In today’s digital age, access to the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a smartphone or tablet, which can make life difficult. However, some government programs aim to bridge the digital divide and provide free devices to those in need. One such program is Assurance Wireless, which offers free government tablets to eligible low-income households. This article will discuss everything you need to know about the Assurance Wireless free government tablet program.
What is Assurance Wireless?
Assurance Wireless is a Lifeline Assistance program that provides free or low-cost phone and internet services to eligible low-income households in the United States. The Federal Universal Service Fund funds the program and is administered by Virgin Mobile.
What is a Tablet and Why Do You Need One?
A tablet is a portable device that has a touchscreen display and can perform various functions, such as browsing the internet, sending emails, watching videos, playing games, reading books, taking photos, and more. A tablet is similar to a smartphone, but it has a larger screen size and usually does not have cellular capabilities.
You may need a tablet for various reasons, such as:
- Work: You can use a tablet to access your work-related documents, emails, calendars, and apps. You can also use a tablet to create presentations, reports, spreadsheets, and other files. A tablet can help you stay productive and organized while working from home or on the go.
- Education: You can use a tablet to access your online courses, assignments, quizzes, and exams. You can also use a tablet to research information, take notes, study materials, and collaborate with your classmates and teachers. A tablet can help you learn new skills and improve your academic performance.
- Entertainment: You can use a tablet to enjoy your favorite movies, shows, music, podcasts, games, and books. You can also use a tablet to stream content from various platforms, such as Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and more. A tablet can help you relax and have fun in your spare time.
- Communication: You can use a tablet to stay in touch with your family, friends, and colleagues. You can use a tablet to make voice or video calls, send messages, share photos and videos, and join social media networks. A tablet can help you connect with others and reduce your loneliness.
As you can see, a tablet can be very useful and beneficial for your personal and professional life. However, not everyone can afford to buy a tablet due to their high cost. That’s why the government offers free tablets to low-income households who need them.
What is the Assurance Wireless free government tablet program?
The Assurance Wireless free government tablet program is a part of the Lifeline Assistance program that provides eligible low-income households with a free tablet with internet services. The tablet is preloaded with useful apps and services to help people stay connected, learn new skills, and access important information.
Who is eligible for the Assurance Wireless free government tablet program?
To be eligible for the Assurance Wireless free government tablet program, you must be a resident of the United States and meet the following criteria:
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid, Food Stamps/SNAP, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program.
- You must have a household income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You must not have received a free government cell phone or tablet from any other provider.
How to Get a Free Government Tablet Using the ACP Program?
The ACP program is the main way to get a free government tablet in 2023. The program is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and provides eligible households with:
- A monthly discount of up to $30 on broadband service (or up to $75 if the household is on Tribal lands).
- A one-time discount of up to $100 on a connected device (such as a laptop or tablet) when they pay between $10-$50 for it.
The program is available until funds are exhausted or six months after the end of the Covid-19 emergency period declared by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), whichever is sooner.
To get a free government tablet using the ACP program, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for the ACP program, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (or 135% for Lifeline eligibility).
- You or someone in your household participates in one of these federal assistance programs: Medicaid; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA); Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit; Tribal-specific programs (such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance; Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations; Head Start); Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program;
- You received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- You meet the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
You can check your eligibility using the online tool at AffordableConnectivity.gov.
Step 2: Apply for the ACP Program
To apply for the ACP program, you need to submit an application and provide proof of your eligibility. You can apply in one of these ways:
- Online: You can visit AffordableConnectivity.gov and create an account or log in with your existing Lifeline account. Then, you can fill out the online application form and upload your proof documents. You can also check the status of your application and update your information online.
- Mail: You can print out the application form and the household worksheet from AffordableConnectivity.gov and mail them along with copies of your proof documents to:
ACP Support Center PO Box 7081 London, KY 40742
- Contact your internet provider: You can ask your preferred internet provider if they participate in the ACP program and if they have an alternative application process that they can help you with. Some providers may have their own online or paper application forms that you can use instead of the official ACP application form.
Step 3: Choose a Service Plan and a Device
Once your application is approved, you can choose a service plan and a device from a participating provider. You can use the online tool at AffordableConnectivity.gov to find a provider near you or contact your existing provider if they offer ACP discounts.
You can apply the monthly discount of up to $30 (or up to $75 for Tribal lands) to any broadband service plan that meets the minimum service standards of 25/3 Mbps download/upload speed and a data allowance of at least 250 GB per month (or at least 2 GB per month for mobile broadband).
