Q Link Wireless is a free phone service available exclusively to low-income individuals and families on a government assistance program like SNAP, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs through its Lifeline program. The company offers customers nationwide coverage on both 5G and 4G LTE networks.

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The Good

Free Unlimited Text, Talk, and Data
No Annual Contract
Keep Your Phone and Number
Nationwide Coverage

Free Unlimited Text, Talk, and Data

Q Link Wireless customers receive a number of benefits when they enroll for the company's Lifeline assistance program:

Unlimited Texting
Unlimited Talk
Free Phone Activation and SIM Card
No Credit Check
Voicemail and 3-Way Calling
Access to 10 Million Wifi Hotspots

Q Link Wireless estimates customers can save up up to $599 per year in monthly fees when they sign up for the Lifeline plan.

No Annual Contract

Q LInk Wireless is also one of the few cell phone plan providers to not require its customers to sign up for lengthy, multi-year contracts. Qualifying customers can sign up for or cancel Q Link's free cell phone service at any time.

Keep Your Phone and Number

Q Link Wireless customers can also keep their existing phone and phone number when they enroll in the Lifeline program, regardless of whether they own a flip phone, iPhone, Blackberry, or Samsung Galaxy. Customers in need of a smartphone can receive a free Q Link phone.

Nationwide Coverage

Q Link Wireless is actively working to expand its national network. The carrier’s network coverage depends on the area, weather, signal strength, and traffic volumes, but over 97 percent of the geographic United States is covered.

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The Bad

Only Available to Qualifying Customers

Only Available to Qualifying Customers

Q Link Wireless's Lifeline assistance program is only available to qualifying Americans who are currently on a low income or government assistance program:

SNAP (food stamps)
Medicaid
Department of Veterans Affairs
Social Security Income Assistance

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The Bottom Line

Customers living under the Federal Poverty Line may find a reliable cell phone provider in Q Link Wireless. The company offer free cell phone services to more than 2 million qualifying customers across roughly 97 of the country. Customers on government financial aid programs are encouraged to enroll in the Lifeline program.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.8

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906 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

18%

4 grade

62%

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

10%

Sentiment Criteria

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Cindy Meens Houston, TX

I’ve loved everything about it and it’s saved me already. My only complaint is when I don’t have wireless available Qlink only shows 1 or 2 bars and download is super slow, if I can connect at all. I’ve also had call after call disconnect. I fell a week ago and wasn’t near wireless and Qlink was so slow my txts for help weren’t sent and my calls to my daughter were dropped. She finally got worried enuf to come check on me and got me off the floor and in bed. I found out I broke my arm from the fall. Very scary. I hope you can fix the connectivity issues. So grateful to keep my phone I know and everything else was fast and easy. Thank you!

4 years ago

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Shealy T. Salem, OR

I'm very grateful for this service.. Im no spring chicken, That's for sure. But I am only in my 40s and unfortunately, I have a very severe form of MS. I had MS for quite a while before I was diagnosed,along with many other symptoms My hands quit working completely, for two years. So, Even though I had no diagnosis yet I had no choice, but to stop working. So I hadn't worked in a couple years before I finally found a doctor who diagnosed me. All It took was a brain MRI. So even though I had worked my entire life I missed getting full social security by 2 months.. So I only get $841 per month. And I still have rent all the utilities insurance all that. Phone service with something that I just could not afford. My situation is not going to change. Unfortunately, I'm never going to recover enough to go back to work. So this program this service really really helps me so much!! I would have given five stars if it wasn't for all the spam calls I got day and night 24/7. And at least, 10 calls and texts per day for the previous person who had my phone number. I'm sorry for giving my whole medical story, But I think it's important to express how grateful I am for the service.

4 years ago

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dave mercier Phoenix, AZ

To be honest ,how can anyone dislike a phone that has no bill! However I hate when it is time to renew the service and this is why! My legal nave is David! Which is a name that can just as easily have people that call you Dave ! So I don't know why if I don't get it correct the first time because I should of used the other one! Which is the same name ! This has happened 2 times and after waiting for 20 -30mins ! It just bothers me that because I gave them the wrong name and they treat me like I'm not me well that really makes me feel insulted! So then I have to start all over and hope I don't get ( him or them) because I am fraudulently trying to be someone else! Well you get the point, unless I'm writing you! Great but if I am and I give the correct password is it that much of a reach to think that it's even spelled almost the same way! P.S. did I mention this happened twice!

