The 7 Service Providers with ACP Free Tablet from Government

When looking at the difference between lifeline and ACP, we saw you can get service discount from even the main carriers. AT&T and its MVNO Cricket Wireless even offer a full discount on some plans. But then, can you get an ACP free tablet from government through these premium carriers? And if yes, what type of tablet can I expect?

ACP is simply the affordable connectivity program the government created to help low-income consumers afford an internet connection. Most of the providers participating in the program only offer a discount on the service. But there are others you can also get a discount on a connected device.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) states the discount on a connected device can be on a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. However, many of the eligible providers you’ll find online usually give a tablet.

What’s the Difference between ACP and EBB Free Tablet from Government

Mission-wise, there’s no difference between ACP and EBB programs. EBB or Emergency Broadband Benefit was the first program the government came up with to provide internet discounts.

The plans for this broadband benefit began back in December 2020 with the establishment of a $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund in the U.S. Treasury. The broadband benefit wasn’t available for use until May 2021, though.

The FCC authorized the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to administer the EBB. But instead of receiving the benefit as a monthly check, you would have to apply for a broadband connection. Then USAC would reimburse the amount of the discount on your service to the provider.

At the time, the total discount you would receive with EBB was $50 (or $75 if on tribal lands). There was also that one-time discount of up to $100 on the connected device, albeit with a co-payment of $10.01 to $49.99.

The $10.01 is the exact amount the eligible telecommunication carrier (ETC) would request when you apply for the free tablet with EBB. They would send an invoice either with the device or through email.

Near the end of 2021, Congress passed a bill of $14.1 billion to create a more long-term affordable connectivity program (ACP).

While the funds for the new connectivity program were over 400% more than that of EBB, the oversight commission reduced the broadband discount. If on a non-tribal region, you would now get $30 (instead of $50) off your broadband service. Only those on tribal lands continued to get a $75 discount on their internet service.

As for the one-time discount on connected devices, everyone eligible for the ACP benefit still gets up to $100.

Is the ACP Free Tablet from Government Worth it?

First, the ACP free tablet from the government isn’t exactly “Free”. The $10.01 co-payment fee that was with EBB also applies here. But are the ten bucks worth it?

Well, the discounted tablet is at least an 8-inch model from all the participating providers. And with the super-wide touch screen, you can enjoy functions like streaming, gaming, or reading much better than on the smartphone.

Performance-wise, though, I’ve noticed only Cintex Wireless and the other HTH Communications companies have decent models of the free tablet. At this moment, they have a stock of Apple iPad 4/ 3/ Mini, Samsung Galaxy Tab S3/ S2/ A 2020, Alcatel Joy Tab, et cetera.

In most of the other lifeline companies that give a free tablet, you get entry-level models that don’t exactly have the best specs. Say TruConnect, high chances are that you will get the Cloud Mobile Sunshine Elite tablet, which has 16GB of built-in memory and 2GB RAM.

In other cases, you can get a free Sky Devices government tablet. Like Standup Wireless was giving out the Sky Devices Elite OctaX with 32GB/ 1GB memory early last year. But they have recently upgraded to Sky Devices Elite T8 tablet, with 32GB/ 2GB memory, which isn’t too bad.

Sadly, these entry-level tablets usually have a relatively slow processor. You may find it tricky to work on heavy tasks without issues like overheating or lagging.

Application for the ACP Free Tablet from Government

Although the ACP free tablet is available to every American, not just anyone gets to receive one. You’ll not even pass the first step of the application if you don’t have the right eligibility requirement.

The main requirement for the connectivity benefit is that you should have a low income or participate in either of the ACP-eligible government assistance programs.

If applying with the low-income criteria, the rule is that your total household amount must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Then with the requirement of a government-funded assistance program, you will need to participate in either:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veterans Pensions & Survivors Benefit
• Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
• Federal Public Housing Assistance Program (FPHA)
• Food Stamp or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Head Start, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and other Tribal programs
• School Lunch or School Breakfast Program (even from the USDA Community Eligibility Provision)

If already receiving a free cell phone service with a lifeline carrier, you automatically qualify for ACP benefits. You actually get the best monthly service allowances with a lifeline + ACP combo.

Proof of Eligibility for the ACP Free Tablet From the Government

If you pass either of the above requirements, you can now apply for the ACP benefit with your preferred service provider. However, the service provider can’t just take your word for it. They will need official proof that confirms your eligibility, as well as your identity and address.

