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Key takeaways
- TruConnect offers free cell phone service and phones to qualifying individuals. This initiative is part of efforts to ensure that low-income households have access to mobile communication.
- Eligibility for TruConnect’s free services is determined through participation in certain federal assistance programs or by meeting income criteria.
- Alongside the provision of free phones, TruConnect’s service includes talk, text, and data. Eligible customers also get two months of Amazon Prime for free.
If you’ve heard of TruConnect’s free phones and cell service you might think it’s too good to be true. The good news is, it’s not. You just have to qualify. TruConnect provides free and discounted services because it works through government programs aimed at making internet connectivity accessible to all Americans. If you qualify for these programs, then TruConnect was built for you.
What is TruConnect?
Matthew Johnson founded TruConnect in Los Angeles in 2011 as a mobile network operator to provide premium low-cost wireless services to eligible U.S. customers. The company’s mission is to help all Americans gain access to phones, internet, and stay connected to the world around them.
“At TruConnect, we envision a world where everyone and everything is connected.” Doug Lodder, President at TruConnect
TruConnect makes premium wireless affordable by participating in the government-assisted programs Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs help bridge the digital divide and connect millions of Americans who cannot afford or are overlooked by traditional providers. These days, especially after COVID-19 and with the rise of work-from-home culture, phone and internet access have become essential for everyday life, serving purposes like education, work, job searches, maintaining social connections, personal growth, and access to emergency services. Qualifying customers receive high-speed internet, unlimited talk and text, and a free Android phone, all at no cost.
How to Get Started with TruConnect
Enroll in minutes.
Receive your phone.
Use TruConnect each month.
Getting started with TruConnect is easy. First, check your eligibility for either the Lifeline or ACP programs on their website. If you’re eligible, apply online by answering a few questions and submitting proof of eligibility. Once your application is approved, choose your device and plan based on the available options. TruConnect will then ship your brand-new device at no cost. When you receive your device, follow a few simple instructions to set it up and start using the service. To keep TruConnect active, you have to use it at least once per month. It can be talking, texting, or surfing the internet, you choose.
What Exactly is the Lifeline Benefit?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established Lifeline to offer a monthly discount on phone and internet services to eligible subscribers in 38 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Under Lifeline, subscribers receive one benefit per household. TruConnect, through this program, provides eligible customers with free phone service, including unlimited talk, text, international calling to select countries, and up to 14GB of data.
How to qualify for Lifeline:
Your total household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or you participate in a qualifying federal assistance program.
Eligible federal assistance programs are:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid or Medi-Cal
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
If your household is on qualifying federally recognized Tribal land you can be eligible if you participate in:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only if you qualified for this program based on income)
- Tribal TANF (Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
How Does The Affordable Connectivity Program Work?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new, long-term government program with a budget of $14 billion. It aims to provide eligible households with a discount on broadband service and significantly reduce the cost of internet-connected devices like tablets and laptops. This program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit program on December 31, 2021. Qualifying individuals receive discounts of $30 per month off their internet or phone service, $75 per month for those on qualifying tribal lands, and/or a one-time $100 discount on eligible devices. Each household can only apply for one ACP benefit.
Affordable Connectivity Program eligibility requirements:
If you qualify for Lifeline, chances are you qualify for ACP. The program is designed for households with an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or those participating in specific assistance programs.
Eligible federal assistance programs are:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid or Medi-Cal
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Federal Pell Grant recipients in the current award year
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs
You are also eligible if you live on qualifying Tribal land and participate in one 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 (Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Awesome Service!!!
“Truconnect is awesome. I got approved instantly & the SIM card arrived less than 5 days later. I poped it into my phone after I device unlocked it & right away my phone started getting text messages & making a call was after. No setup at all(: Thanks Truconnect for granting me free access to call, text & data!! You’re the best:)” Randi MaxamWhat Free Devices Can You Get?
Customers qualifying for both the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline receive unlimited talk, text, and data, plus a free smartphone, without an expensive monthly bill. The free phone is almost always an Android and is currently a Cloud Mobile Stratus C7. If you prefer a different phone, you have the option to purchase one. While TruConnect doesn’t offer a free tablet, you can get one for $10, which is a pretty amazing deal. To be eligible for the Cloud Mobile Sunshine Elite tablet at just $10.01, you must be enrolled in both Lifeline and ACP. The specific model and specifications of the free devices may vary based on availability; this is the offer at the time of writing.
Premium wireless service for everyone who needs it!
No contract, no commitments, and no credit checks.
Very happy with this phone
“Well for starters….. I was amazed on how quickly it arrived. When I opened package I was confused at first as to where the SIM card was, only to find out it was already installed. I was glad to see that a screen protector was included. I have never heard of the brand of phone I received ( Cloud Mobile Stratus C7 ) but it’s an excellent phone with good features. I like the brightness of the flashlight, the clarity of photos, the battery life, the speed of downloads. I’m still learning all the things it does. Overall I’m very happy with it. Thank You so much.” Rebecca HillWant Amazon Prime for Free?
You can also get 2 months of Amazon Prime for free on eligible plans. If you upgrade to TruConnect+ for $1/month or purchase a tablet, Amazon Prime is included for free for the duration of your subscription. Amazon Prime offers benefits like free 2-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Gaming, and more. Plus you can order SNAP and EBT eligible groceries through Amazon Fresh!
What Carrier is TruConnect Through?
TruConnect utilizes T-Mobile’s network, a leading carrier in the U.S. T-Mobile is known for its advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network, which offers reliable and fast wireless experiences. So when you use TruConnect you know you’ll get widespread coverage and reliable service.
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Is TruConnect Worth It?
Whether TruConnect is worth it or not depends on your specific needs and eligibility. For those who qualify, TruConnect offers valuable free or discounted wireless services and devices, making it an excellent deal for people often underserved by traditional wireless providers. On the other hand, if you don’t qualify for ACP or Lifeline, you might find better service packages elsewhere. Also, always take into account the network coverage in your area when choosing a mobile plan.
The Best
“Have been with TruConnect for a couple of years now, and I can’t imagine switching to anyone else!! They’ve been such a blessing!!!!💜💜 And service is great!! I haven’t had any problems with service or the company!! I recommend them to everyone!!” Crystal TerrellFinal Thoughts
These days it’s essential to be connected to the internet and TruConnect provides an affordable path for the millions of Americans who remain digitally disconnected. This premium wireless service offers low-cost options through the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline, both aiming to make broadband internet more accessible for everyone. With the advantage of T-Mobile’s network, you know you’re getting a reliable service. So, if you’re in search of a low-cost provider, consider giving TruConnect a try.
