Assurance Wireless is T-Mobile’s Lifeline brand and one of the largest free government phone companies, serving over 40 states on T-Mobile’s 4G and 5G network. Its free Lifeline plan in 2026 gives unlimited talk and text with 10 GB of high-speed data, and 12 GB in California and on Tribal lands.
Our verdict in one line: Assurance is a strong pick if you already have a phone or live in California, and a weaker one if you need a free phone anywhere else.
This review covers the plans, phone options, coverage, customer service and the catches, based on Assurance’s own published details as of September 2026. It links to our step-by-step Assurance guides for each task.
Assurance Wireless at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Network | T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G |
| Where | Over 40 states (not Oregon since April 1, 2022); check your ZIP on Assurance’s site |
| Free plan | Unlimited talk and text, 10 GB high-speed data, $0 a month |
| California and Tribal lands | Unlimited talk and text, 12 GB high-speed data |
| Add-on | Data Peace of Mind: $1 a month or $10 a year for 15 GB (18 GB on Tribal lands) |
| Hotspot | Allowed up to LTE speeds, within your data allotment |
| Phones | Free basic smartphone in California; elsewhere low-cost phones from $31.99 or bring your own |
| Customer care | 1-888-321-5880, daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central, or 611 from your Assurance phone |
Is Assurance Wireless a Lifeline company?
Yes. Assurance Wireless describes itself as a federal Lifeline Assistance program supported by the Universal Service Fund. Its legal pages link to Sprint and T-Mobile, and its service runs on T-Mobile’s network. The company mailing address on its site is P.O. Box 818, Killeen, TX 76540.
Because Assurance is a Lifeline company, you qualify through the federal rules: income at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines, or a program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans Pension. SNAP is the most common route, which is why people search for “EBT Assurance Wireless.” Your eligibility is checked by the National Verifier, the federal system run by USAC, in every state except Texas (and Oregon, where Assurance does not operate).
Assurance Wireless plans
The standard free Lifeline plan is $0 a month with unlimited talk, unlimited text and 10 GB of high-speed data. There is no upfront cost and no early termination charge. When the 10 GB runs out, data access ends until the next cycle unless you buy more.
| Plan | Price | High-speed data | Talk and text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifeline (most states) | $0 | 10 GB | Unlimited |
| California LifeLine | $0 | 12 GB | Unlimited |
| Tribal lands Lifeline | $0 | 12 GB | Unlimited |
| Data Peace of Mind | $1/month or $10/year | 15 GB | Unlimited |
| Tribal Data Peace of Mind | $1/month or $10/year | 18 GB | Unlimited |
The Data Peace of Mind add-on raises the allowance to 15 GB. Assurance says it is available to current customers and to new customers who sign up through its street teams. Paying $10 for the year works out to about 83 cents a month.
Data top-ups cost:
| Top-up | Price |
|---|---|
| 100 MB | $1 |
| 500 MB | $3 |
| 1 GB | $5 |
| 2 GB | $10 |
| 4 GB | $20 |
| 5 GB | $30 |
Unused top-up data does not carry over. It ends when you use it up or 30 days after purchase. International add-ons cover unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada for $5, or calls to landlines in 70+ countries for $10. You buy add-ons in your account at myaccount.assurancewireless.com.
One small fee: Alabama customers pay an e911 fee of $2.23 a month. Assurance lists no other provider fees.
Speed, video and hotspot
Assurance lists typical download speeds of 8 to 43 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 to 18 Mbps, with latency of 24 to 40 ms. Video streams at up to 2.5 Mbps, which is standard definition.
Hotspot use is allowed up to LTE speeds, and it counts toward your monthly data. Assurance says phone use gets priority over hotspot use. If you plan to run a tablet or laptop from your phone, 10 GB goes fast; see Assurance Wireless tablet for how to set it up.
Does Assurance Wireless give you a free phone?
Mainly in California, according to Assurance’s plans and phone options pages. Its Texas page also mentions a free basic smartphone, so check your own state’s page. Assurance’s phone offer depends on your state. In California, eligible customers can get a free basic smartphone. Elsewhere, you can buy a low-cost phone after approval (the Artia SP555 at $31.99 up to an iPhone SE at $129.99 on its phone options page) or bring your own.
Does Assurance Wireless have iPhones? Yes, but not free ones. The iPhone SE is on the phone options page for approved customers, and Assurance’s authorized store, Quality One Wireless (shopq1.assurancewireless.com), lists pre-owned and new iPhones at higher prices. The shopq1 site is a store, not a free phone offer. Full list and prices: Assurance Wireless phones and prices.