You can also apply the one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a connected device, such as a laptop or tablet, from a participating provider if you pay between $10 and $50 for it. The device must have a camera, microphone, and Wi-Fi capability.
You can only receive one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. You cannot transfer or sell your ACP benefit to another person.
How to Get a Free Government Tablet from AirTalk Wireless?
One of the providers that offer free government tablets under the ACP is AirTalk Wireless. AirTalk Wireless is a Lifeline and ACP provider and a wireless telecommunications company that offers voice, text, and data prepaid mobile services.
Customers who qualify for Lifeline and ACP can receive discounted or free cellular services from AirTalk Wireless. They can also receive a new tablet from AirTalk Wireless as part of their ACP device discount.
The tablet will include a camera, microphone, and Wi-Fi capabilities. After applying an ACP device credit of up to $100, the eligible customer will need to pay a $10.01 co-pay. This payment must be done within 30 days.
Here are the steps to get a free government tablet from AirTalk Wireless:
- Visit airtalkwireless.com and click on “Shop” and then “Tablet”.
- Choose a tablet model from the available options. AirTalk Wireless offers various models of Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Alcatel Joy Tab. The retail price and the discounted price are shown for each model.
- Click on “View Detail” and then “Add to Cart”.
- Review your order and click on “Checkout”.
- Enter your personal information, shipping address, and payment method. You will need to provide your ACP enrollment ID and upload proof of eligibility documents.
- Confirm your order and pay the co-payment of $10.01.
- Wait for your tablet to be shipped to you within 7 to 10 business days.
What type of tablet does Assurance Wireless provide?
Assurance Wireless provides a free tablet to eligible low-income households. The tablet is a 4G LTE device on the Android operating system. It has a 7-inch touchscreen display, a front-facing camera, and 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 32GB using a microSD card.
How to Use Your Tablet Effectively?
Once you get your free tablet, you may wonder how to use it effectively for your work, education, or entertainment. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you make the most of your tablet:
- Customize your home screen: You can personalize your home screen by adding or removing apps, widgets, shortcuts, folders, and wallpapers. You can also change the layout, size, and order of your icons. To do this, you can long-press on an empty space on your home screen and access the customization options. You can also long-press on an app or widget and drag it to a different position or delete it.
- Use gestures and shortcuts: You can use various gestures and shortcuts to navigate your tablet faster and easier. For example, you can swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade and access quick settings. You can also swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app drawer and access all your apps. You can also double-tap the home button to launch Google Assistant or long-press it to access split-screen mode.
- Connect a keyboard and mouse: You can connect a wireless or wired keyboard and mouse to your tablet to enhance your productivity and comfort. You can use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse or a USB keyboard and mouse with an OTG adapter. This way, you can type faster, navigate more precisely, and use keyboard shortcuts on your tablet.
- Use cloud storage and backup: You can use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or iCloud to store your files online and access them from any device. You can also use cloud backup services like Google Photos, Google One, or iCloud Backup to backup your photos, videos, contacts, settings, and more. This way, you can save space on your tablet, protect your data from loss or damage, and sync your data across devices.
- Install useful apps: You can install various apps on your tablet to enhance its functionality and features. You can find apps for different purposes, such as productivity, education, entertainment, communication, health, finance, and more. You can browse and download apps from the Google Play Store (for Android tablets), the App Store (for iPads), or the Amazon Appstore (for Fire tablets).
Some of the best free apps for tablets are:
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- Microsoft Office: This app lets you create and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more on your tablet. You can also sync your files with OneDrive and collaborate with others online.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader: This app lets you view, edit, sign, and annotate PDF files on your tablet. You can also scan documents with your camera and convert them to PDFs.
- Zoom: This app lets you join or host video meetings on your tablet. You can also chat with others, share your screen, record meetings, and more.
- Netflix: This app lets you watch movies and shows on your tablet. You can also download content for offline viewing and adjust the playback quality.
- Spotify: This app lets you listen to music and podcasts on your tablet. You can also create playlists, discover new music, and stream content online or offline.
What services are included with the Assurance Wireless free government tablet?
The Assurance Wireless free government tablet comes with the following preloaded services and apps:
- 2GB of high-speed data per month
- Unlimited texts and talk minutes per month
- Voicemail, Caller ID, and Call Waiting
- Google Play Store access to download additional apps
- 911 emergency access
- Mobile hotspot access (requires a compatible data plan)
How do I apply for the Assurance Wireless free government tablet program?
To apply for the Assurance Wireless free government tablet program, visit the Assurance Wireless website or call their customer service hotline at 1-888-321-5880. You must provide proof of eligibility, such as a copy of your Medicaid or SNAP card, and fill out an application form.
