Many people still want a landline phone for security, for 911 calls, or for everyday use. But traditional copper landline service is becoming expensive and is slowly disappearing.
Today, most “free landline services” operate over your home internet connection using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). This means you can still use your regular landline phone, but calls are made over the internet instead of through old phone lines.
What Is Free Landline Phone Service with Internet?
Free landline and internet service refers to programs that offer basic home phone service, along with internet access, at a low or no cost. These services are typically offered through government assistance programs or discounted plans from phone and internet providers.
The goal is to ensure everyone has access to reliable communication, especially for emergency calls, job opportunities, medical appointments, and education.
Government Programs Offering Free or Discounted Service
Lifeline Program
The Lifeline Program is one of the best-known assistance programs in the United States. It helps low-income households pay for their phone or internet services.
Benefits:
- Offers monthly discounts on landline service.
- Offers support for home internet service.
- Available to qualifying low-income families and individuals.
Who Qualifies?
You may qualify if your household income is at or below the federal poverty line, or if you participate in programs such as:
- SNAP (Food Stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
The program is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which ensures that communication services remain affordable for eligible households.
Read Also: T-Mobile Free Internet for Low Income Families
Ooma – Free Residential Landline Service
Ooma is one of the most reliable real-world services that offers free landline calls over the internet.
They offer a device called the Ooma Telo that turns your internet connection into a residential phone line.
Service Plans
- Ooma Basic ($0/month): Includes unlimited calling to all U.S. phones, caller ID, call waiting, and basic 911 service.
- Ooma Premier ($9.99/month): Includes advanced features such as smart call blocking (for robocalls), voicemail to email, a second phone line, and free calls to Canada and Mexico.
Government Assistance Programs (Truly Free)
If you meet certain income requirements or participate in programs like SNAP or Medicaid, you may be eligible for free or heavily discounted service through the federal Lifeline program.
Benefits: It offers a monthly discount of up to $9.25 (or up to $34.25 in tribal territories) that can be applied to landline, internet, or bundled services.
How to Apply: Use the National Checker to confirm your eligibility and find participating providers near you.
Providers: Major phone companies like AT&T and specialty providers like Assurance Wireless participate in these programs.
Provider-Specific Discount Plans
Many phone and internet companies participate in government programs or offer their own discount plans.
AT&T
AT&T offers discounted landline and internet bundles in some areas through Lifeline-backed plans. Customers may receive reduced monthly bills or service bundles.
Xfinity
Xfinity offers Xfinity Voice with features like readable voicemail and call forwarding.
Frontier
Offers Frontier home phone service, which can be bundled with fiber optic internet for additional savings.
Verizon
Verizon offers discounted landline phone service and can bundle it with affordable internet plans in select locations.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink participates in Lifeline and offers affordable home phone service along with affordable internet plans in many rural and urban communities.
Read More: Xfinity Student Wifi $10 a Month
Benefits of Free Landline and Internet Services
These programs offer several important advantages:
1. Emergency Communication
Landlines are often more reliable during power outages or disasters, helping families stay safe.
2. Access to Education
Students can use internet service for online classes, homework, and research.
3. Job Opportunities
Reliable phone and internet access makes it easier to apply for jobs, attend virtual interviews, and contact employers.
4. Access to Healthcare
Many healthcare providers now offer telehealth services, which require an internet and phone connection.
Related Post: T-Mobile Free Hotspot for Students – Project 10Million
How to Apply for Free Landline Phone Service with Internet
Applying for assistance is usually simple. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Visit the Lifeline website or contact a participating service provider to see if you qualify.
Step 2: Gather the necessary documents
You might need:
- Proof of income
- Proof of participation in government assistance programs
- Identity and address verification
Step 3: Choose a service provider
Select a company in your area that offers Lifeline-supported services.
Step 4: Submit your application
Applications can usually be completed online, by mail, or through a service provider.
Tips for getting approved
- Make sure all documents are accurate and up-to-date.
- Apply through an approved service provider.
- Respond promptly if additional information is requested.
Are these services completely free?
Some households may receive the service completely free of charge, while others pay only a small monthly fee. The final cost depends on:
- Your eligibility level
- Service provider pricing
- Available local promotions
Final Thoughts
Free landline internet service helps low-income families stay connected to essential services. Programs like the Lifeline Program and participating providers such as AT&T, Verizon, and CenturyLink make communication more affordable and accessible. By applying for these programs, families can improve their safety, education, job opportunities, and overall quality of life.
