Terracom Wireless’s Low-Income Plan: Features, Benefits & More
Terracom Wireless offers a low-income wireless plan called the Affordable Connectivity Program for qualifying low-income households. The plan provides discounted wireless service to help eligible families and individuals stay connected.
The Affordable Connectivity Program from Terracom Wireless is part of a federal benefit program run by the FCC that provides a monthly discount on internet service for eligible households. Terracom Wireless is one of many participating providers that offers discounted service through this program.
To qualify for Terracom Wireless’s Affordable Connectivity Program, you must meet certain eligibility requirements based on income or participation in certain government assistance programs. We’ll go over the specifics of eligibility in more detail in the next section.
In terms of overview, the Terracom Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program provides up to a $30/month discount on wireless service for qualifying households. This can make connectivity more accessible and affordable for low-income families struggling to stay connected.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Terracom Wireless’s Low-Income Plan, customers must meet certain eligibility requirements related to income thresholds and providing proof of eligibility. According to discussions on Reddit, customers need to have an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for the plan [1]. For example, for a family of four in 2021, the income threshold was $36,620 per year. Customers can also qualify through participation in certain government assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid.
To prove eligibility, customers need to provide documentation such as recent tax returns, pay stubs, or an eligibility letter from a qualifying government program. This documentation must be submitted along with the application to enroll in the low-income plan. The plan is only available to qualifying new customers in areas where Terracom Wireless service is available. Existing Terracom customers cannot switch to the low-income plan without reapplying as a new customer [2].
Plan Features
Terracom Wireless’s low-income plan includes unlimited talk time and text messaging within the U.S. There are no extra charges for long distance calls within the 50 states. The plan also includes 4G LTE data, with options for either 1GB or 6GB of high-speed data per month before speed reductions apply (https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/reader-questions/can-i-use-my-safelink-wireless-sim-card-in-another-phone).
The 1GB data plan allows 1GB of 4G LTE data, after which speeds are reduced to 2G for the remainder of the month. The 6GB data plan includes 6GB of high-speed 4G LTE data before speeds are reduced (https://governmentfreephone.com/att-free-government-phones/). Both options are available at no cost for eligible customers.
Network Coverage
TerraCom Wireless utilizes the AT&T network to provide coverage across the United States. According to the [TerraCom Wireless Coverage Map], customers can expect coverage in all 50 states. The coverage map indicates strong 4G LTE availability in most urban and suburban areas.
Reviews of the network performance are generally positive, with customers reporting decent data speeds and reliable voice connectivity on the AT&T network. According to TerraCom’s [Terms of Service], the company does not guarantee availability or performance, so experiences may vary by location. However, most customers seem satisfied with making calls, sending texts, and using data on the TerraCom Wireless plan.
For eligible low-income customers, this level of nationwide coverage on a major network like AT&T is a significant benefit of the TerraCom Wireless plan. Customers can stay connected on an extensive 4G LTE network across the country.
Bring Your Own Device
With Terracom Wireless’ low-income plan, customers have the option to bring their own compatible device or purchase a new device from Terracom. According to the Terracom Wireless website compatibility tool, many unlocked GSM devices are compatible with the network including popular models from Apple, Samsung, LG, Motorola and more. Both Android and iOS devices are supported.
The main factors that determine compatibility are whether the device is CDMA or GSM, and whether it is carrier-locked or unlocked. Terracom Wireless uses GSM networks, so unlocked GSM devices will work seamlessly when you insert the Terracom SIM card. CDMA devices or carrier-locked devices may not function properly.
When bringing your own device, be sure it is fully paid off and unlocked. You can contact your current carrier to unlock a device if needed. Terracom also provides instructions for transitioning a Sprint CDMA device over to their GSM SIM.
Using your own device can save money compared to purchasing a new phone. Just make sure to verify compatibility before signing up. Terracom’s helpful tools and customer service can assist with any bring your own device questions.
Additional Benefits
Beyond the low-cost monthly wireless plan, Terracom offers additional benefits to help low-income customers. One of the biggest perks is that Terracom provides free smartphones to qualified customers when they sign up for the Lifeline program. According to discussions on Reddit, Terracom will give a free phone to each eligible household member that signs up (Source). The free phones are usually basic 4G LTE smartphones from entry-level brands. While not the latest iPhone or Galaxy, these free phones allow customers to access data, apps, and more without having to pay several hundred dollars upfront.
Terracom also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides up to $30/month discount on internet service for eligible low-income households. Customers can apply their ACP benefit to Terracom’s Lifeline plan to reduce their monthly bill even further (Source). With the ACP discount, customers may be able to get Terracom’s unlimited talk, text, and data plan for free or close to free each month.
Limitations
Terracom Wireless’s low-income plan does have some limitations compared to their regular plans. According to reports on Reddit, the low-income plan is subject to throttling which can slow data speeds, especially during peak usage times [1]. The plan also limits video streaming quality to 480p resolution. Additionally, hotspot usage may be restricted or throttled as well [2]. These limitations allow Terracom Wireless to keep costs low while still providing essential wireless service to low-income households.
Customer Service
TerraCom Wireless offers several options for customers to get in touch with customer support[1]. They can contact a customer service agent by phone, email, or chat. The toll-free customer service number is 1-888-716-8880 and it is available from 9am to 6pm CST, Monday through Friday. Customers can also email [email protected] for assistance. There is a live chat option on their website as well.
When contacting customer service, customers should be prepared to provide their name, phone number, and account information. This will help the agent access their account and records quickly. The goal of TerraCom’s customer service team is to resolve any issues promptly and efficiently.
Some common reasons to contact customer service include billing questions, changing your plan, reporting service issues, asking about coverage, getting help with your device, and any other account-related inquiries. The customer service team can help with any of these concerns.
[1] https://www.terracomwireless.com/contact.php
Signing Up
Signing up for Terracom Wireless’s Low-Income Plan is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to apply and activate your service:
1. Visit the Terracom Wireless website and click on the “Apply Now” button for the Low-Income Plan. This will take you to the online application.
2. Fill out the online application with your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and contact details. You’ll need to provide documentation that you qualify for the Lifeline program, such as proof of income or government assistance.
3. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a welcome packet by mail with your new phone number and SIM card. Terracom Wireless will mail this packet to the address you provided in 1-2 weeks.
4. Activate your SIM card by inserting it into an unlocked device. You can use your own compatible device or purchase one from Terracom Wireless.
5. Make a test call to confirm your service is up and running. You’ll receive a set number of minutes, texts, and data to start using immediately.
That’s it! Once your service is activated, you’ll have access to Terracom Wireless’s nationwide 4G LTE coverage and all the great benefits of their Low-Income Plan.
Alternatives
For those who do not qualify for Terracom Wireless’s Low-Income Plan, there are some other low-cost cell phone plans to consider:
Boost Mobile offers their $hrink-It! Plan starting at $15/month for unlimited talk & text. Data can be added starting at $5/month for 1GB.
Republic Wireless has budget plans like the $15/month 1GB plan. Taxes and fees are included.
Mint Mobile has options like their $15/month 3GB plan. However, you need to pay for 3-12 months of service upfront.
PagePlus has a $12/month pay-as-you-go plan with 1200 minutes, 3000 texts, and 100MB of data.
There are also Lifeline plans from other carriers like Assurance Wireless, Q Link Wireless, and SafeLink Wireless. These provide free phones and monthly discounts like Terracom’s Lifeline plan.
Comparing the coverage, data amounts, and upfront costs can help find the most affordable option if Terracom’s Lifeline plan isn’t available in your area.