4 years ago

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Nicole Quick-Hakimoglu Longview, WA

It took me awhile to find a phone that was compatible with my new Q Link SIM card; I wanted to use it in my newer Boost phone, but it wasn't eligible to be unlocked. I haven't had it for 12 months...it's so funny, as soon as I emailed you guys about how much trouble I was having and how I couldn't afford to pay my Boost phone bill anymore and how dangerous it was for a woman to be without a working phonea miracle happened: this little "unlock phone" icon popped up on my older ATT phone and as soon as I pressed it, low and behold, my phone was compatible with my new QLink SIM card!!!Now I've got a working phone with minutes and data like everybody else in the world. It just took a few weeks for me to figure it all out. Thank you, QLink!!!

4 years ago

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Roxanne LaValley Plattsburgh, NY

I love the service outside my home. Because the cell service where I live isn't good at all, it takes anywhere from 15 minutes to hours to get text or send one. Unless I am outside or driving I don't get any calls from family or friends. I do get weather alerts for severe weather. That works great and at times I get telemarketers calling my cell. But if I answer it the call drops due to my service here. If the cell tower was closer to where I live the service would be great. Love the size of the phone and love not having to pay for service because it sure saves me money since I am disabled with low income. I did send the info to my friend, but she said she was approved but didn't get her free phone. Not sure if her ex-landlord kept it when she was away from the home doing errands. She would love to get one where she lives now but not sure since they said she already recieved the phone. If you could help me to help her please send me the info so I can help someone that really could use a free cell and free service.

4 years ago

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Timothy Cunningham Louisville, KY

I just have a couple questions. 1.So I was just wandering I should be getting my free tablet here soon to shouldn't I that's what I was told by Q-link that when I do finally get upgraded to unlimited that is when I get my tablet. 2.i am really wanting to use my Q-link service (SIM CARD) in the new phone I've got witch I have already checked it is compatible and I have already had boost mobile unlock it for me that's all good but I can't just can't just put my sim card in it and it work I have been told that that Q-link has to do something I would have just called well I actually have a few times but they haven't been able to finish the process because I cant be using my service to finish but I don't have any other phone that I could use so if you could please see if you could help me with both of the questions I have thank you very much sincerely Timothy C

4 years ago

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J.Danielle Friedman Tucson, AZ

I've been a customer for almost 3 years...at first I was a lil discouraged about signal connection being very poor with the free phone plan. About a year ago I switched to bring yor oun phone when I recieved the unlimited everything with upgraded sim card kit. Now, I'm very happy with service. Most of the time my signal is strong nd my speed is fast. I plan on being a Qlink customer for many more years to come. Thank u so much Qlink!!!

4 years ago

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Christine Pieper Fond du Lac, WI

I can never get in touch with anyone. I am unable to talk, and your pre-printed answers usually don't have anything to do with what I want to ask. I am very bad with technology and sometimes I don't understand what the instructions are. I would like to know if you have phones with larger letters, but I don't see that question. It's a good company, and I think they are dong something good, I've just had so any frustrations with them.

4 years ago

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Cathrin Roman Belle Chasse, LA

i think the Nuu phone is a good phone as screen does not crack when you accidently drop it....and it allows me to take back cover off and see the battery. Some phones are disabling that feature which i wish they would let us have that freedom of choice. what i like least is that the phone is a bit slow but still functional. I think it is stuck in 4g.

4 years ago

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Deano Elkins Houston, TX

My personal experience with the services of Q-Link Wireless has been great. In the beginning I wasn't sure that the phone service would be on par with the more sophisticated carriers, I was proven wrong. Service overall, surfing the internet, text messaging, and receiving call all are comparable to the big carriers. Q-Link Wireless is...Amazing!!!

