Life Wireless is a Lifeline service of Telrite Corporation that gives free unlimited talk and text in every plan, with a high-speed data allowance that depends on your state. Its published plans in 2026 range from 4.5 GB in states like Texas to 10 GB in California and 15 GB on Oklahoma Tribal lands. It lists plans for 45 states and territories.
This review covers the plans, where Life Wireless operates, its network, fees and the catches, based on Life Wireless’s own pages as of September 2026. It is one of the companies behind the free government phone program.
Life Wireless at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Company | Telrite Corporation, doing business as Life Wireless |
| Talk and text | Unlimited in every plan |
| Data | Varies by state: 4.5 GB (for example Texas, Oklahoma), 10 GB (California), 15 GB (Oklahoma Tribal) |
| After your data runs out | 256 kbps, then 125 kbps after another 20 GB |
| SIM or eSIM | One-time $50 fee listed on its state plan pages |
| Network | Nationwide 5G; its coverage page links to AT&T’s reseller coverage map |
| Customer care | (888) 543-3620 or 611, Mon to Fri 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET |
Where Life Wireless offers Lifeline
Life Wireless lists state plan pages for 45 states and territories: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Check your state’s page before you apply, because the data amount differs.
Plans and extras
Every plan is free with unlimited talk and text. Once your high-speed data is used, speeds drop to 256 kbps, and to 125 kbps after another 20 GB. Video streams at DVD quality (480p). You can add data through Recharge My Account or by calling customer care; Life Wireless does not publish top-up prices, which vary by state. International calling credit is available in $5 or $10 amounts for 100+ countries, and its roaming page lists 80+ destinations.
The state plan pages note a one-time, non-refundable $50 fee for a physical SIM card or eSIM. Ask about it before you enroll, especially if you plan to bring your own phone.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited talk and text in every plan | Data in many states is the 4.5 GB minimum |
| 15 GB on Oklahoma Tribal lands, 10 GB in California | $50 SIM/eSIM fee listed on plan pages |
| Plans in 45 states and territories | Phone care closed on weekends |
| Unlocks phones within a year | Top-up prices not published |
| Keep your number when you switch | $55 fee for a replacement phone |
How it compares
| Life Wireless | Assurance Wireless | Access Wireless | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data (most states) | 4.5 GB (varies) | 10 GB | 4.5 GB |
| Talk | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1,000 min or unlimited |
| California | 10 GB | 12 GB | 6 GB |
See our Assurance Wireless review, enTouch Wireless review and Access Wireless review, or all companies in our Lifeline providers guide.
Life Wireless guides
- How to apply for Life Wireless
- Life Wireless California LifeLine
- Life Wireless customer service
- Life Wireless replacement phone and returns
You qualify through federal Lifeline rules, with income at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines or programs such as SNAP. The general steps are in how to apply for Lifeline.
Sources: Life Wireless: Plans, Life Wireless: Texas plan, Life Wireless: Oklahoma plan, Life Wireless: California plan, Life Wireless: Terms, Life Wireless: Coverage, Life Wireless: International calling, Life Wireless: Contact.