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OZ Wireless: The Wizard of Wireless
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Oz Knowz How to Get FREE Wireless
There are several methods to get Free, or almost Free, cellular service. One of them could work for you.
FREEDOMPOP:
Freedompop has a Free wireless program called "Freemium". Your phone service looks and works like normal, No app required! Get Unlimited iMessages and RCS over WiFi.  Major savings for those with frequent WiFi access or those who use data primarily for maps and email.


FREE Government-Subsidized Cellular:

Most carriers offer a government-subsidized "Lifeline" or "Link-Up" service at a significantly reduced cost if you can qualify based on your income. Lifeline support lowers the cost of basic, monthly local telephone service and can be Free or just a few dollars per month. An eligible customer may receive the Lifeline discount on either a wireline or wireless connection, but the discount is available for only one account per household. Lifeline discounts do not apply to taxes or surcharges, and don't relieve the account holder from paying the monthly bill. Details on how to sign up are below.

Qualifications to receive Lifeline discounts vary by state. The qualifying programs are either determined by each state's Public Utility Commission or the federal Lifeline/Link-Up program. Some states and U.S. territories do not provide state-funded discounts. If available, an individual may be eligible if he or she participates in one of the following programs:
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP - formerly Food Stamps)
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Medicaid
  • National School Lunch Program
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Old Age Pension (OAP)
  • Aid to the Blind (AB)
  • Aid to the Needy (AND)
  • Aid to Children
  • Residents of Tribal Territories*
  • If your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for Lifeline based on income.  You will need to provide current documentation that shows your household income. Contact your chosen carrier for details.
*To receive Lifeline discounts in Tribal territories, you must reside on land that meets the Bureau of Indian Affairs definition of a reservation, specifically any federally recognized Native American tribe's reservation within an eligible carrier's coverage area, based on the zip code of your home address.

What Does LifeLine Cost?
Lifeline services range from Free to $20 per month. Don't confuse Lifeline plans with "Senior" plans that are offered by some companies. Lifeline (also called "LifeLink") is supported by government subsidies.  Individual states have different subsidies and some states have none.

To Sign Up For LifeLine Service:
If you qualify, you can contact wired and wireless telephone companies and ask about "Lifeline" service. You can shop among the programs to see which one will give you the best offer. These programs are not limited to your local telephone company, you can call your local wireless carrier.

Or Take the Easy Way:
There are companies that provide service specifically to Lifeline customers across the nation such as Q Link Wireless and SafeLink. Not all carriers provide Lifeline service and not necessarily in their entire coverage areas.  Also, not all states support subsidized wireless service and not necessarily at the same subsidy amounts. Some wireless carriers do not significantly discount LifeLine plans so shop carefully.
FREE, Emergency-Only Cellular!  

Almost any digital cellular phone can call 911, sometimes even if the phone screen shows "No Service." This means even discarded or deactivated digital wireless phones can be set aside in a glove compartment or night stand and used to summon help. Don't expect a cellular company to give you one of these "free" phones. Instead, ask a friend or relative if they'll give you one of their old phones. You can call the associated carrier and ask if that particular phone model will work. Some may be missing a "SIM" which can be found on eBay or from some cellular stores. We include this option because it's possible, but we'd rather spend a few dollars for something more reliable.

Here are some important considerations for using an "old" cellular phone for this kind of emergency-only use:
  • The Call Must Truly be an Emergency
    involving life and death situations, fires, injuries or other dangers to people or property. They cannot be used to request a tow truck, gas refill or directions.

  • You Must be Within Cellular Coverage
    The phone must use a technology that is currently supported by US carriers: GSM or CDMA. It cannot be from a foreign country or use analog or TDMA (old Cingular and AT&T phones) technology.

  • Never Call 911 to "Test" the Phone
    Call your local police or fire administrative number from a different phone and ask for their assistance.

  • Check the Phone's Battery
    Look at the indicator on a regular basis or keep a charger handy.

  • If You Make an Emergency Call
    Give the dispatcher complete information including where you are and what is needed. Once you hang up they can't call you back!  If you have a fairly new phone they may be able to determine your general location, but not your specific address.
Very Low-Cost Prepaid Cellular:

There are real Prepaid wireless plans than cost about $5 a month and maybe less!

  • There are Talk & Text plans that start as low as $5 per month.  For a little more, plans with Data can be as cheap as $10 per month.  Really!

  • For about $2.50 a month you can get Voice, Text, 411, and Data in small quantities using the Verizon Wireless network with Page Plus Cellular.
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