TruConnect Free Phone Service & Internet – A Full Guide
If you are looking to get free monthly phone and broadband services, the first step is to find the right government service provider in your area. TruConnect participates in federal government benefits programs designed to make phone and internet services more accessible to low-income American households.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the TruConnect free phone service program.
What Is TruConnect?
TruConnect is an American telecom company providing free phone and internet service to customers who qualify for government benefits programs.
The company’s service is available in 37 states, including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Kansas, Ohio, and Texas. Residents of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands can also access TruConnect services. And depending on where you live, the service may be available on the T-Mobile or Sprint network.
Qualifying subscribers can get free smartphones, high-speed data, and monthly unlimited talk and text.
How to Get TruConnect Free Phone Service
You must qualify through the Lifeline Assistance program or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to get a free government phone.
1. Lifeline Assistance Program
Lifeline is a federal government program established to subsidize phone service for eligible consumers. You can get a free smartphone if you meet the eligibility requirement.
With TruConnect’s Lifeline benefits, subscribers can enjoy free monthly text, talk, and international calling services, as well as free monthly internet service.
2. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The ACP is a newer government-sponsored benefits program designed to provide eligible American households with a one-time device discount and pay for internet services.
You don’t need to apply for ACP to get a free phone. Qualifying for Lifeline benefits is enough to make you eligible for a free government phone through the TruConnect program.
However, the ACP typically has higher income eligibility, so if you don’t meet Lifeline’s eligibility requirement, you might qualify for a discounted or free device through the ACP.
Interestingly, you can qualify for both Lifeline and ACP. In fact, you are automatically eligible for ACP if you qualify for Lifeline benefits.
Available TruConnect Free Phone Models and Devices
While free government phones are subject to availability, TruConnect subscribers can choose from a variety of phone models that suit their needs. Most of the free options available are Android smartphones with all the essential features to help you stay connected in the modern world.
The good news is that you can upgrade your phone for a discounted price if you want a better or more recent model than your free phone. Also, if you prefer, you can bring your current phone if it is compatible with the TruConnect phone service.
Here is a list of free phone models available in the TruConnect program and free and discounted devices you may qualify for through Lifeline and the ACP.
Smartphones
- Cloud Mobile Stratus C5
- Samsung Galaxy S3-S6
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4/5
- LG G Stylo
- LG G4
- LG V10
- Apple iPhone SE
- Apple iPhone 6/6 Plus
- Apple iPhone 6s/6s Plus
Mobile Hotspot Device
If you qualify for TruConnect’s ACP plan, you can choose to get a MiFi ― an internet device with built-in Wi-Fi. As a travel router, the mobile hotspot device allows you to connect up to 8 Wi-Fi-enabled devices (desktops, laptops, and tablets) wherever you go.
The TruConnect MiFi uses 4G/LTE wireless technology and delivers speeds reaching 30 Mbps. For most users, this speed is usually fast enough to meet their needs, including music and video streaming.
Option to Buy Discounted Tablet
Eligible consumers who sign up with TruConnect’s ACP plan have the option to purchase an Android Sunshine Elite tablet for as little as $10.01.
The 8” display tablet features 16 GB storage, 2 GB RAM, front and rear cameras, and a 1.5 GHz processor, making it a pretty decent tablet, considering its low price tag.
How to Qualify for TruConnect’s Lifeline Benefits
You may qualify for a free phone service based on your household income or by participating in a qualifying Lifeline program.
Households with income not exceeding 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for Lifeline benefits.
Also, you may qualify for Lifeline if you or someone in your household participates in any of the following programs:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- CalFresh/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veteran and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Tribal Assistance Programs
California residents participating in the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) may qualify for TruConnect’s Lifeline benefits.
How to Qualify for TruConnect’s ACP Benefits
Not every family can qualify for benefits through Lifeline, considering the program’s low-income limit. However, you may qualify for a TruConnect free phone and broadband service through the ACP.
Like the Lifeline Assistance program, qualifying for ACP can be through income or program participation.
Households with an income not exceeding 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for the ACP benefits. You may also qualify if you receive Lifeline benefits or any of the following:
- Federal Pell Grant
- National School Lunch Program
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Additionally, you may be eligible for TruConnect’s ACP benefits if your household receives benefits from any of the following Tribal assistance programs:
- Head Start households that meet the qualifying income standard.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
- Food Distribution Program located on Indian Reservations.
- Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).
What’s Included in the TruConnect Free Phone Service Plans?
TruConnect offers three separate plans, and the service you get with your free phone will depend on the government program you signed up with.
TruConnect Lifeline Plan
This basic plan gives you access to phone service and limited but high-speed monthly data. With the TruConnect Lifeline plan, subscribers get the following:
- Free unlimited talk and text
- Free SIM Card
- Up to 6 GB of high-speed data
- Unlimited international calling to selected countries
TruConnect ACP Only Plan
If you qualify through ACP only, your service plan includes the following features:
- Free unlimited talk and text
- Free phone, SIM, or MiFi hotspot device
- Free 8 GB high-speed data
- Option to buy an Android tablet for as little as $10.01
- Unlimited international calling to selected countries
TruConnect ACP and Lifeline Plan
You can qualify for both Lifeline and ACP plans at the same time. With this service plan, you get the following:
- One free brand-new Android smartphone or SIM card
- Free unlimited talk and text
- Free unlimited data
- Option to buy an Android tablet for as little as $10.01
- Unlimited international calling to selected countries
How to Enroll in the TruConnect Program
Signing up with TruConnect through a government benefits program is straightforward. To enroll in the free phone and internet service program:
- Visit the company’s website.
- Enter your zip and email address.
- Click Apply.
- Answer a few simple questions, provide basic information about yourself, and submit your documents proving your eligibility. This will help TruConnect determine if you are eligible for the benefits program.
Once approved, the provider will send you a brand-new phone at no cost to you. If you prefer to use your current phone and enjoy the phone and broadband service, a SIM card will be sent to you.
Straightforward setup instructions will be provided with your package. Simply follow the instructions to start using your free phone and service right away.
Use your TruConnect benefits to call, text, or surf the internet from the free phone, SIM card, or MiFi at least once every 30 days to keep the service active.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I exhaust my free monthly text, talk, or data allocation?
If you run out of free service before the month ends, you will be redirected to the company’s pay page to buy additional minutes or data. To avoid running out of data in the middle of surfing or streaming, you can top off your data allocation by purchasing additional data at any time.
Can I switch my Lifeline or ACP provider?
You can switch from your current Lifeline and ACP providers to TruConnect. You may have moved to another state outside your current provider’s coverage or simply want better service.
Whatever the case, get in touch with TruConnect and ask for your Lifeline benefits to be transferred. You may be required to provide your personal information and written consent to complete the transfer process.
Can I bring my own phone?
If you don’t want a TruConnect free phone, you can bring your favorite phone you already have and still enjoy all the benefits the provider offers. In this case, you will get a free SIM card or hotspot device (if you qualify) and unlimited talk, text, and data every month.
This way, you don’t have to learn how to use a new phone or worry about losing your important contacts or information stored on your current phone.