4 years ago

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Brent Jevne Houston, TX

Nice to have service there again very nice people to work with very prompt letting you know everything what’s going on day by day add only thing I wish I would’ve got is something like a hotspot because I kinda in a bad area where I don’t get the best of reception but that’s my own only our argument Twitter Q link is maybe a hotspot or Internet extender or something thank you

4 years ago

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Monica McFadden Chicago, IL

First & foremost, thank you for qualifying me for services! You are a God send! The only beef that I have with your services is the so called 4G UNLIMITED service. How can it be 4G and unlimited?! That is false advertisement! And when called to contest it you cancelled my membership! Shame on you! BUT like I stated before, I NEED you and do genuinely appreciate your services. Thank you

4 years ago

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The Wizard of Oz Houston, TX

The quality of their customer service has improved but still needs continued improvement. I did not give it five stars because of my past experience with Customer Service. Particularly the menu and options you’re given can sometimes confuse you and it’s almost like you find yourself getting caught in a maze only to find yourself back at the starting point and your questions are not answered and the problem is not resolved. Continue the upgrades and streamline the service process. It’s a win-win for everyone! Dwight M

4 years ago

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Billi Lynn Holt Rochester, NY

Im new. So glad to have this! Looking forward to being a new customer. I am relieved to have the opportunity to obtain free service with Q Link. I brought my own phone and phone number. I was also able to utilize my ACP for unlimited data. Although that could have been explained more thoroughly I was able to apply and understand how that works. Most of the reps were easy to talk to, but there were a few i could not understand what they were saying.

4 years ago Edited April 4, 2022

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Holly Ware Atlanta, GA

Great service plans and overall this service has been a blessing to me bc of the financial hardship we have gone through during the pandemic. Hard to communicate with customer service bc their English is terrible and we cannot understand one another well enough to get things completed when I have problems. Other than that. Everything about this company is Awesome, thanks for your service QLink.

4 years ago

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Bonnie Hoff San Francisco, CA

It was easy and pain free. For free service it works great! IM impressed with the signal strength , My paid phone service did not work as well as Q Link wireless service does. I'm grateful for the service offered to me through QLink Wireless. Great Job Guys keep up the good work. I tell everyone about My QLink Wireless Service and how much better it is than my old provider. Especially when they are telling about their current provider and how crapy the service is. . Thank You QLink Wireless.

4 years ago

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Theresa C

It is kind of hard to get to a customer service representative, once you do they take really good care of you. I recently lost my phone. I had a spare compatible device they are able to activate it and send a sim card promptly taking care of me and my situation. Not only did they save the day I saved money because I was able to bring another device. Way to go Qlink. Great service and great people. Thank you !!

4 years ago

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Bradly Wolkis Phoenix, AZ

Hello, I am new to Qlink. Although hoping for the best, I didn’t know what to except. You see, I had Safelink for many years and it it was nothing but problems and issues over & over, time & time again. I finally gave up on them and I’m so glad I did. Qlink has been nothing but simple, easy and never a problem. NEVER!! So anyone looking for this type of program would be wise to give Qlink a try. I believe you will not be disappointed. Thank You Qlink

4 years ago Edited March 2, 2022

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Sherri Graves Milwaukee, WI

Everything is good the only issue is they say no charge to upgrade to the new network but then tells me you need to purchase a new phone because mine will not work even though I replaced it only 2 years ago. I am on this program due to being low income so this is a hardship on people like me. But they do provide free services all of which are great.

4 years ago Edited March 8, 2022

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Becky Reeves Austin, TX

As far as service goes that's great, however my phone I paid for doesn't work. I have called to explain the problem & all I get is "well sorry you should of called before 30 days" I was surprised at this because the phone did not start acting up during that time. I can not make calls without it hanging up while I am talking, or it slow to respond to ring or I am not able to answer. I am financially not able to purchase a new phone so I get your refurbished ones.

4 years ago

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Harold Learned Chicago, IL

I have had qlink for several years now an not had really any issues...was even offered a tablet for free they say after receiving it they wanted 10.01 for something an it was not able to put a sim card in it couldnt get my. service really really slow with Wi-Fi and broke in a week cracking the screen what the code is hers I have received from you and got actually expected something a little bit better

4 years ago

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Just Ask Fred Moving helpers Fort Worth, TX

What I like best about Q Link is that it is free, and you can use your own phone. y ou also have the choice to keep your own number, or choose another one. They also offer other phones and extra data if you need it. the only difference to the extra things you want .....is that it's at a extremely low price. I would / am telling Q Link to a lot of people.

