TerraCom Wireless Free Government Phones Lifeline Program

About the Company

TerraCom Wireless is a budget-friendly wireless service provider that focuses on serving low-income consumers through its Lifeline program. Founded with the mission to help those who might otherwise struggle to afford communications services, TerraCom was one of the first companies to utilize the Universal Service Lifeline fund to provide affordable wireless phone service.

Quite often potential customers are wondering what network does TerraCom Wireless use. Recently, TerraCom Wireless switched its network carrier to T-Mobile, a major nationwide carrier known for its extensive coverage and reliable service. This means that TerraCom’s customers now enjoy the benefits of using T-Mobile’s vast network of towers, which typically results in better signal strength, wider coverage area, and faster data speeds compared to smaller carriers or MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators).

For TerraCom Wireless Lifeline customers, this switch has several advantages. Firstly, it means they can now access T-Mobile’s expansive network, allowing them to make calls, send texts, and use data in more places than before. Secondly, using a major carrier like T-Mobile often results in better voice quality and fewer dropped calls due to the extensive number of towers available. Lastly, by leveraging T-Mobile’s network, TerraCom can continue to provide its low-cost, high-quality service, ensuring that its customers get excellent value for their money.

It’s important to note that while the switch to T-Mobile’s network brings many benefits, it may also result in some changes in coverage areas and signal strength compared to the previous network. However, TerraCom Wireless is committed to providing top-notch customer service and will work diligently to ensure a smooth transition for its Lifeline customers during this change.

TerraCom Wireless Lifeline Program

TerraCom Wireless Phones

TerraCom offers free smartphones to eligible customers who meet the qualifications for the Lifeline program. There is only one phone provided per household. In order to use the lifeline phone service, customers must provide proof of eligibility. This means the individual must be on Medicaid, use Food Stamps, receive SSI, federal public housing assistance, be on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the National School Lunch programs or be enrolled in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program. In addition, a current tax return that shows the person’s proof of income can be used as proof for eligibility into the lifeline program.

TerraCom Wireless Tablets

TerraCom Wireless has made significant strides in providing top-quality tablets to low-income individuals and families, particularly through the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. Their commitment to helping those in need is evident in their choice of devices, which are not only affordable but also reliable and well-suited for everyday use.

The company’s primary offering under the EBB program is a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.4-inch tablet from 2020. This device is known for its balance between performance and affordability, featuring an 8.4-inch display with a resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels, a quad-core processor, and Android 9 Pie operating system. Despite being initially released in 2020, the tablet remains unused when provided to customers by TerraCom Wireless.

Customers who switch to TerraCom Wireless from other providers like QLink often report positive experiences with their tablet delivery and overall service. The delivery time for the device varies slightly but generally takes around 5 to 8 business days. While some customers may encounter longer wait times, many appreciate TerraCom’s transparency and reliability in providing quality tablets along with excellent customer support.

TerraCom Wireless Plans

TerraCom Wireless offers Lifeline plans with varying voice minutes, text messages, and data depending on the state of residence. Here’s a breakdown of their plans, advantages, disadvantages, and comparison to other Lifeline providers:

1. Advantages:
   • Free Monthly Plans: All TerraCom Lifeline plans are free each month.
   • Broadband Internet Access Services (BIAS): They offer data plans with 4.5GB of data included.
   • Unlimited Texts in Certain Plans: Some plans, like the NE Voice Base Plan, offer unlimited texts.
2. Disadvantages:
   • No Rollover Minutes/Data: Unused minutes and data do not roll over to the next month.
   • Limited Availability: Plans vary by state and are not available nationwide. For instance, Broadband plans require a data capable handset.
   • No Free Phones: TerraCom does not offer free phones with their plans. Users need to purchase their own data-compatible phone for broadband plans.
3. Comparison with Other Lifeline Providers:
   • Assist Wireless: Assist Wireless offers free smartphones with their plans, unlike TerraCom. However, they may have fewer voice minutes and data compared to TerraCom’s Broadband plans.
   • Safelink Wireless: Safelink provides free phones but has lower voice minute limits compared to TerraCom’s Voice Base Plans in some states. They also offer rollover minutes, which TerraCom does not.

In summary, TerraCom Wireless offers competitive Lifeline plans with generous voice minutes and data (in Broadband plans). It’s always a good idea to compare providers based on your specific needs and location.

What real customers of TerraCom Wireless say

Pros of TerraCom Wireless

• Customers praise TerraCom Wireless for its affordability, especially for individuals on fixed incomes. One reviewer notes that the company offers unlimited calling and texting plans starting at $10.55 per month.
• Another review highlights the high value provided through government programs like the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), where customers receive Galaxy Samsung tablets worth nearly $300 for a copay of around $110, along with unlimited data plans priced at $40 per month.

Cons of TerraCom Wireless

• A significant outage left many customers without service for an extended period. Customer support during this time was reportedly inadequate.
• There are concerns about financial mismanagement and potential fraudulent practices related to government programs like Lifeline and EBB.