Provider Comparison
Below is a side-by-side comparison of every approved national Lifeline provider featured on FreePhone Guide. The most important factor when choosing a provider is which national network they ride on (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) — that determines coverage at your address. Promotional differences in monthly data allowance and free-phone class matter less than network coverage.
| Carrier | Network | States served | Monthly data | Free phone class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SafeLink Wireless | Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T (multi-carrier) | 37 | 25 GB | Smartphone (model varies by region) |
| Assurance Wireless | T-Mobile | 49 | 25 GB | Android smartphone (model varies) |
| Q Link Wireless | T-Mobile | 49 | 20 GB | Android smartphone (rotating models) |
| TruConnect | T-Mobile | 31 | 14 GB | Free smartphone with optional hotspot capability |
| Access Wireless | T-Mobile | 31 | 15 GB | Free entry-level Android device |
| StandUp Wireless | AT&T, T-Mobile (multi-carrier) | 35 | 14 GB | Free smartphone with first-time enrollment |
| Cintex Wireless | T-Mobile | 28 | 10 GB | Free 4G LTE smartphone |
| Life Wireless | T-Mobile | 27 | 8 GB | Free smartphone with select state plans |
| enTouch Wireless | T-Mobile | 19 | 6 GB | Free smartphone after eligibility approval |
| AirTalk Wireless | T-Mobile, Verizon | 31 | 25 GB | Free 4G/5G smartphone, premium upgrades available |
| easyWireless | T-Mobile | 29 | 10 GB | Free smartphone with enrollment |
| Tag Mobile | T-Mobile | 20 | 5 GB | Free smartphone provided to qualifying customers |
How to pick a provider
Coverage first, monthly data second, free-phone model third. Confirm coverage by looking up your zip code on the underlying network's coverage map (Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile). All Lifeline carriers riding on the same underlying network deliver functionally identical coverage. Once coverage is confirmed, prefer carriers with higher monthly data allowances and the broadest free-phone selection in your state.
Switching providers
You can transfer your Lifeline benefit between carriers as often as once every 60 days. Sign up with the new carrier; they trigger a benefit transfer through the National Lifeline Accountability Database. Your old line is deactivated within a few business days.
State-by-state availability
Not every carrier operates in every state. See the state directory to find the carriers active where you live, or click through any carrier above to see their full state coverage list.
Continue reading: browse state-by-state Lifeline guides or compare approved carriers.