10 Best California Lifeline Cellphone Providers in 2024

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In this modern world, everybody needs a phone. Whoever doesn’t have a phone will be disconnected from the world. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to have a smartphone. And not everyone can have access to cellular service. That’s why the people who live below the poverty line deserve to get assistance from the government.

California is one of the largest states and one of the most populous cities in the United States with a growing economy. However, many people still don’t have access to cellular service because it’s too expensive for them. Are you one of those people? Don’t worry! If you’re eligible, you can get a free cellphone from one of the best California lifeline cell phone providers in 2024.

What’s a lifeline program? Lifeline is a program established by the Federal Communication Commission in 1985. This program was intended to make communication services more accessible for everybody, especially low-income consumers. It’s meant to help low-income people to have access to a cellphone and cellular network. There are many lifeline cellphone providers in the USA. Most providers also cover California. If you’re eligible for the program, you’ll get special discounts and many bonuses. These include free data, calls, and messages. On the list below we’ll show you the 10 best lifeline cellphone providers in California.

Who’s eligible for the lifeline program?

This program is only intended for people who live below the poverty line. And because of that, not everybody is eligible for the lifeline program. There are two ways to qualify for this program. First, you have to be a participant in some of the public assistance programs.

If you or one of your family members is participating in SNAP, LIHEAP, Medicaid, SSI, NSL, WIC, or Veterans and Survivor Benefits program, you can qualify for the lifeline program. The other way to qualify for the lifeline program is through your monthly income. You’re eligible for the lifeline program if your income is at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Best California Lifeline Cellphone Providers
Lifeline Cellphone

1. Assurance Wireless

Assurance Wireless is one of the big players in the United States when it comes to lifeline providers. California is definitely one of its main regions. And you’ll get the best service when choosing Assurance Wireless. This provider is actually backed by Sprint and Nextel. You know you can expect great coverage because a high-quality nationwide network is guaranteed. That’s why it’s one of the best lifeline providers in California. The benefits of joining Assurance Wireless include no annual contract. Besides, you’ll have 911 access, free unlimited calling to 211, and free calls to customer care.

The best thing about Assurance Wireless is that it also offers a free cellphone. Many lifeline providers usually still require you to pay a little for the phone. But this provider will give you a smartphone completely free without paying a dime. In addition to your free Android smartphone, it also provides plenty of bonuses. With Assurance Wireless you’ll get unlimited talk time and unlimited text as well as 5GB of data every month.

2. BlueJay Wireless

With the mission to distribute technology that improves lives and empowering individuals, BlueJay Wireless is one of the most powerful providers. It’s a socially conscious lifeline provider that operates in 18 states, including California. They believe that everyone should have the access to the convenience of wireless service and safety. The goal is to ensure low-income families have access to basic telecommunication services. This way, they can stay connected to family and friends as well as job opportunities.

BlueJay Wireless offers three different plans. The first is the free plan. With this, you’ll get 100 minutes of voice calls, unlimited messages, and 1GB of data per month. Roaming is also supported and customer service is available to assist you 24/7. They also offer a basic plan for 59 USD per month. This plan will provide you with 2500 minutes of voice calls, unlimited messages, and 5GB of data per month. And lastly is the standard plan. You’ll get 5000 minutes of voice calls, unlimited texts, and 15GB of data per month. With the low-cost bundle plan, you’ll get an iPhone or Android at just 50 USD.

3. SafeLink Wireless

If you already have a smartphone, you can bring your phone to SafeLink Wireless. You will get a free wireless service every month with no cost or activation fees. The SafeLink lifeline program is provided by TracFone Wireless to help low-income households have access to a high-quality cellular network. TracFone Wireless is currently the largest no-contract cellular service provider in the United States. It’s serving more than 20 million customers.

SafeLink Wireless believes that cellphone ownership and access to a cellular network is a basic human right. This is an important tool for people to stay connected in today’s world. Everybody should have the access to cell phone service at a price they can afford. SafeLink allows the customers to maintain a cellphone for as low as possible. As one of the best California Lifeline cellphone providers, SafeLink provides free unlimited data. Not to mention the unlimited voice calls and texts for California residents. And if you don’t already have a phone, you may also qualify to get a free Android smartphone from SafeLink Wireless.

4. Access Wireless

Talking about the best lifeline cellphone providers in California, Access Wireless should make it to the list. This is one of the most excellent lifeline providers that serve the community. What does it do? It provides a cellular service and a cellphone to eligible individuals. It helps people who are struggling financially to stay connected to family and friends as well as being reachable by employers.

Why should you choose Access Wireless? Well, as we said before, it’s one of the best providers in California. Not only that, but this provider also has excellent nationwide coverage. It also offers international calling availability. This is a great choice for those who tend to be mobile and move a lot across states. And the best thing is, you get to choose the best smartphone from the top brands. With Access Wireless, you’ll get 1000 minutes of call time, unlimited texts, and 200MB of data each month.