Coverage and where it works
Assurance runs on T-Mobile’s network, so coverage is the same as T-Mobile’s in your area. Check the coverage map on Assurance’s site with your address before you apply, especially in rural areas.
Service is not available everywhere. Assurance says it serves over 40 states and that availability varies by state and area. It stopped offering Lifeline in Oregon on April 1, 2022. Enter your ZIP code on its site to see whether you can sign up.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large carrier behind it (T-Mobile network, 5G) | Free phone only in California; most states pay for a phone or bring one |
| 10 GB free, 12 GB in California and Tribal lands | Data stops at the limit unless you add more |
| $1 add-on for 15 GB is cheap | Two different customer care numbers on its site |
| Hotspot allowed within your data | No tablets listed; see Assurance Wireless tablet |
| eSIM and bring-your-own-phone supported | Not available in Oregon |
Who Assurance Wireless is best for
- People with an unlocked phone who want T-Mobile coverage; see Assurance Wireless bring your own phone.
- California residents, who get a free phone and 12 GB.
- People who need a little more data cheaply, through the $1 add-on.
It is less suited to people outside California who need a free phone and have no phone of their own; see our Access Wireless review, which includes a free phone for eligible new customers, or compare other companies in our Lifeline providers guide.
People also ask how Assurance compares with SafeLink. The fair comparison is on four points for your ZIP code: high-speed data on the free plan, whether a free phone is included in your state, which network covers your area best, and the price of extra data. Check both companies’ plan pages side by side before you choose.
Customer service and account help
Assurance’s main number is 1-888-321-5880, Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central. From your Assurance phone, dial 611. Its California page also lists 1-888-898-4888 for general questions. Full list: Assurance Wireless customer service.
Lifeline recertification. You must renew your Lifeline benefit every year. In most states, USAC contacts you when it is time (Lifeline Support Center: 1-800-234-9473). In California, the California LifeLine Administrator contacts you (1-877-858-7463). In Texas, the Texas Low Income Discount Administrator handles it (1-866-454-8387). Our guide to Lifeline recertification walks through each step.
Use it or lose it. Talk, text or use data at least once every 30 days to keep your benefit.
Phone upgrade. Existing customers can buy a new phone in My Account or from Assurance’s two authorized retailers, Quality One Wireless and Wireless Creations.
Lost, stolen or broken phone. Call 1-888-321-5880 to suspend your account. You then have 45 days to replace the phone and reactivate before you lose your account and number. See Assurance Wireless replacement phone.
Unlocking. Phones Assurance supplies can be unlocked after 12 months of active service, if they are not reported lost or stolen.
Is Assurance Wireless the same as Project 10Million?
No. Project 10Million is a separate T-Mobile program that gives free hotspots and 200 GB of data a year to eligible K-12 students. It is not Lifeline and does not count as your household’s Lifeline benefit. Our guide to Lifeline vs ACP covers it with other low-cost internet options.
Assurance Wireless guides
- How to apply for Assurance Wireless
- Assurance Wireless activation guide
- Assurance Wireless customer service
- Assurance Wireless replacement phone
You qualify for Assurance through federal Lifeline rules: income at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines, or programs such as SNAP and Medicaid. The general steps are in how to apply for Lifeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is Assurance Wireless free? Yes. The Lifeline plan is $0 a month for eligible customers. You may pay for a phone outside California, and for extra data.
Does Assurance Wireless give you a free phone? Mainly in California (its Texas page also lists one). Elsewhere, phones start at $31.99 after approval, or you can bring your own.
How much data does Assurance Wireless give? 10 GB of high-speed data in most states, 12 GB in California and on Tribal lands, or 15 GB with the $1 Data Peace of Mind add-on.
Does Assurance Wireless use the National Verifier? Yes. Your Lifeline eligibility is checked through the National Verifier in most states. Texas uses its own process.
Is there a California Freedom plan from Assurance Wireless? Assurance’s California page calls its plan California LifeLine. It gives 12 GB of data and a free basic smartphone to eligible customers.
What network does Assurance Wireless use? T-Mobile’s 4G LTE and 5G network.
Sources: Assurance Wireless: Plans, Assurance Wireless: Phone options, Assurance Wireless: About us, Assurance Wireless: Data and services, Assurance Wireless: Annual certification, Assurance Wireless: Terms, Assurance Wireless: California LifeLine, Assurance Wireless: Lost, stolen or broken phone, Assurance Wireless: Unlock, Quality One Wireless: Assurance phone store, T-Mobile Project 10Million.