How long does it take to receive the Assurance Wireless free government tablet?
Once approved for the Assurance Wireless free government tablet program, receiving your tablet in the mail may take up to 10 business days.
Can I use my Assurance Wireless free government tablet outside the United States?
No, the Assurance Wireless free government tablet can only be used within the United States.
How often must I recertify for the Assurance Wireless free government tablet program?
You will need to recertify your eligibility for the Assurance Wireless free government tablet program annually or whenever there is a change in your eligibility status.
Is the Assurance Wireless free government tablet program available in all states?
No, the Assurance Wireless free government tablet program is unavailable in all states. It is available in certain conditions where Assurance Wireless provides Lifeline service. You can check the Assurance Wireless website or call their customer service hotline to see if the program is available in your state.
Can I switch to Assurance Wireless from another Lifeline service provider?
Yes, you can switch to Assurance Wireless from another Lifeline service provider. You must contact Assurance Wireless customer service to begin the switching process.
What if I need more data or minutes than what is provided with the Assurance Wireless free government tablet?
Assurance Wireless offers several data and talk plans that you can purchase if you need more data or minutes than what is provided with the free government tablet. You can visit the Assurance Wireless website or call their customer service hotline to learn more about the available plans.
How to Get a Free Tablet from Charities and Nonprofit Organizations?
If you are not eligible for the ACP program or you want to explore other options, you can also try to get a free tablet from some charities and nonprofit organizations that offer free or low-cost devices to low-income individuals and families who need them. Here are some of them:
PCs for People:
This is a nonprofit organization that provides refurbished computers, tablets, smartphones, and internet service to low-income households, students, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
To qualify, you must have an income below 200% of the federal poverty level or participate in an income-based government assistance program. You can visit their website at pcsforpeople.org to find a distribution center near you or order online.
EveryoneOn:
This is a nonprofit organization that connects low-income households with affordable internet service, devices, and digital skills training.
To qualify, you must have an income below 185% of the federal poverty level or participate in an income-based government assistance program. You can visit their website at everyoneon.org to find a local partner near you or search for available offers online.
Human-I-T:
This is a nonprofit organization that transforms donated technology into opportunities for low-income individuals and communities.
To qualify, you must have an income below 200% of the federal poverty level or participate in an income-based government assistance program. You can visit their website at human-i-t.org to request a device online or call their toll-free number at 888-268-3921.
Adaptive.org:
Adaptive.org is a company that provides people with free government tablets. It partners with the Accelerated Schools Organization, a well-known program that provides tablets to people in need.
To qualify for a free tablet from Adaptive.org, you must be a US citizen or legal resident, have a valid email address, and have an annual income of less than $35,000.
You can apply online by filling out a form and uploading proof of income documents. You can also choose from various models of tablets, such as Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, or Amazon Fire HD.
EveryoneOn:
EveryoneOn is a people-helping program that aims to connect low-income Americans to affordable internet service and devices. It works with various partners and providers to offer low-cost or free internet plans and devices to eligible households.
To qualify for a free tablet from EveryoneOn, you must be a US citizen or legal resident, have an annual income of less than $35,000, and participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or WIC.
You can apply online by entering your zip code and finding a provider near you. You can also choose from various models of tablets, such as Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, or Lenovo Tab M10 Plus.
Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC):
CTAC is a nonprofit organization that provides refurbished computers and tablets to low-income families, students, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. It also offers technical support and training to help them use their devices effectively.
To qualify for a free tablet from CTAC, you must be a US citizen or legal resident, have an annual income of less than $35,000, and participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or WIC.
You can apply online by filling out a form and uploading proof of income documents. You can also choose from various models of tablets, such as Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, or Amazon Fire HD.
Best Companies that Offer Government-Free Tablets
There are several companies that offer government-free tablets under the ACP program or the Lifeline program. However, not all of them may be available in your area or have the same quality of service and customer support.
QLink Wireless:
QLink Wireless is one of the largest and most popular Lifeline and ACP providers in the US. It offers free unlimited talk, text, and data to eligible customers, as well as a free smartphone or tablet. QLink Wireless provides various models of Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Alcatel Joy Tab.
The retail price and the discounted price are shown for each model. Customers can choose their preferred model and pay a co-payment of $10.01 to get their free government tablet.
StandUp Wireless:
StandUp Wireless is another leading Lifeline and ACP provider that offers free unlimited talk, text, and data to eligible customers, as well as a free smartphone or tablet. StandUp Wireless offers various models of Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, LG G Pad, and Microsoft Surface Go.
