Communication Resources
Find resources for phone and internet services.
Free Phone Program through Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is offering a FREE phone with 4 years of FREE service. They can only give one phone - so if a person loses it, they will have to buy another one.
The contact running this program is only giving out the phones at events/offices (not at stores).
People on government benefits (EBT, SNAP, SSI, Medicaid) and/or have a low income (families under $28k per year) qualify for this program.
For more information Contact [email protected]
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
To deliver maximum cost savings to families, the Biden-Harris Administration has secured commitments from 20 leading internet providers to offer ACP-eligible households a high-speed internet plan for no more than $30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost.
Eligible households may receive:
Up to $30/month discount on internet service.
Up to $75/month discount if the household is on qualifying Tribal lands.
A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, table, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
CELLPHONE LIFELINE PROGRAM Pierce County
Lifeline is a government benefit program that provides discounts on monthly telephone service for eligible consumers living on low incomes to help ensure they have the opportunities and security that telephone service affords, including being able to connect to jobs, housing, family and 911. Lifeline is supported by the Universal Service Fund.
Assurance Wireless, Budget Mobile, SafeLink Wireless and YourTel Wireless all offer a free, basic cell phone and 250 free minutes every month. Low-cost additional minute packs can be purchased online, by phone and at stores. The phones come with one year of service, one month’s free minutes, and new free minutes are added each month.
Programs Available to Help Make Internet Service More Affordable
Several programs exist to help make internet service more affordable to low-income households. There are both government subsidies and low-income internet programs from internet service providers (ISPs) that can lower your internet bill. The new Emergency Broadband Benefit program is a good example, which can reduce your monthly cost and grant a $100 discount towards a new computer or tablet.
Bridging the Digital Divide with iFoster
Youth in foster care are among the most digitally disconnected populations in the country. On average, 80% of foster youth do not have access to the Internet and a computer where they live, this compares to only 10% of “average” teenagers, and 21% of low-income teens.
iFoster can help provide current and former foster youth with Smartphones, Laptops, and more.