Access Wireless Lifeline Program

Access Wireless provides its customers free government cell phones and free monthly plans (including Exclusive Wireless rewards program) in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. The list of states citizens of which can apply for a free phone with this Lifeline program will increase when more approvals for Access Wireless service from state authorities are granted.

Access Wireless operates on T-Mobile’s extensive nationwide network, providing customers with access to one of America’s largest and most advanced 4G LTE or 5G networks. This means Access Wireless users enjoy robust coverage, high-speed data connectivity, and reliable voice services across the country.

Being powered by T-Mobile brings several benefits to Access Wireless’ clients:

1. Wide Coverage: T-Mobile’s network reaches over 99% of Americans, ensuring that Access Wireless customers can stay connected in most locations.
2. Fast Speeds: With T-Mobile’s aggressive build-out of high-speed data networks, Access Wireless users can enjoy faster download and upload speeds, enabling smoother streaming, browsing, and file sharing.
3. 5G Technology: By operating on T-Mobile’s network, Access Wireless customers can take advantage of the latest 5G technology, which offers faster speeds, lower latency, and support for more connected devices in the same area.

Prior to its recent shift, Access Wireless was powered by Sprint’s network. However, following T-Mobile’s acquisition of Sprint in April 2020, the combined entity became the leading provider of 5G services in the nation. This merger has allowed Access Wireless to leverage T-Mobile’s superior network infrastructure and advanced technologies.

It is worth noting that Access Wireless is a subsidiary of i-Wireless, LLC, which is a pioneer in the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) industry. As an MVNO, Access Wireless purchases wholesale access to T-Mobile’s network at discounted rates, allowing them to provide affordable wireless services to their customers without investing in their own network infrastructure.

If you want to get more airtime minutes from Access Wireless when basic plan ones are gone, you can get one of the top-up cards. I-wireless airtime cards (available at Kroger stores) are also suitable for this purpose. One of the benefits of Access Wireless top-up cards is that they come not only with talk minutes but also with other bonuses. For example, a 25 dollar top-up will give you 300 anytime airtime minutes + unlimited text messages for 30 days + 500 MB data package. If you use a smart mobile device, the last bonus can be especially helpful. The $15 and $35 cards are also available for purchasing. You can find Access Wireless phone store near you by the following link: https://www.accesswireless.com/buy-cards

There are also several great ways to get to get more minutes for free.
The first one in participation in a special promo action. Access Wireless is the only Lifeline program that participates in a reward plan program with Kroger stores. 20 minutes are given at no cost for every 100 bucks spent at Kroger’s. Additional terms and conditions apply to this promo. You can read about them at www.accesswireless.com, which is the official website of the provider. The second way to get more free minutes is to refer a friend to enroll in the company’s plan. If such friend gets approved, 1,000 minutes are given to a referrer. Once again, some limitations apply as for the number of the referrals.

How to check eligibility and enroll?

A typical eligible applicant is the one who already participates in other federal government support programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Family Independence (TANF), Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Healthy Connections / Select Health (Medicaid), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Headstart (meeting income qualifying standards), Low Income Heat and Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), etc. Income levels are also crucial for qualification. Besides, the limit of free phones from Life Line is one per household. To check all the conditions, just enter your ZIP code in a particular form at accesswireless.com, and you will get a complete list of requirements.
The fastest way to enroll in the program is to send Access Wireless application to the company. It can be downloaded from the same web page with eligibility requirements. Just fill in your information and attach the eligibility documents copies and mail it to Access Wireless, One Levee Way, Suite 3106, Newport, KY 41071. You can also fax it to 1-888-594-4473.

How to activate Access Wireless phone?

Existing Customers:

• Call Access Wireless customer service at 866-594-3644 from a different phone.
• An agent will assist you in placing the new phone on your account.

New Customers:

• Ensure your phone is compatible with Access Wireless.
• Once approved as a customer, use your device for calls or data to activate service.

For both Existing and New Customers (after receiving your new phone):

• Insert your SIM card into the phone if prompted.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete activation.
• If asked to call 611 from the device, do so to reach interactive voice response system.
• Alternatively, initiate data usage or respond to instructions sent by Access Wireless.

How to request a replacement phone for Access Wireless?

You can request a replacement phone by contacting Access Wireless Customer Service. You can dial 611 from your Access Wireless Device or call toll-free at 866-594-3644 to reach them. They will guide you through the process of ordering a replacement phone.

Access Wireless customer service works according to the following schedule.

Monday – Friday: 8am – midnight EST
Saturday: 9am – midnight EST
Sunday: 10am – midnight EST

For New Service Questions/To Apply: 1-888-900-5899

What real customers of Access Wireless say:

Pros:

1. Affordable Plans:
   • Many customers praised the free government phone service through the Lifeline Assistance program.
   • Some found the paid plans to be affordable compared to other providers.
2. Good Coverage:
   • A few customers reported having good coverage in rural areas, thanks to Access Wireless using T-Mobile’s network.
   • Some found the data speeds satisfactory for basic tasks like browsing and emailing.
3. Easy Application Process:
   • Some customers found the application process easy and straightforward when applying for the Lifeline program through Access Wireless.

Cons:

1. Poor Customer Service:
   • Many customers expressed frustration with poor customer service, including difficulties reaching representatives, feeling misled or manipulated by reps, and not getting helpful solutions to their issues.
   • One customer reported being overcharged due to customer service’s mistake.
2. Phone Issues:
   • Some customers experienced problems with the quality of phones provided by Access Wireless, such as receiving a phone loaded with malware or finding that an upgrade wasn’t worth it.
   • Others had trouble transferring their existing numbers to Access Wireless.
3. Connection and Service Issues:
   • A few customers reported frequent dropped calls, poor call quality, and slow data speeds.
   • Some experienced service interruptions or being unable to make calls due to network issues.
4. Switching Providers:
   • Customers had difficulty switching back to their original provider after trying Access Wireless, with some feeling stuck with the service.
   • One customer mentioned that Access Wireless automatically subscribed them without consent.

Important notice: There may be more free government cell phone service providers operating in your state – find more information here.