The retail price and the discounted price are shown for each model. Customers can choose their preferred model and pay a co-payment of $10.01 to get their free government tablet.
TruConnect:
TruConnect is a Lifeline and ACP provider that offers free unlimited talk, text, and 3GB of data to eligible customers, as well as a free smartphone or tablet. TruConnect offers various models of Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Lenovo Tab M10 Plus, and Amazon Fire HD 10.
The retail price and the discounted price are shown for each model. Customers can choose their preferred model and pay a co-payment of $10.01 to get their free government tablet.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Getting a Free Tablet?
Getting a free tablet may sound like a great deal, but it also has some benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before applying for one. Here are some of them:
Benefits
- You save money: The most obvious benefit of getting a free tablet is that you don’t have to pay anything for it. You can save hundreds of dollars that you can use for other purposes or save for the future.
- You get a useful device: A tablet can be a very useful device for your work, education, or entertainment. You can use it to access the internet, create and edit documents, watch videos, play games, read books, and more. You can also use it to communicate with your family, friends, and colleagues.
- You improve your digital skills: A tablet can help you improve your digital skills and literacy. You can learn how to use various apps, programs, and features on your tablet. You can also learn how to protect your privacy and security online. You can also access online courses and resources to learn new things and enhance your knowledge.
Drawbacks
- You may have limited choices: Getting a free tablet may limit your choices in terms of the brand, model, size, color, and condition of the device. You may not get the exact tablet that you want or prefer. You may also have to settle for an older or refurbished tablet that may not have the latest features or performance.
- You may have to follow certain rules: Getting a free tablet may require you to follow certain rules and conditions set by the provider or the program. For example, you may have to sign a contract, pay a co-payment, use a specific service plan, or stay within a certain data limit. You may also have to provide proof of your eligibility and update your information regularly.
- You may encounter problems or issues: Getting a free tablet may expose you to potential problems or issues with the device or the service. For example, you may experience technical glitches, malfunctions, or damages with your tablet. You may also face poor network coverage, slow internet speed, or high data charges with your service. You may also have difficulty getting customer support or assistance when you need it.
What are the Best Free Government Tablets?
There is no definitive answer to what are the best free government tablets, as different models and brands may have different features, specifications, performance, and customer reviews.
Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021- Space Gray:
This tablet has a stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, a powerful M1 chip, a 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide camera, a LiDAR scanner, a Face ID, and a USB-C port. It also supports the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. It has a battery life of up to 10 hours and runs on iPadOS 15.
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Tablet 2020:
This tablet has a 10.3-inch FHD display, an octa-core MediaTek Helio P22T processor, a 5MP front and 8MP rear camera, a fingerprint sensor, and a USB-C port. It also has dual speakers with Dolby Atmos and a kid’s mode. It has a battery life of up to 8.5 hours and runs on Android 9 Pie.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+:
This tablet has an 11-inch LTPS TFT display, an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, an 8MP front and 13MP rear camera, a fingerprint sensor, and a USB-C port. It also comes with an S Pen stylus and supports the Samsung Keyboard Cover. It has a battery life of up to 15 hours and runs on Android 11 with One UI 3.1.
LG G Pad 5 – 4GB LTE Unlocked Tablet:
This tablet has a 10.1-inch FHD display, an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, a 5MP front and 8MP rear camera, a fingerprint sensor, and a USB-C port. It also has dual speakers with DTS:X 3D Surround Sound and supports fast charging. It has a battery life of up to 21 hours and runs on Android 9 Pie.
Microsoft Surface Go 2 – Platinum (Latest Model):
This tablet has a 10.5-inch PixelSense display, an Intel Pentium Gold or Core m3 processor, a 5MP front and 8MP rear camera, a Windows Hello face authentication camera, and a USB-C port. It also supports the Surface Pen and the Surface Go Type Cover. It has a battery life of up to 10 hours and runs on Windows 10 Home in S mode.
How to Compare and Contrast Free Tablets with Similar Alternatives?
If you are not satisfied with the free tablet that you get from the government or a charity, or you want to explore other options, you can also consider some similar alternatives that offer comparable features and performance. These are some of the tablets that you can compare and contrast with the free tablets:
Amazon Fire Tablet:
This is a budget-friendly tablet that runs on a customized version of Android called Fire OS. It has a 7-inch display, a quad-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, and a 2 MP rear camera. It also comes with Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, and access to Amazon’s content and services.
