A hotspot device is a portable device that provides internet connectivity to other devices. Creating a local wireless network, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. It uses cellular data to connect to the internet and allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously.
However, the devices are expensive, and some households need help to get them. Interestingly, you can get a free hotspot device for your day-to-day usage. You will learn about how to get a free government hotspot device shortly.
Hotspot devices come in different forms, such as dedicated hotspot devices, smartphones with hotspot capability, and mobile routers. They are popular among people who need internet access on the go, such as travelers, remote workers, or people attending events where WiFi access may be limited or unreliable.
Usually, the internet bundle you recharge for your hotspot device is shared among your devices. However, your service provider may give you unlimited hotspot data. Various groups of people require hotspot devices. You can use the device at home to connect various family members to the internet.
Also, you can use the office device to connect your workers to the internet to execute their duties. Every device that connects to your hotspot device must use the password for your hotspot. That prevents unauthorized persons from using your network. The devices allow you to change your password when the need arises.
Get a Government Hotspot Device via Lifeline Assistance
The US Government established the Lifeline assistance program to enable low-income people to access free phones, texts, voice calls, and the internet. The Federal Communications Commission supervises these programs. Under the program, the Government offers free hotspot devices via Lifeline service providers.
As mentioned, hotspot-free devices can be smartphones, mobile routers, or tablets. These free hotspot devices are provided through cellular companies that have agreed to participate in Lifeline and other similar programs. We have numerous providers working in different states of America to help people experiencing poverty enjoy free hotspot devices.
Get a Free Government Hotspot via the Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government benefit program that assists households in affording the broadband they require for school, work, healthcare, and more. The benefit offers a discount of up to $30 monthly toward internet service for qualifying households and up to $75 monthly for households on eligible Tribal lands.
Qualifying households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from a participating service provider if they contribute at least $10 and, at most, $50 toward the purchase price.
You can also get a free government hotspot device through the ACP program. You must qualify for the program and apply through your service provider or online at AffordableConnectivity.gov. You can also send your application via mail to USAC. After submitting your application, you should wait for a reply from the relevant body.
To ensure that you are eligible for ACP, you must be a beneficiary of specific assistance programs or have a gross income of 200% or below. You can use the following assistance programs to qualify for ACP.
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Programs
- Federal Housing Assistance,
- School Breakfast Program
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- Lifeline
- WIC
You also require various documents to show that you are eligible for ACP. These include income, assistance program, address, Social security Number, email address, and identity document.
Steps To Get A Free Hotspot Device Under a Government Program
You can follow several steps to get a free government mobile hotspot device. These include the following.
- Find a wireless service provider that offers a free Lifeline hotspot device in your state.
- Visit the website of the provider.
- Locate the Apply or similar button and tap on it.
- Enter your state, ZIP code, or territory in the space provided
- Click the “Apply Now” icon.
- You will land on the application page for your state’s Lifeline application platform for a free government hotspot device.
- Fill in the application form with the required details.
- Attach the necessary documents.
- Submit your application form.
- Wait for a response from your service provider.
If your application goes through, you will receive a notification via email to complete the other steps for getting a free Government hotspot device. You can reapply if rejected and try to provide as accurate details as possible.
Types of hotspot device from government
Various government hotspot device types include the following.
i. Mobile Hotspot
A mobile hotspot allows you to carry it from one place to another. There are two mobile hotspot providers you can get in the US. They include the following.
- PCs for People
- Human-IT
ii. Smartphones
Smartphones can also serve as hotspot devices. You can get a smartphone mainly via Lifeline, although we have service providers who offer free smartphones through ACP. Service providers offering free government smartphones are available in every state.
iii. Tablets
Tablets also offer hotspot services where you can connect several devices to your hotspot. Various service providers offer free tablets through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Usually, you get a discount of up to $100 to cater to your free tablet via your service provider. You, in turn, contribute between $10-$50 toward the purchase price after you qualify.
We have numerous ACP service providers that you can opt for to get a free government tablet to use as your hotspot device.
Carriers That Offer Free Hotspot Device Under Government Programs
Various service providers offer free government hotspot devices. Those who offer free devices under the Lifeline service include the following.
- TruConnect
- Tempo
- TerraCom Wireless
- Access Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- Life Wireless
- SafeLink Wireless
- American Assistance
- Assurance Wireless
- SafetyNet Wireless
- Tag Mobile.
Service providers who offer free government hotspot devices through the Affordable Connectivity Program include the following.
- NewPhone Wireless
- AirTalk Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Qlink Wireless
- Go Technology
- Cintex Wireless
- Maxim Telecom
Benefits Of A Free Government Hotspot Device
Government hotspot devices come with numerous benefits. They include the following.
- One source of internet connection for all your devices
You do not need a data bundle for all your devices when you have a hotspot. You can use your device to connect any other internet-enabled device with you.
- Free data every month
The government hotspot device comes with free data every month. You, therefore, do not need to spend money purchasing data for your usage. However, the data may be unlimited with some service providers. You may be forced to get additional data bundles to complete the month.
- No contract
Again, government devices have no contract of any kind. You can therefore drop the service at will if you do not like it. If you are eligible, you can get it without any contracts. You only need to follow the Lifeline guidelines and are good to go.
- No credit check
When getting a government hotspot device, you do not need any credit. That means even people with zero credit scores can apply for the Lifeline or ACP to get the free device. You only need to present the relevant documents to qualify. You can qualify with various documents to get a free government hotspot device.
- No fee for the application
Applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program or Lifeline for a free government hotspot device is free. You can therefore apply anytime and get the benefits.
How to get free hotspot device for students
There are various ways students can get free hotspots for their educational purposes. They include the following.
i. Project 10Million by T-Mobile
T-Mobile has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to support Project 10Million. Through the program, the company offers free hotspot devices and free government hotspots to 10 million qualifying households. You can apply for the program online at T Mobile’s website to help your child get the necessary internet for studies. It only takes 5 minutes to finish the process, and you’ll use it for 5 years.
There are no yearly fees or re-certifications. A student can qualify for the program through the National School Lunch Program. Also, the following programs may qualify you.
- Medicaid
- Head Start
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
- Foster youth, migrant, homeless, or runaway youth
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
ii. ACP
The affordable Connectivity Program offers free internet to eligible households. Also, eligible households can get free tablets that can be used as hotspot devices. Some service providers offer a free government WiFi hotspot bundle for your connections.
iii. Lifeline
Lifeline offers free smartphones to low-income households, which they can use as hotspot devices.
iv. Public schools
Students can get free government free WiFi hotspots in some public schools. You only need to enroll, and you are good to go. Most universities usually offer free WiFi to their students when they enroll.
How Long Should A 100GB Of Hotspot Data Last
The data amount is enough to connect you for the entire month under average usage; thus, you may not need to look for other sources of WiFi. Since most internet service provider data plans refresh every month, you may end the month without exhausting it for the next allocation.
Final Word
A hotspot device offers internet connectivity to other devices and is usually mobile. You can connect a computer, smartphone, tablet, security camera, or printer to a hotspot device. Usually, most hotspot devices are costly. However, we have ways you can acquire one for free if you are eligible. Lifeline and ACP allow you to qualify for a free government hotspot device plus an internet connection.
