Do you need a free government hotspot device? If you want reliable at home, you probably need one. But how do you get it? What are the qualification criteria for getting a free hotspot device from the government?
Through the Federal Communications Commission, the government has established several programs through which people can get free hotspot devices. Hotspot devices may come in the form of a smartphone or mobile hotspot.
An example of a government assistance program is Lifeline Assistance, which provides an internet connection and an internet-ready device to those who qualify. There is also the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which avails free internet to low-income families.
Each of these programs comes with strict eligibility criteria for families wishing to join them. This article describes these programs in greater detail to help you know how to get a government hotspot device through them.
Key Takeaways
- You can get a free government hotspot device either via Lifeline Assistance or the ACP
- A hotspots device doesn’t necessarily have to be a mobile router but can be a smartphone or tablet
- The companies that offer free hotspot devices also provide internet connectivity through free monthly data
How to Get a Government Hotspot Device via Lifeline Assistance
Lifeline Assistance is one of the FCC programs offering free government hotspot devices to low-income families. Additionally, it provides discounted or free internet to Americans who cannot afford to pay for them.
The Federal government has established a national fund to which telecommunication companies must contribute even as they administer Lifeline Assistance. Lifeline offers a $9.25 (or $34.25 on Tribal Lands) discount on both wired and wireless internet services.
Each household can only get one discount at a time. Across the United States, Lifeline subscribers can get discounted or free internet and phone service. Some participating network carriers offer a smartphone as part of the package. Subscribers can use the smartphone as a hotspot device.
The eligibility criteria for Lifeline Assistance is either income-based or dependent on participation in a government assistance program. Here is a detailed description of the various ways in which you can qualify for Lifeline Assistance:
1. Income-Based Eligibility
Thus, applicants for the program need to have an income below 135% of prevailing Federal Poverty Guidelines. Actual income limits may differ based on your residence and the number of people in your household. Here is a summary of the Lifeline Assistance income thresholds in different places across the U.S. for 2022:
| Number of people in household | Alaska | Hawaii | 48 States, Washington DC, and Territories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,937 | $21,101 | $18,347 |
| 2 | $30,902 | $28,431 | $24,719 |
| 3 | $38,867 | $35,762 | $31,091 |
| 4 | $46,832 | $43,092 | $37,663 |
| 5 | $54,757 | $50,423 | $43,835 |
| 6 | $62,762 | $57,753 | $50,207 |
| 7 | $70,727 | $65,084 | $56,579 |
| 8 | $78,692 | $72,414 | $62,372 |
| For each additional person, add | $7,965 | $7,331 | $6,372 |
2. Participation in Government Assistance
You may qualify for a free government hotspot device if you participate in any of the eligible government assistance programs. In that case, you must prove your participation in an assistance program by providing documentation. The following are some of the programs that can enable you to participate in Lifeline Assistance:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
3. Participation in Tribal Assistance
Besides the programs above, individuals and households on Tribal Lands may qualify for Lifeline Assistance by participating in any of the Tribally-administered programs. The following are some of the programs on Tribal Lands that make it possible to qualify for Lifeline Assistance:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (Tribal-TANF)
- Tribal Head Start (only for those who meet income eligibility)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
How to Get a Free Government Hotspot via the Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an FCC program that supports low-income families with free or subsidized internet connectivity. It provides a subsidy that goes towards paying part or the whole of the monthly internet bills.
Each household gets only one monthly discount, meaning no two family members can apply for the ACP. Some participating companies offer a free government hotspot device, a router, or a tablet. The following are some of the benefits of participating in the ACP:
- An internet service discount of up to $30 per month
- An internet service discount of up to $75 per month on qualifying Tribal Lands
- A one-off $100 discount off the cost of a laptop, desktop, or tablet (with a $10 to $50 co-payment)
- A wireless router from service organizations such as PCs for People
- A low-cost service plan, which could result in free service
To qualify for the ACP, you must meet specific criteria. It could be based on your income or participation in government assistance. Here is a detailed description of how you may qualify for the ACP:
1. Income-Based Eligibility
You may qualify for the ACP if your income is up to 200% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines. In the U.S., the income thresholds for the ACP vary with time and from one state to another. Also, the actual income levels depend on the number of family members. Here is a summary of the ACP income thresholds based on the 2022 poverty guidelines:
| Number of people in household | Alaska | Hawaii | 48 States, Washington DC, and Territories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33,980 | $31,260 | $27,180 |
| 2 | $45,780 | $42,120 | $36,620 |
| 3 | $57,580 | $52,980 | $46,060 |
| 4 | $69,380 | $63,840 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $81,180 | $74,700 | $64,940 |
| 6 | $92,980 | $85,560 | $74,380 |
| 7 | $104,780 | $96,420 | $83,820 |
| 8 | $116,580 | $107,280 | $93,260 |
| For each additional person, add | $11,800 | $10,860 | $9,440 |
2. Participation in Government Assistance
Another way to get an ACP discount is by participating in a government assistance program. Regardless of the eligible program, you must provide the necessary documentation as you fill out your application. The following are some of the government assistance programs in which you can participate to qualify for the ACP:
- Lifeline Program: If you participate in Lifeline Assistance, you will qualify for the ACP automatically. You do not need to apply afresh.