However, it does not have Google Play Store or Google apps, so you may miss out on some popular apps and games. It also has a low-resolution screen, a poor battery life, and a plastic design. The Fire Tablet costs $50, but you can often find it on sale for less.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A:
This is a mid-range tablet that runs on Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI. It has a 10.1-inch display, an octa-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage, and an 8 MP rear camera. It also comes with Samsung’s features and apps, such as Bixby, SmartThings, Kids Mode, and more.
However, it does not have a fingerprint scanner, a fast charger, or a stylus support. It also has a mediocre performance, a low-resolution screen, and a plastic design. The Galaxy Tab A costs $230, but you can often find it on sale for less.
Apple iPad:
This is a premium tablet that runs on iPadOS 15 with Apple’s features and apps. It has a 10.2-inch display, an A13 Bionic chip, 3 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, and an 8 MP rear camera. It also comes with Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, and access to Apple’s content and services.
It also supports the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard for enhanced productivity and creativity. However, it does not have a USB-C port, a Face ID sensor, or a quad-speaker system. It also has thick bezels around the screen, a low-resolution front camera, and a high price tag. The iPad costs $330 for the base model.
As you can see, each tablet has its pros and cons compared to the free tablets. Depending on your preferences and needs, you can choose the one that suits you best. However, if you want to get a tablet without spending any money or compromising on quality or performance, you should stick to the methods mentioned above.
Conclusion
The Assurance Wireless free government tablet program is an excellent opportunity for eligible low-income households to receive a free tablet with internet services. With this tablet, people can stay connected, learn new skills, and access important information, which can help improve their quality of life. If you meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply for this program and take advantage of this opportunity.
Useful Resources on Free Government Tablet
If you want to learn more about how to get a free government tablet or other related topics, you can check out these useful resources:
- Free tablets to improve lives of thousands of people with learning disabilities – GOV.UK: This press release announces the launch of the Digital Lifeline fund, which provides free tablets to people with learning disabilities who can’t afford to get online.
- Free Tablets for Low Income Families: For School, For Work, For Life – StandUp Wireless: This blog post explains the importance of affordable or free tablets for low-income families and provides some tips on how to find them.
FAQs on Free Government Tablet
If you have any questions or doubts about how to get a free government tablet, you may find the answers in this section.
Can I get a free government tablet from Assurance Wireless if I already have a free government cell phone from another provider?
You cannot receive a free government tablet from Assurance Wireless if you have already received a free government cell phone or tablet from any other provider.
What happens if I lose my Assurance Wireless free government tablet?
If you lose your Assurance Wireless free government tablet, you must contact customer service to report the loss and request a replacement.
Can I use my Assurance Wireless free government tablet to access the internet anywhere?
No, you can only use your Assurance Wireless free government tablet within the United States.
Can I keep my current phone number if I switch to Assurance Wireless?
You can keep your current phone number if you switch to Assurance Wireless.
How often must I recertify my eligibility for the Assurance Wireless free government tablet program?
You need to recertify your eligibility for the program annually or whenever there is a change in your eligibility status.
Why is internet access important?
Internet access is important because it enables people to access online resources for education, health care, employment, entertainment, and more. It also helps people to stay connected with their friends, family, and community. Internet access can improve the quality of life and opportunities for low-income Americans.
Do the free tablet programs have any requirements for eligibility?
Yes, the free tablet programs have some requirements for eligibility. You must meet one of the following criteria to qualify for the ACP or the Lifeline program:
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- You have an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. For 2022, this means $26,500 for a single person or $54,340 for a family of four.
- You participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, WIC, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Survivors Pension Benefits Fund, Tribal Assistance programs, Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, or Federal Pell Grant.
- You receive benefits from the Lifeline program, which is another federal program that provides discounted phone and internet service for low-income households.
- You experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and your total household income in 2020 was at or below $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint filers.
You can check your eligibility by visiting GetEmergencyBroadband.org or calling 833-511-0311.
How can I get a free tablet?
You can get a free tablet by applying for the ACP or the Lifeline program through a participating provider. You will need to provide your personal information, proof of eligibility documents, and choose a tablet model from the available options. You will also need to pay a co-payment of more than $10 for the device. You can only get one device discount per household.
Can I upgrade my government-free tablet?
Yes, you can upgrade your government-free tablet if you want to get a newer or better model. However, you will have to pay the difference between the retail price and the discounted price of the new tablet. You will also have to return your old tablet to your provider or recycle it properly.
Can I really get a tablet for free from the Government?
Yes, you can really get a tablet for free from the Government if you qualify for the ACP or the Lifeline program and apply through a participating provider. However, you will have to pay a co-payment of more than $10 for the device. You will also have to follow the terms and conditions of the program and your provider.