4 years ago

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Pamela Chapman Delaware, OH

Over all I've had good service. I have trouble with trying to do the instructions to activate new phones and other things like that. I'm embarrassed to call for tech support because I can't figure it out and that's on me. I've always be given the best service and help and the patience to hang with me to go through each and every step to get it done. So pass a special thank you to all of you that help me get my sanity back.

4 years ago

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Javier Cosme Clermont, FL

I'm very happy to have a phone that I don't have to pay for since I'm on a limited budget. I don't use it that much so it's good to have in case of an emergency phone that I am not committed to pain a monthly fee for. The only problem with this phone is that the network goes in and out and I often have trouble getting it back on the network when I need to make a phone call. I hope this is not the case if I should have an emergency and that's the part that worries me. Otherwise I'm very pleased to have this opportunity for free phone and not have a monthly bill.

4 years ago

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Lenora Jordan Atlanta, GA

I love Q Link's service. My complaint is with my cell phone purchase. I purchased the least expensive phone and the battery failed a few week after receiving it. The warranty didnt cover batteries and I couldn't find the correct model. In the mean time, due to financial hardship, I can't afford a new phone right away. Q Link extended my service.

4 years ago

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Nichole Fontana New Port Richey, FL

I like that I have phone service plan that is free cuz it's one less bill I have to stress over every month, so thank you for that! The thing I disliked about it was that I had to activate my service in another state cuz I was away so my friend shipped it to me in Georgia and I had the worst time trying to activate the phone to begin with & then when I finally did get it up and running the signal was awful all around!! 🤬

4 years ago

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Pamela Pinney Girard, PA

What I like best is the services I receive and how good they keep me updated on my plan, usage, etc. What I don't like is customer service, but the last few times its been better. Actually the last time I had to talk to someone it was the best experience i had with the anyone from Q-Link. I think it is harder than it should be to get signed up and approved for the government program. I had problems and I've had to help others seniors apply and it's always been the same.

4 years ago

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Mary Bowling Fairfield, OH

I had to buy a new phone in order to use the new sim card which didn't make me very happy. Every time I called customer service I would have a long wait and then end up getting disconnected when I tried using the sim card in my old phone. So I ended up paying $200 for a new phone from you guys after I had bought my old phone from you guys not that long ago maybe a year. Instructions for anything are never informative enough. I didn't receive any instructions for my new phone on how to use its features or anything.

4 years ago

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Vicki Dawson Spartanburg, SC

I was very upset bc it took 2 months for you to send my new sims card so I had no phone for months.I also ordered a tablet n it worked for two days n quit.I’d like to return it n get my money back or a tablet that works!!Other than that I’m very happy with my service n even better it’s free n helps a lot bc I’m disabled n don’t have a lot of money n not having a phone bill saves me a lot so that I can use it on my power bill since it’s been so cold n I have no heat I have to use propane.Thanks a lot for your help…

4 years ago

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Valerie Robinson Pittsburgh, PA

They have been patient with me and their service,but I have not been able to get the phone I purchased to work. I put the card in the phone tried to charge it that did not work. I need help!! Been in and out of the hospital several times. When I get home this time, I'm going to call and see if I can get this phone in working order.

4 years ago

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James Richards Las Vegas, NV

I love Q link . I would love to have a hotspot if they offer them or if can use personal one and and get a sim card like we do for our phones . Great connection I love the unlimited data and I'll get to use my own phone. Thank you again Q link.

4 years ago Edited April 5, 2022

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Stephanie Martindale Wichita, KS

The initial phone that is sent isn't worth a hoot. It's 3g and slow with little storage space. The Qlink tablet is about the same. Very slow to boot and to switch pages. If your lucky enough to have an extra 4g LTE phone then my all means use it with the free sim card they send you. I've had very little problems since I brought my own phone.

4 years ago

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Dolly - Darla - Sheets / Zimmerman Tacoma, WA

It seems to be a good provider & phone service is good. I don't like not having SIM card for tablet. Can't use tablet for internet or much of anything. Would like to see about getting hotspot to have internet wherever I go. I do not have internet at home.

4 years ago

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Cecil E Bracey San Antonio, TX

I'll get reception now that y'all added that clicks our cooks are having for say it it sure helps me to get my calls and my text messages I use it up as a backup phone for my doctors and stuff because sometimes I can't afford this with monthly premium it I lose it but yeah it does great thank you

4 years ago

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Paul Hernandez Houston, TX

The service is good only 1 problem, about the last week and a half left of the month my data seems to run out and I can't connect to the internet. In the past 4-5 months that has happened to me , but I could still call n text n get calls n texts so it has its ups n downs.

