Access Wireless is a free government smartphone and cell phone program created and managed by i-Wireless LLC. Like many other similar companies, it provides a free gadget and a monthly set of minutes and texts at no charge to qualified low-income citizens of several U.S. states. In its turn, it is a part of the government-funded Lifeline Assistance (also called the Universal Service Fund) program. The program’s general idea is to provide free no wire communication services in the area where i-wireless provider serves.
Access Wireless Lifeline Plans
The basic plan from Access Wireless (Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Plan) includes a free government phone with unlimited minutes & text messages, and UNLIMITED data. The latter are channeled into subscriber account every month; plus features such as voicemail, caller ID, and call waiting at no additional charge, toll-free domestic long distance calls (within the monthly minutes limit), super extensive network coverage (through Sprint), and an ability to participate in Exclusive Wireless rewards program. The number of free minutes, texts, and data vary in every state. Also, Tribal Lifeline plans may differ. For example, California subscribers will get unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and 6 GB every month!
Access Wireless California’s free phone plan is much better than those of other states. Like in different service regions, the customers get a free gadget, no monthly bills or long-term contracts, and no additional or hidden costs or fees. The most significant difference is the number of free talk minutes and text messages, UNLIMITED for Access Wireless California subscribers. On top of that, customers from this state get 6 GB of open data to use. People may purchase additional data packages through the website.
Who Can Qualify for Access Wireless Free Cell Phone Program
As in many other similar programs, the residents of the qualifying states (see the list below) are welcomed 
to apply based on two criteria: either they have to be the recipients of some government-funded assistance (i.e., Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Food stamps, Section 8 of Federal Public housing assistance, Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF, etc.) or they can qualify based on their annual income amount. The second option considers your total household gross income and differs by state.
Access Wireless Service Area state list includes:
Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
How to Start Access Wireless Application Process
There are several steps a person meeting qualification guidelines for the program participants can take to get subscribed.
- Use the website. At www.accesswireless.com, it is possible not only to read everything about the program, including terms and conditions but also to initiate an application process. Just click the “Enroll” button in the main menu and then choose “Click here to apply online.” You will be taken to the secured part of the website and asked to provide all the data for becoming a customer. Note: For all states, except California, Texas, Oregon, you must be qualified with the National Verifier before enrolling with Access Wireless.
- The second option for a subscription is downloading an Access Wireless application to your computer. You can then print it out, fill in the necessary data, and send it via post or fax to the company at any time convenient to you. This option takes a long time but gets you the same result as the first one.
For additional instructions, please, see the website or contact Access Wireless customer service.
Access Wireless Free Government Smartphones and Cell Phones
The company does not give an option for choosing a wireless device at the stage of the application. Every approved subscriber is sent a free phone with the instructions. Naturally, the company distributes the phones at its discretion. If you are not satisfied with the device you get, there is an option for an upgrade. For an additional charge, you can switch to a better phone. For example, the Motorola Photon Q or Nokia 6300 4G smartphone will cost you $59. Other Access Wireless smartphones available include ZTE Flash, NUU F4L Flip Phone, ZTE Force, Samsung Transform (Ultra), Coolpad Quatro II Alcatel Revolve.