Proof of Identity:

The providers of ACP will need to know you’re exactly who you say on the application form. They will need an official document with your full name and date of birth. Such a document can be a valid ID card, passport, birth certificate, driver’s license, Green card, et cetera.

Tip: if enrolling for the ACP benefit as a minor under 18 years old, you will need proof of your emancipation status. The proof can be an official court document or an emancipation certificate.

Proof of Physical Address:

Besides the identity, the ACP providers will need to verify your current residence. You must provide an official document with your full name (that you’ve used in applying) and your physical address.

Some of the documents that qualify here are a valid driver’s license, utility bill, tax return, lease or mortgage statement, and others.

Proof of Eligibility:

The proof of eligibility is an official document that shows you qualify for the ACP with low income or government-funded assistance program.

If enrolling with the low-income requirement, you’ll need a document like a paycheck stub, tax return, or a statement of your current income from your employer. A statement from retirement/ pension benefits, Veterans Administration benefits, Social Security benefits, unemployment, or worker’s compensation benefit will work too.

If enrolling for the ACP benefits with participation in government assistance programs, you will need an official document for that. The document should have both the name of the program and the reference establishment (who issued that document). Thus, a letter of approval/verification for the program or a benefits statement will work.

Note:

If applying for ACP in person or by traditional mail, you will need a hard copy of the documents above. But only submit copies of the documents (not original), provided they’re crystal-clear and not blurry or dark.

When applying for the ACP benefits online or by phone, you will need to upload a soft copy of the necessary documents. You can get the soft copy by scanning or taking pictures with a camera or even a smartphone (as long the pictures are crystal clear).

Which Providers Have the ACP Free Tablet from Government

Now that you have the necessary copies of documents, go to either of the providers participating in ACP and apply. Keep in mind, not all the service providers with ACP are giving a free tablet.

In particular, only the lifeline providers with free touchscreen government phones seem to have discounted tablets. Some of the options I’ve been able to go through include:

• Cintex Wireless
•  Airtalk Wireless
•  StandUp Wireless
•  Easy Wireless
• Q Link Wireless
• TruConnect
•  Entouch Wireless

What Kind of ACP Free Tablet from Government Do I Get?

The kind of free tablet you get with ACP benefits varies from one provider to another. As mentioned earlier, Cintex Wireless and its sisters are the only ones with decent brands, thanks to the parenthood bond with HTH Communications.

Ps: HTH Communications is one of the top refurbishing and distribution companies in the country. And this is how its lifeline brands can give you these high-end tablets.  See the options below:

Brand of the ACP Free Tablet	Provided by	Built-in Memory	Screen Size
Apple iPad 4	Cintex Wireless	32GB ROM, 1GB RAM	8” w/ 1536 x 1024p
Apple iPad 3	Cintex Wireless	32GB ROM, 1GB RAM	8” w/ 1536 x 2048p
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3	Cintex Wireless	32GB ROM, 4GB RAM	8” w/ 1536 x 2048p
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4	AirTalk Wireless	32GB ROM, 3GB RAM	8” w/ 1536 x 2048p
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2020	AirTalk Wireless	32GB ROM, 3GB RAM	8” w/ 1200 x 1920p
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2	AirTalk Wireless	32GB ROM, 3GB RAM	8” w/ 1536 x 2048p
Apple iPad Mini	AirTalk Wireless	32GB ROM, .5GB RAM	8” w/ 768 x 1024p
Alcatel Joy Tab 2	Cintex Wireless	32GB ROM, 3GB RAM	8” w/ 800 x 1280p
Vortex Tab 8	StandUp Wireless	32GB ROM, 2GB RAM	8” w/ 800 x 1280p
Sky Devices Elite T8 Tablet	StandUp Wireless	32GB ROM, 2GB RAM	8” w/ 800 x 1280p
Sky Devices Elite T8 Tablet	Easy Wireless	32GB ROM, 2GB RAM	8” w/ 800 x 1280p
Q Link Scepter 8 Tablet	Q Link Wireless	16GB ROM, 1GB RAM	8” w/ 800 x 1280p
Cloud Mobile Sunshine Elite	TruConnect	16GB ROM, 2GB RAM	8” w/ 800 x 1280p
Samsung Galaxy Tab A	Cintex Wireless	32GB ROM, 2GB RAM	10.1” w/ 800 x 1280p
KonnectONE Moxee	AirTalk Wireless	32GB ROM, 3GB RAM	8” w/ 800 x 1280p
NUU Tab 8 4G LTE	StandUp Wireless	32GB ROM, 2GB RAM	8” w/ 800 x 1280p

• Cintex Wireless

Cintex Wireless is the overall best provider of the ACP free tablet from the government. It’s very clear on the terms, as the website has even listed down the kind of tablet to expect once eligible for the connectivity benefit.

