TruConnect functions as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in the US that operates using the T-Mobile network. However, the carriers provide wireless services, including unlimited talk and text, TruConnect free phone, tablets, and hotspot plans. The US Federal government has several programs that offer free phones and other wireless services to all eligible needy families in the US. Most importantly, TruConnect provides free government cell phones through the Lifeline and ACP programs.
Moreover, Lifeline refers to a federal communications commission (FCC) program launched to make communication services affordable to qualified households. The program partners with participating wireless service providers in the US, such as TruConnect. On the other hand, ACP is also a federal communications program that discounts broadband services and free devices through participating providers like TruConnect. Through the TruConnect ACP, you can receive free phone, monthly data, and WIFI hotspots.
TruConnect is among the best Lifeline and ACP service providers that give free wireless services to qualified families. To be a beneficiary of these services, you must come from a low-income background or participates in any government-sponsored program. Besides, the eligible customers get free TruConnect services, including unlimited text and talk, 14GB of monthly data, free international calling, and a free cell phone. The free government discounts through TruConnect apply to only one member per household.
About Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a permanent government program that connects eligible low-income customers through subsidizing phone service. TruConnect provides Lifeline in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and 36 states.
Thus, you must attain the income-based or program-based eligibility guidelines to receive a free cellphone and monthly service from the Lifeline program. The program gets limited to one Lifeline discount per household. Qualifying programs include:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veteran and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Medicaid / Medi-Cal
- SNAP / CalFresh
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Multiple Tribal Assistance Programs and more
Details Of ACP Benefit
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a newly established federal government program to bring connectivity to low-income Americans. However, qualifying households can stay connected by meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting eligibility documents.
However, you must qualify through the program-based or income-based eligibility criteria to get a free smartphone or TruConnect free tablet and monthly service. This features the qualifying programs for Lifeline, plus the following qualifying programs:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Medicaid / Medi-Cal
- SNAP / CalFresh
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- National School Breakfast and Lunch Program
- Veteran and Survivors Pension Benefit
- WIC and more
Process Of Getting A TruConnect Free Phone
1st Step – Enroll
Apply online for your plan by answering a few questions and attaching your eligibility documents for Lifeline or the ACP benefit.
2nd Step – Approval, Shipping, and Activation
After approval, TruConnect ships you a brand-new device or SIM card at no cost to you. When your order arrives, follow the instructions provided to activate your free device in no time.
3rd Step – Enjoy Your Services
Get your TruConnect service by doing everything you love on your free device every month. The options are endless through unlimited talk and text, plus up to 14GB of data.
Application For TruConnect Free Phone
After gathering all the documents required to prove eligibility, you can initiate applying for TruConnect free phone. To apply, you need to proceed to TruConnect’s official website and answer all the provided questions. Below is the actual application process:
- Launch the TruConnect application page
- Input your ZIP code and email address, and press “apply now.”
- You will get redirected to the truconnect lifeline application form.
- Fill out the form by entering your name, home address, contact information, date of birth, and 4-digit security pin, and tap on “next.”
- Next, answer all the following questions with the correct information
- Submit any of the required eligibility paperwork
- Send your application form. Notably, your application form does not guarantee automatic approval. Therefore, TruConnect has the right to reject it or accept it anytime.
State That TruConnect Offer Free Lifeline Services
TruConnect is one mobile virtual network operator that depends on the T-Mobile network tower. T-Mobile ranks among the three leading service providers in the US; thus, it has the best coverage. It offers coverage to over 99% of the US population. As a result, this TruConnect is a broad coverage lifeline provider.
The carrier offers lifeline services in states including Arizona, California, Arkansas, Nevada, Ohio, New York, Colorado, Hawaii, Georgia, Kentucky, Kansas, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Michigan, Illinois, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, Minnesota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas.
Activation Of TruConnect Free Phone
Immediately after your free phone package gets delivered to you, you should activate it and use it to make calls, text, and connect to the TruConnect network. Interestingly, the package comes with clear instructions on activating your TruConnect free phone.
However, you can activate your cell phone by following the guide or calling the customer team at 800-430-0443 for assistance. Alternatively, you can activate it by following the below process:
- Input TruConnect SIM card to your cell phone’s SIM slot.
- Hold your mobile phone power button to turn it on.
- Using your device’s keypad, dial 611.
- Accept the TruConnect welcome message.
- Configure your APN settings to complete the process.
Phones That Are Compatible With TruConnect
TruConnect devices operate using both Sprint corporation CDMA Network and T-Mobile GSM network. Therefore, any cellular device supporting either of the stated networks can work with the TruConnect network provider. However, the Company offers a simple way to confirm whether your cell is one of the TruConnect compatible phones.
Additionally, to check the compatibility of your mobile phone, you can use the IMEI checker, available on the Company’s website. The cellphone’s IMEI number comes embedded on a sticker on the device’s box or below the battery. Again, the simplest method to locate your cell phone IMEI number is by dialing *#06#.
Notably, most of the market’s cell phones today operate through GSM network technology. Therefore, TruConnect can support many cell phones in the market today. New subscribers can bring their cell phones to TruConnect when switching from another wireless provider, as long as the cell phone is unlocked and compatible.
TruConnect Free Government Phone Replacement Policy
This policy applies to the TruConnect free phones given to all eligible customers. However, all eligible customers receive free phones and discounted cell phone services from TruConnect, including text, talk, and even data. If you are a member of the Lifeline/Affordable Connectivity Program from TruConnect, and your device gets damaged, you can get a replacement from TruConnect.
For instance, if your TruConnect Lifeline phone develops malfunctioning within 90 days of first use and gets returned within 10 days after the 90-days expiry period, you will not pay any cost. The replacement fee will get covered at the cost of this carrier. However, your cell phone must not be defective from water damage or physical abuse.
Most importantly, getting the same replacement model is not a guarantee. The replacement device you will get for your TruConnect-free phone depends on the availability of the device. Therefore, before sending a defective phone to TruConnect, contact customer service at 800-430-0443 to confirm the available replacement models.
Besides, you need to give the correct return address and submit your replacement claim. However, if your free phone gets damaged after the 90 days and the first 10 days after the 90 expiries are over, note that you will pay for the entire replacement costs for your TruConnect free device issued by the government.
Final Verdict
TruConnect is a lifeline provider and participates in the newly developed affordable connectivity program that helps eligible households with free government discounts. Besides, the free discounts include a free phone, plus unlimited talk and text.
However, not every household member qualifies to get TruConnect free government phones. The programs are meant for low-income families who meet the above eligibility requirements.
