One of the best known companies participating in the program is Assurance Wireless (a T-Mobile subsidiary). Eligible customers receive a free smartphone, unlimited free text, and free monthly data courtesy of Assurance Wireless through these programs.

SafeLink Wireless (a subsidiary of TracFone, which is now part of Verizon) offers free phones, as well as talk, text and data privileges for those who qualify.

Q Link Wireless is another company most ACP-qualifying applicants turn to as they provide ACP-qualified customers with a free government smartphone that includes unlimited talk, text and data.

Some smaller regional providers, such as Cintex Wireless and Easy Wireless, also offer no-cost phones to eligible ACP subscribers, in many cases with a combination of Lifeline and ACP support. The exact free-phone models available can vary — usually they're basic Android models, but some carriers have been known to mix in some more powerful models, depending on inventory.