5. EnTouch Wireless

With EnTouch Wireless Always-On service, you don’t have to worry about the cellular network anymore. It will stay on all year long. This provider is here to help you to stay connected and stay in touch with your loved ones. With EnTouch Wireless, you can pick your favorite smartphone with just 50 USD. Or if you already have your own smartphone, it’s also easy to opt-in to the Bring Your Own Phone program and get extra discounts.

EnTouch Wireless offers three different plans. The first is the California Basic Plan. With this, you will get unlimited texts, unlimited calls, and 4GB of data every month. The second plan is the California Standard Plan. This will provide you with unlimited texts, unlimited calls, and 6GB of data. And if you’re eligible for the California Tribal Plan, you’ll also get 6GB of data as well as unlimited texts and calls. And apart from California, EnTouch Wireless also covers about 20 other states

6. Feelsafe Wireless

Feelsafe Wireless is one of the most reliable lifeline providers in California. It provides low-income individuals with free cellphones and free monthly cellular service for those who are eligible. Feelsafe Wireless believes that everybody deserves to have a cellphone and be connected because it’s essential. People should have the ability to connect with family, friends, and potential employers. This provider is committed to helping low-income consumers with an affordable and dependable wireless network.

If you choose Feelsafe Wireless, you’ll get unlimited calls, text, and data every month. This is a perfect choice since not many providers offer unlimited data plans. The reliability of the Feelsafe network will exceed your expectations. It provides you with opportunities to make your life easier. This is the nation’s most dependable network. With more than 15 years of experience, you know you can expect the best service. You don’t have to worry about running out of service wherever you go since Feelsafe Wireless offers nationwide coverage.

7. TruConnect

This lifeline provider is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. There’s no doubt that TruConnect is one of the best California lifeline cellphone providers. The state of California is the main focus and the residents of California will receive plenty of special benefits. This is a nationwide wireless service provider that’s committed to making your communication needs more affordable. TruConnect’s mission is to make affordable cellular services more accessible for everyone. The Pay-As-You-Go lifeline program ensures to get all your communication covered.

By subscribing to TruConnect, you may be eligible to get a free 5.5-inch LTE Android smartphone with free talk, text, and data every month. Also, many popular phones are compatible with TruConnect. In addition to those, you’ll also get free international calling to selected countries. We love that TruConnect offers a wide array of smartphones. This way, you can pick one that best suits your needs. With TruConnect, Californians get better offers due to the state’s high reimbursement levels. However, it also covers more than 30 states all across the United States.

8. TAG Mobile

TAG Mobile was founded in 2010 and it prides itself as a pioneer in wireless service by employing innovative and sophisticated technology to provide the communities with low-cost services. The goal is simple. TAG Mobile wants to offer the most competitive cellular plans and extend the lifeline credit to participants. This provider is excellent because it also offers access to local emergency services and community resources. Caller ID and voicemail features are also included and it provides you with value-based prepaid plans. Take a look at our list of phones that are compatible with TAG Mobile.

With Tag Mobile, you’ll get a cellphone with unlimited voice minutes, unlimited texts, and a 2GB of data bundle every month. Other than California, you can also enjoy its service in more than 20 other states. With over 1 million happy customers, you know that this provider is the one to choose. Also if you want to switch from your old provider, TAG Mobile offers a seamless and easy switching.

9. SafetyNet Wireless

If you subscribe to SafetyNet Wireless, you will have no contract and no monthly bills. SafetyNet understands that family and friends are the most important people in your life. It makes sure you will never feel disconnected from them. This provider keeps people connected and in touch all year long. Security and safety are also the priority. It always strives to give its customers the best service.

The greatest thing about SafetyNet Wireless is that it offers free phones and free service with no bills or contracts. Every month, you’ll get free minutes automatically. And if you run out of minutes, it’s quick and easy to refill. SafetyNet’s mission is to help people lower their cellular bills. The residents of California can get unlimited talks, unlimited texts as well as 6GB of data completely free of charge. And if you need more data, it’s only 9.99 USD for 1GB.

10. ReachOut Wireless

Did you know that ReachOut Wireless is currently the third-largest lifeline provider in the United States? If you’ve never heard of it before, you need to take a look at the ReachOut Wireless website to learn more about this provider. It helps low-income consumers by giving free phones and affordable services. The good thing is, California residents will get a better deal. If people in other states only get 250 minutes of voice calling, Californians can get significant advantages.

If you’re living in California and apply for ReachOut Wireless, you will get both unlimited voice minutes and texts. It also provides you with a free smartphone if you qualify. In addition to free calls and texts, you’ll also get unlimited access to customer service and 911 in case you need assistance. With ReachOut Wireless, there’s no contract to sign, no bills, and no deposit.

Conclusion

If you’re a resident of California, you should be grateful. It’s easy to find the best California Lifeline cell phone providers. Other than that, Californians usually receive special treatments compared to people in other states. The residents of California can enjoy special plans that are made only for them. There are plenty of options and they are striving to provide you with the most excellent services and offer you the best cellular plans.

You can just pick one provider that best suits your needs. However, you don’t have to stick to only one provider forever. If you’re not satisfied with your current provider, you may also switch to another provider. Always make sure to compare the services from those providers before subscribing.