AT&T is among the largest telecommunication companies in the US. Currently, the carrier is offering a 5G network connection. Its 4G and 3G coverage are present in most parts of the country. You can get various services from AT&T, including voice calls, texting, and data connection. You will also find out whether you can get at&t wireless free government phone.
Free government phones are meant to help people from low-income households to communicate with others. Some people cannot even afford three meals per day due to poverty levels. Due to this, the government came up with a free phone program to benefit-eligible people. We shall see the eligibility requirements later in this article, so just stay around.
The federal government gives free phones via the lifeline program. Beneficiaries can get cheap plans to use with their plans. As a beneficiary, you can also use your own phone with the cheap plans. Various service providers work with the government to offer lifeline services and eligible customers can choose the service providers to work with depending on their personal preferences.
AT&T Wireless Joining Process
Joining the AT&T network is easy whether you are beginning using telecommunication services for the first time or you are migrating from another carrier to AT&T. You only need to open the AT&T website and navigate to the create user ID page.
The following is the process of setting up your AT&T user name.
- Go to the myAT&T page and select Create one now.
- Enter your AT&T mobile phone number. You can also add your account number and your billing ZIP Code. If required, enter a verification code.
- In case a user ID for the account exists, choose from the listed options.
- Enter your personal information to prove your identity.
- If asked, choose how you to receive your verification code.
- Enter the verification code sent to you.
- Enter a user ID and password. Your ID should be an email address that starts with a letter.
- Next, save the ID and password to your device if you see it necessary.
- Key in the contact information for your user ID
- Set up security questions and their answers.
- Accept the AT&T Terms & Conditions.
- Decide if you wish to sign up for paperless billing for your account or not. You will need to verify your email address if you select paperless billing.
Creating a user ID with AT&T will give you access to various services that the company offers. Your user ID will give you primary access to your account while another person’s ID will give you secondary access to the AT&T services.
Procedure To Get AT&T Wireless Free Government Phone
AT&T is a part of the large network of companies that can offer you a free government smartphone if you qualify for the lifeline program. You also get an opportunity to reduce your bills for your phone and internet connections.
The lifeline program covers all states of the US, although there are strict qualification requirements that one has to meet.
About Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a federal government program that lowers the cost of phones and internet for qualifying customers. The eligible citizens can get a discount of at least $5.25 and $9.25 on their phone and internet bills, respectively. If you live on the federally recognized tribal lands, you may get additional discounts of up to $25.
If you qualify for the program, you can only get one discount, i.e., either by phone or internet. The program does not allow a single beneficiary to get both phone and internet discounts. Moreover, only one person per household can benefit from the lifeline program. Again, you can only get the service from one provider and not from multiple companies.
To qualify for the program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your income has to be below or at 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- You or someone in your household must participate in any of the following programs.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Programs (and also live on the federally-recognized Tribal lands)
To use the AT&T lifeline internet discount services, you must be an AT&T user within your region. Additionally, you must subscribe to an internet plan that meets the program’s minimum service standards.
Furthermore, you will need to re-certify your eligibility every year to remain a beneficiary. You will have to do so with 60 days of notification to avoid losing your discount. The good thing is that, so long as you are an AT&T user, you can benefit from AT&T phone deals for existing customers and use them with your lifeline plan.
Application for the AT&T Lifeline Program
The process of applying for AT&T can differ from one place to another. If you reside in California, you can call 800.288.2020 (Weekdays, 6 am to 6 pm, Pacific Time) to start your application process. Those living in Texas can apply online or call 888.524.0553 to start their application process.
If you live outside California and Texas, you can apply online through the National Verifier that checks your eligibility. Furthermore, you can download and print a copy of your application. After getting approval from the National Verifier, you can call AT&T at 855.951.4804 (Weekdays, 8 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time).
Interestingly, you receive an installation credit if you are in Ohio and Illinois. You can call the above customer care number to ask about it. If you are a senior and at Michigan, you may receive additional discounts on top of any of the AT&T wireless plans for seniors.
Services Of AT&T Wireless
As a regular customer, there are various services that you can get from AT&T.
i) AT&T Plans
Like any other service provider, AT&T gives you various plans that you can use to communicate with others. The plans include texts, data, and voice call minutes. AT&T unlimited plans is a nice addition to their service.
ii) AT&T Unlimited Starter Plan – $65 per month
The plan comes with unlimited 5G data talk and text. There is no priority data for the plan, and you may be subject to slow data. Additionally, you will access standard-definition video content (480P). Unfortunately, the plan has no hotspot data.
iii) Phones
There are various AT&T prepaid phones that you can get at the carrier’s online store. They include the following:
- Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Galaxy S20 FE 5G
- Galaxy A12
- Galaxy A32 5G
- Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
iv) Television Services
AT&T has been known for years to offer best service in satellite TV in the US. The company is now offering a streaming TV program called DIRECTV Stream that allows you to use the internet to watch your favorite Television programs. You can watch the local sports events as well as other entertainment programs.
The service also allows you to access over 7000+ apps, including YouTube, HBO Max, Prime Video, and Netflix. Furthermore, you have four streaming packages to choose from, depending on your capability. They include the following.
- DirecTV ENTERTAINMENT for $64.99/month with 160+ channels.
- DirecTV CHOICE for $69.99/month with185+ channels.
- DirecTV ULTIMATE $84.99/month with 250+ channels.
- DirecTV PREMIER for $134/99/month with 330+ channels.
You, therefore, have an option to choose the most appropriate service to enjoy the service.
Is AT&T Offer Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB)
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is a temporary program from the government that allows those hit by Covid’19 to receive wireless internet or home service benefits. AT&T is offering the service to eligible households.
You can have your bill decreased by up to $50/month. Also, you may have your bill reduced by $75/month if you reside on qualifying Tribal lands. You can get approved for the EBB when you apply with the federal government’s National Verifier. One can apply for the AT&T emergency broadband benefit program online when you visit the AT&T website.
Final Words
AT&T is a telecommunication company that operates in the US. The company offers voice call minutes, texts, and data. You can also get phones that you can use with AT&T plans. Apart from the regular services, AT&T offers the Lifeline program services such as free phones and discounted home internet or wireless services. The company is also participating in the EBB program.
