March 13, 2026

ACP Program Alternative How to Get Free Phone Service

The Affordable Connectivity Program to lower internet costs has ended, but other resources may help you stay connected.

The Affordable Connectivity Program — a federal effort that gave more than 23 million households reduced or even free internet service — has ended.

TextNow is a great alternative to the ACP program, offering free phone service with unlimited calls and texts, plus mobile data for select apps. Those who qualify might also look into the federal Lifeline program.

STOP! Paying for phone service

With TextNow, you get unlimited talk & text, plus essential data, for $0/month. Stay connected without paying a penny on your phone bill.

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Alternative to ACP: TextNow's Free Flex Plan

While there are still some government programs that help provide affordable phone services such as Lifeline, their eligibility requirements are strict and vary by state.

And let's not forget, even when you do qualify, the support is up to $9.25 off your monthly bill. When comparing some of the plans available with this discount, you're still going to be looking at a $25+ monthly bill, which starts to look steep next to a $0/month bill.

Mobile Features / Cost	TextNow's Free Flex Data	Life Wireless Lifeline Plan
Minutes	Unlimited	Unlimited
Texts	Unlimited	Unlimited
Data	1GB	4.5GB in most states
Monthly Cost	$0	$0
Qualification Details	None, anyone may use service.	Must meet income guidelines. Must recertify eligibility annually. One per household.

TextNow, however, is readily available to anyone. No forms required! Supported by in-app ads (like all your favorite streaming services), our nationwide phone service includes unlimited calls & texts, plus access to email, maps, and rideshare apps— all for free.

>> Read more: Lifeline vs. TextNow

This means that you can stay connected with your own phone number, check your emails, use finance apps, look up directions, and order a ride (Uber, Lyft) without ever having to pay for a data plan.

More alternative plans for ACP: The best data plan for you

If you need additional data, there are affordable unlimited data options that, for the most part, will still ring up a lower bill than some of the Lifeline options.

If you need a plan with limited data, and don't want to pay for unlimited, TextNow's data pass options are an ideal solution for the minimal-data user.

Unlike traditional carriers, the data options aren't based on data limits alone, but also on time. Flexibility means having the power to add data as needed – for a day ($2.99), week ($8.99), or the whole month ($35.99).

TextNow Tip: Before you go looking into data-specific plans, figure out just how much data you actually need first to ensure you pick the right plan for you.

How to get service with TextNow

Since there are no eligibility requirements, signing up for TextNow is simple. To start, download the free TextNow app, set up your local phone number, and immediately start calling and texting for free over Wi-Fi!

To use your phone without Wi-Fi, get a TextNow SIM card to connect to our 5G network (a one-time purchase for a physical card, or get a free eSIM depending on your phone model), and activate it to access essential apps for free. You even have the option to add data as you need it.

No eligibility forms, no state rules, no temporary promotions. TextNow is the only free phone service provider with unlimited talk & text and essential data on a nationwide 5G network, all in one convenient app.