Cricket Discounts, Free Cell Phones & Text for Low-Income Awareness

In support of National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week, September 10 – 16, Cricket is encouraging those eligible for Lifeline to learn more about how they can stay connected to family, friends and critical emergency safety resources.

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates have designated September 10 – 16, 2012 as "National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week," in order to raise awareness of and participation in Lifeline at the federal and state level. Nationwide, Lifeline helps improve the quality of life for families in need by providing access to vital and basic phone connections.

Cricket's Lifeline Credit provides monthly cell phone bill discounts to eligible customers in 23 states, as well as the District of Columbia, with service in six additional states launching by the end of the year, including Nebraska and Kansas in mid-September. Lifeline Credit customers will receive discounts ranging from $10.00 to $35.00 off their monthly wireless bill for one phone in their household.  Since Cricket's lowest cost plan is $25, there is a possibility that a plan could be free depending on the state however in most states the credits are $10-$15, the service is not free.

There are other ways for free cell phones for low income people, in many states, including free text messages with some plans.  The other  two other companies are Safelink and Assurance Wireless.  There are also programs for free cell phones for family of military.