- Provider Programs: Individuals participating in provider programs for low-income families can qualify for direct enrollment into the ACP.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program
- The current year’s Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA, Section 8)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Veterans Survivor Pension Fund
3. Participation in Tribal Assistance
Residents of Tribal Lands can get a free government hotspot device by participating in specialized assistance programs. These programs may vary depending on an individual’s state. They include the following:
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Tribal Head Start
Free Government Hotspot Device Types
The government-based programs offer two main types of hotspot devices – mobile hotspots and smartphones. You are more likely to get a smartphone than a mobile hotspot. Here is a detailed description of the various types of hotspot devices:
1. Mobile Hotspot
This popular free government hotspot device is available to low-income families via the ACP. It is mainly offered by non-governmental organizations using the ACP discount. The following are some of the organizations offering a free hotspot:
- Human-I-T: Human-I-T is an ACP provider that offers a free government hotspot device for an $80 one-time payment. Once you get the hotspot, you’ll also have access to free monthly internet. You may also use the $100 discount to buy a laptop or tablet.
- PCs for People: PCs for People is a non-governmental organization that offers free high-speed internet to low-income families. It also provides a free router courtesy of the ACP. You may want a free tablet or laptop courtesy of the $100 ACP discount.
2. Smartphones
If you can’t get a mobile router or modem, you can turn your phone into a hotspot. Luckily, several mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) offer free smartphones to qualifying individuals under Lifeline Assistance. The following are some of the organizations from which you can get smartphones for free:
- Access Wireless: Access wireless offers a free smartphone to those who qualify for Lifeline Assistance. The device has a comprehensive plan with 4.5GB of data, 1,000 minutes, and unlimited texts.
- American Assistance: American Assistance offers a smartphone via Lifeline Assistance to households across the U.S. Its service includes 4.5GB of data, unlimited minutes, and unlimited texts.
- Assurance Wireless: From Assurance Wireless, those who qualify for Lifeline Assistance can get a free phone, 4.5GB of data, 1,150 minutes, and unlimited texts. The phone becomes your free government hotspot device.
- enTouch Wireless: Besides a free phone, enTouch Wireless offers 100MB of data, 1,000 minutes, and 500 texts. The free device and phone/internet plan are available courtesy of Lifeline Assistance.
- Life Wireless: Life Wireless participates in Lifeline Assistance by providing a free phone to qualifying applicants. Additionally, eligible individuals get 4.5GB of data, 600 minutes, and unlimited texts monthly.
- SafeLink Wireless: With SafeLink Wireless, you get a free phone and SIM card, 4.5GB of data, 300 minutes, and unlimited texts. This Tracfone service allows you to access the internet without the attendant costs.
- SafetyNet Wireless: SafetyNet Wireless is another attractive option for those looking for a free government hotspot device. It provides a phone, which you can use to create a hotspot at home. Besides, you’ll get 100MB, 400 minutes, and unlimited monthly texts.
- Tag Mobile: With Tag Mobile, Lifeline Assistance applicants get a free phone, 3.0GB of data, unlimited minutes, and unlimited texts. It operates on the Spring, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks.
- Tempo: You can get a free government phone from Tempo if you qualify for Lifeline Assistance. Although it doesn’t participate in the ACP, Tempo offers 4.5GB of data, unlimited minutes, and unlimited texts.
- TerraCom Wireless: TerraCom Wireless is a reliable Lifeline and ACP provider. It offers a free phone and SIM card, 4.5GB of data, 500 minutes, and unlimited texts monthly. Once you get the phone, you can convert it into a hotspot device.
- TruConnect: TruConnect is one of the MVNOs participating in Lifeline and ACP programs. It offers a free phone and SIM card, 4.5GB of data, unlimited minutes, and unlimited data. You may submit your application online.
3. Tablets
Some organizations, like non-profits and MVNOs, also offer free tablets to those qualifying for the ACP. They take advantage of the $100 one-off ACP discount for an internet-ready device. If you qualify for the discount, you must make a co-payment of between $10 and $50.
An example of an organization offering a free tablet courtesy of the ACP is Maxsip Telecom. Besides the 4G tablet, you’ll get a free SIM card and internet service. Of course, you may turn your tablet into a hotspot and connect other devices.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know how to get a free government hotspot device, it should be easier for you to connect to the internet at home. Whether you get a phone via Lifeline Assistance or a tablet or mobile hotspot, you should be able to enjoy reliable internet services.
Many participating network carriers have incredible data deals that allow you to get up to 4.5GB of data. The good thing about these deals is that you do not have to pay a monthly fee. However, if you exhaust your data allocation, you’ll only be able to get more by paying for it.