or a laptop. There are apps that will allow you to print onto a home printer…However, if you do not have a printer then you would need to use a library or possibly a friend or neighbors computer. Also, most internet browsers on Android phones allow you to set up automatic form filling. This will let you input common information such as name, address, phone number…etc.It is a great time saver. I am not a apple phone user so I cannot say if iphones allow these options that Android phones so, but they probably do. Smartphones are smaller and can be a little harder to read but you can zoom in on the text to make it easier to read.
I hope that eases your concern about smartphones a bit….I use my smartphone all the time for common internet uses and I enjoy its functionality!!
Tiffany says
I just registered for the pilot program through Safelink. I had to purchase the refurbished Android phone from them for $29.99 and pay $10.00 for my first month of service in order to get into the pilot program. This is supposed to include UNLIMITED talk, text, and internet. I have not received my phone yet, as I just paid today, however, I don’t like that you have to use Moneygram to pay. They should give the option to make payments online.
chris says
I would love this
Kathleen Gearhart says
Sign up when its here!
Kathleen Gearhart says
Sign me up!
Marla Beearden says
Sign me up for cheap phone newsletter
Cheap Internet Administrator says
Sign up for email alerts here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/newsletter-signup
britley wagers says
can I get an email when this comes active please.
Cheap Internet Administrator says
Sign up for email alerts here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/newsletter-signup