Some of the brands of these tablets available at the moment include:

1. Apple iPad 4 with 32GB/ 1GB memory
2. Apple iPad 3 with 32GB/ 1GB memory
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 with 32GB/ 4GB memory
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 with 32GB/ 3GB memory
5. Alcatel Joy Tab 2 with 32GB / 3GB memory

•  AirTalk Wireless

AirTalk Wireless also has pretty great brands of tablets on its ACP benefits. The options available are about the same as you get on Cintex Wireless, including the five above. Other options available are:

1. Apple iPad Mini with 32GB/ 0.5GB memory
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 with 32GB/ 3GB memory
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2020 with 32GB/ 3GB memory
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab E with 16GBGB/ 1.5GB memory
5. KonnectONE Moxee with 32GB/ 3GB memory

•  StandUp Wireless

StandUp Wireless is the third provider you can get an ACP free tablet from the government. But unlike the HTH Communications brands Cintex and AirTalk Wireless, here you get entry-level tablets.

At the time of writing, the kind of free tablet StandUp Wireless gives you is the Sky Device Elite T8 with 32GB internal storage and 2GB RAM. If this model is unavailable, you can expect the NUU Tab 8 or Vortex Tab 8. They both also have 32GB built-in storage and 2GB RAM.

See more: AirTalk Wireless Reviews

•  Easy Wireless

Easy Wireless is also handing out an ACP free tablet if you qualify for the benefit. The lifeline carrier has also made a deal with Sky Devices to supply the devices for their subscribers.

For instance, the service provider has been sending out the Sky Device Elite T8 tablet with 32GB internal storage and 2GB RAM. But you could get a different equivalent model if this one is unavailable.

• Q Link Wireless

Similarly, Q Link gives free tablets from government with the ACP benefit. It was actually amongst the first to have this perk- back when the connectivity discount was with EBB.

Sadly, however, not many consumers were big fans of the Q Link tablet. The Q Link Scepter 8 (as the tablet is called) is very lacking in specs, starting with memory at 16GB/ 1GB.

• TruConnect

TruConnect is yet another service provider you can get the free tablet if eligible for the ACP benefit. It also doesn’t have the best brands here (they currently send Cloud Mobile Sunshine Elite with 16GB built-in storage and 2GB RAM). But you can still make it work on light tasks, such as video streaming, reading, and social media.

•  Entouch Wireless

Last but not least, EnTouch Wireless gives you a free tablet if eligible for the ACP program. I’ve not been able to find details on the exact tablet they send. But I’m assuming it has to be either of the 8-inch Sky Devices tablet since they also use the company (Sky Devices) for the lifeline phones.

Note:

You can apply for the ACP free tablet from a carrier different from the one you’re using for the lifeline. For instance, you can take advantage of the high-end tablets from Cintex, but continue getting the lifeline on SafeLink.

However, each eligible telecommunication carrier with lifeline wants you to use them for ACP benefits. The nifty trick they have used to entice with this deal is providing more service allowance on a lifeline + ACP combo plan than lifeline-only or ACP-only Packages.

Commonly Asked Questions

Make Sure the Tablet Works in Your Area

If interested, that’s everything relevant you should know on ACP free tablet from the government. Of course, it’s not free since you must co-pay the $10.01. But the likes of Cintex and AirTalk Wireless offer even Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab on the benefit, which is worth more than ten bucks.

As you apply for the government tablet, though, don’t just focus on the specs of the device. Make sure the carrier you enroll with will work in your area. And since we’re talking about MVNOs, it means you make sure you know about the Carrier Network in use.

Otherwise, you may rush for that iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab on Cintex Wireless, yet T-Mobile has terrible coverage in your location.