4 years ago

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VICKI REEVES Glendale, AZ

The only complaint I have about QLink is sometimes their customer service is terrible and am never able to get through unless you want o hold for over a hour. I love the phone and phone service I have. I appreciate that this type of thing is available because without it I wouldn't be able to afford a cell phone

4 years ago

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PM Sims Huntsville, AL

I just switched over to QLink and so far so good. I could not afford to pay a phone bill. A friend referred me to QLink which I appreciate. They had just switched over to QLink and gave me the information so I could do the same. Thank you so much.

4 years ago

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Jim Eaton Grand Blanc, MI

Everything seems to be easy enough to do, I have found prompts to do what had to be done, service is very good, phone is very easy to use. It is very good to help people with fixed income to make sure we stay connected to the people in our lives. Seems to be a very good service. Thank you.

4 years ago

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Regina Ayers Kennett, MO

The service has been good and the customer service is excellent. My only complaint would be with the quality of the phones. I have had to replace them often because they either stopped working or stopped charging. Finally I opted to bring my own phone and have had no problems. Qlink is a wonderful benefit and greatly appreciated.

4 years ago

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Linda Schwartz Curwensville, PA

It was a bit of a slow start getting going in the beginning & I'm still trying to learn the smart phone after just having a simple flip phone, but hopefully I'll be able to get into using it soon. The best thing about Q Link is the free service since I'm retired and on a limited income.

4 years ago

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Sarah Montgomery

My experience so far has been good. I’ve tried several different phone services, but I think QLink is the most successful one for me. My calls all go through. I get great reception. I don’t miss out on important calls anymore. The only thing I wish they had was a hotspot. I think otherwise it’s a great company.

4 years ago Edited April 4, 2022

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Walter Mruk West Warwick, RI

Hello there I'm getting used to the way the phone 📱 works and how to use the apps. I have excellent clear phone service when I use the phone and using the internet is very good... it's taking a while to get use to it ,at 71 but it's very good 🙂

4 years ago

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Paul Cassell Martinsville, VA

As a new customer of Qlink wireless, I have to say so far I have no problems with my phone or service, it was quick and easy to set it up. Mobile data is fast,no dropped calls with awesome reception in my area. I do and will continue to recommend Q link to all my friends and family.

4 years ago Edited March 15, 2022

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Kelly Wright IL

The only problem i had was when i upgraded sim to unlimited they made me change my phone number and i didn't want that n then finally they told me to give it 24 hours n then it should change back n it never did and i called multiple times.

4 years ago

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Paul Sperling

Well, i had gotten a sim card in the mail. Two weeks later i had gotten a tablet. Im late on my tablet payment and my service is still on. Thank you. However my tablet waß stolen and i do not have a phone to put my simcard in.

4 years ago Edited March 7, 2022

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Gocha demo from heaven Xxx Saint Johns, MI

It took me a while to figure out how to use it the SIM card and stuff but I've got it working and I thank you very much for allowing me to have a free government phone I've been without a cell phone for 2 years so this is great

4 years ago

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Teresa Wright Connally Memphis, TN

The phone that I paid for to get Qlink $20 wont keep a charge & it always will flip to the main screen while your trying to use the phone Half the time. Can’t get it to hang up half the time. Wasn’t worth $20. Other than that I can’t complain

4 years ago

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bobby weiss Manchester, KY

for the most part ive had good service from you guys ,but when you changed over to tmobile service provider i had bad reception for several months but now reception is much better. i am currently using the nuu A6L-G it has a few issues but has been fairly durable for the time ive had it.

4 years ago

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Randall CASWELL Philadelphia, PA

Cannot beat the price. I have service issues from my apartment. Not a problem our roof is covered with two layers of asphalt shingles with metal over them. We also have solar panels on roof it does not surprise me but we all have this problem here. Overall good service

4 years ago

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Patricia Caussade Bowie, MD

Your representatives are very courteous and will help you when needed. The reason that I said good and not great is because I bought a phone through you all and I am having problems with it. If I leave it alone for a time it will finally work itself right.

4 years ago