Union Wireless Lifeline and ACP Plans

Union Wireless is a family-owned wireless phone company that services the Rocky Mountain region. They believe in being earnest, purpose-driven, and humble as part of their core values. These values are not often found in many of the current wireless phone companies. Unfortunately, it's not just wireless companies lacking the above values.

As part of its efforts to help low-income families, Union Wireless participates in the Federal Affordable Connectivity (ACP) and Lifeline programs. These programs offer discounted wireless/internet service to qualified individuals/families.

Lifeline/ACP Brief Overview

The Lifeline Program provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 per month for either wireless or landline service to qualified families. For families living on tribal lands, the discount increases up to $34.25.

The Affordable Connectivity Program offers discounts of up to $30 a month. And for families living on Qualified Tribal Lands, the discount is $75 a month. These discounts can be applied to any of Union Warless' plans as outlined below:

Union Wireless Plans

Unlimited: Unlimited voice, text, and data – US and Canada. Cost - $65 per month.

Unlimited 55+: This plan is for folks 55 and older. It includes Unlimited Voice, Text, Data, Roaming (throughout US and Canada), and Unlimited long-distance (within the voice roaming area). Cost - $30 per month.

Simply Shared: Unlimited Talk and Text and shared data across all devices. Cost - $35 per month.

Unlimited Talk and Text: Unlimited Talk and Text (US only) for up to 10 lines. Cost - $25 per month.

Prices exclude taxes/fees and include paperless billing and auto pay.

Internet and Bundled Plans

Union Wireless offers fiber-optic internet in Bridger Valley, WY, Saratoga, WY, Manila, UT and Pinedale, WY. They are constantly upgrading the network, so it's best to check the website to see if the network has been extended to your area.

Qualifying for Federal Discounts

To qualify for the discounts, you must enroll in Lifeline and/or the Affordable Connectivity Programs. You may enroll in both. The qualification criteria are as follows:

You must have a household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify for Lifeline. And a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify for ACP. If you are eligible for Lifeline, you automatically qualify for ACP.

You or someone in your household receives benefits from one of the following government assistance programs:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Medicaid
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Program
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Head Start (only for households meeting Head Start's income standard)
Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year (ACP)

Enrolling in the Programs

After confirming that you meet the eligibility criteria, the next thing to do is gather the necessary documents. You'll need to provide proof of eligibility when submitting your application. The USAC has a comprehensive list of acceptable forms of proof documents on its website.

You can apply online at Getinternet.gov, or print the application, complete it, and mail it to the address indicated on the application.

If you apply online, approval is almost immediate. As expected, using the mail will take longer. However, once you receive approval, you're all set.

The next step is downloading and completing Union Wireless' Affordable Connectivity Program Form. Bring that form, a copy of your approval, and a copy of the National Verifier application to the Union Wireless location. Or, if you prefer, you can email the documentation to acp@unionwireless.com

After Union Wireless approves your application, the discount is credited to your account in the first billing cycle after your application was approved.

Better Business Bureau

I'm impressed with the Union Wireless core statement. However, I also took a little time to look up their rating on the Better Business Bureau. They have an A+ rating. You can't ask for better than that!

There were a few closed complaints against the company, but in the grand scheme of things, five complaints in the past three years are impressive compared to many other wireless companies.

Lifeline/ACP Facts

Although Lifeline and ACP benefits are combinable, only one person per household may claim the benefits.

These benefits are not transferrable.

Participants are required to recertify annually to prove eligibility and maintain benefits.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: This site was created to help people find information about free government phones. The ower of this site does not mail, activate or repair free government phones nor provide phone service. If you have questions about phone service it is suggested that you contact the phone service provider directly.

Last Modified: 8 November 2023