Financially weak people can access the Internet through several government programs the Federal Communications Commission oversees. Mobile hotspots, smartphones, and discounted tablets are some of the devices provided by these government programs.
Free Government hotspot devices are explained in detail in this article, along with how to qualify and the application process.
So, without further ado, let’s begin –
Government Program For Free Hotspot Device
The FCC has established two programs to help eligible low-income households need free hotspot devices to connect to the internet. Programs such as Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program are available.
Those who qualify for the Lifeline Assistance Program have a free internet connection and mobile device, whereas those who qualify for the ACP are provided a free internet connection and mobile device.
Those free devices may include mobile routers, smartphones, and tablets. Several providers in different parts of the nation provide free hotspot devices to the poor. This is done by partnering with wireless companies participating in the Lifeline and ACP programs. To help the poor, several providers work in different states to provide them with these devices free of charge.
For these government assistance programs to succeed, carriers and states must develop different ways of providing free hotspot devices and services to those who qualify.
Also Read: If you are a Student and would like a government-funded free Phone, you can apply for it without any deposit.
How to get a Free Government Hotspot Device via Lifeline Assistance
Here are four simple steps that you can follow to get a free hotspot device from the Government.
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Find out whether your state has a Lifeline program that offers free Government hotspot devices from a wireless provider.
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Make sure that you visit the provider’s official website that you prefer.
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The space next to the “Apply Now” icon must be filled in with your ZIP code, state or territory information.
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It is important that you click “Apply Now” after entering your ZIP code.
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If your state has a Lifeline program for free public hotspot devices, you will be redirected to the application form for that program.
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Please fill out the application form with the required information.
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Documents proving eligibility should be attached.
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Your application must be submitted last.
Be patient until you hear back from the provider.
The Government Hotspot device that you applied for may only be given away if your application is approved, and you will receive an email from the Government informing you of the next steps to get the free device. If your application is refused, you may apply again by following a similar procedure to the one you used originally.
How to Get Free Government Hotspot via the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
You must follow a few steps to receive a free hotspot device from the federal government via the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Documentation needed to apply for Free Government Hotspot Device via Lifeline or ACP program.
Depending on your eligibility, you may need to submit certain documents. Based on your eligibility, let’s see what documents you can submit.
You must submit a document clarifying your full name, income statement, etc. if you are eligible for a free Government hotspot device.
Official documentation to show your income is –
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Your employer’s most recent income statement
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Judgment of divorce
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Stubs from paychecks
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Benefits statement from the Veterans Administration
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An award for child support
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General Assistance letter from the federal or tribal government
Applicants who qualify for participation in a program must provide a document containing their full name, the program’s name, the date on which the document was issued, and the authority issuing the document.
Documents showing your participation in government programs are as follows:
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Government Approval letter
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Benefit award letter
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Statement of benefits
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Benefit verification letter
Depending on your situation, you may be required to provide general documentation verifying your identity, address, and age. The following documents may be submitted in such a case.
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Passport
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Birth certificate
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Green card or permanent resident card
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U.S driver’s license
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Government-issued military, state, or Tribal ID
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Certificate of U.S citizenship or naturalization
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Utility bill
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Mortgage or lease statement
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W-2 or tax return
Also Read: As a student, you have the opportunity to apply for a government-funded tablet without making any deposit.
Best Carriers to receive a Free Hotspot Device under Government Program
The list below lists the best carriers that offer free devices under Lifeline and ACP programs.
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Life Wireless
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SafeLink Wireless
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Access Wireless
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Tag Mobile
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American Wireless
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StandUp Wireless
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TruConnect
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Boost Mobile
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Cintex Wireless
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AirTalk Wireless
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C Spire Wireless
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Ready Wireless
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Verizon Mobile
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Easy Wireless
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Unity Wireless
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Clarity Wireless
Types of Free Government Hotspot Devices
In addition to mobile hotspots, government assistance programs also provide smartphones and tablets that can be used as hotspots.
Hotspots on mobile devices
You may get one of the two mobile hotspots –
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Human-IT
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PCs for People
Smartphones
The smartphone is an alternative to a mobile hotspot if you cannot get one.
The following providers offer Free Government hotspots:
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Access Wireless
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American Assistance
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Assurance Wireless
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enTouch Wireless
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Life Wireless
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SafeLink Wireless
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SafetyNet Wireless
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Tag Mobile
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Tempo
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TerraCom Wireless
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TruConnect
Tablets
Some providers sometimes provide tablets as a free hotspot device under the Government’s programs such as Lifeline and ACP. However, the tablets are not entirely free, and certain restrictions are attached to them. Lifeline/ACP providers who participate in the program may get a one-time discount of $100 on tablets when purchased from them.
The discount only applies to those who qualify for it and will be required to pay between $10 and $50 toward the cost of the tablet to take advantage of it.
The leading providers that offer discounted tablets are –
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AirTalk Wireless
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Cintex Wireless
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Maxim Telecom
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Easy Wireless
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StandUp Wireless
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Qlink Wireless
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NewPhone Wireless
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Go Technology
FAQs
How do I get a free Government hotspot device?
If you participate in Lifeline Assistance or ACP, you can receive a free hotspot device as part of your service. Mobile hotspots, smartphones, and discounted tablets are just a few ways to get it.
Is any age limit required to qualify for the Government Assistance program facility?
Government Assistance program facilities require you to be at least 18 to qualify.
What companies provide free unlimited hotspot data?
The good news is that none of the companies offer free unlimited hotspot data. A mobile hotspot from most wireless companies will provide you with a maximum of 4.5GB of data at a time.
How long does 100GB of hotspot data last?
Depending on how you use the hotspot data, a 100GB data plan can last you more than a month. The downside is that the data will be consumed quickly if many devices are connected.
Also: Learn how to get a free iPhone from the government with these easy-to-follow steps.
Conclusion
Through the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program, the U.S. Government is making it possible for poor Americans to access the Internet free of charge or at a discount on Internet-using devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. These devices are known as the free Government hotspot devices, providing internet connections to the rest of the world.
Our article covers everything you need to know about the application process, eligibility criteria, and all the information you need to create a successful application.