The federally funded Lifeline program is one of the most famous and popular free phone programs, which provides free or discounted phone services to eligible low-income families. Thousands of companies provide Lifeline, offering free smartphones in addition to free monthly talk, text and data. And Lifeline has the most comprehensive and complete system to make those people in need be benefited.

The ACP is one more federal grow-a-network program to assist needy and low-income families to obtain free or extremely cheap “phones” and “internet services.” Numerous Lifeline providers also take part in ACP, providing supplemental benefits.

Some charities, community programs and government institutions provide free phones to people in need, such as:

Cell Phones for the Elderly: Offers free phones to seniors.

Local shelters and churches: Some provide free phones to homeless or domestic abuse survivors.