In contemporary society, the possession of a mobile phone has emerged as the prevailing norm. As of the present moment, a significant portion of the population has embraced the use of smartphones, facilitated by the widespread availability of advanced technological devices. Beyond the realm of communication, these smartphones offer a myriad of functionalities, including internet browsing, high-quality photography and even online business transactions. However, despite their undeniable utility, a substantial number of these devices carry hefty price tags, rendering them unattainable for individuals with limited financial resources.
In response to this challenge, the United States government, through the auspices of the Life Assistance program, has introduced an initiative to provide free government phones. Among the notable providers participating in this endeavor is Assurance Wireless, which specializes in offering complimentary cellular devices to low-income individuals residing in the United States. Furthermore, this provider typically extends affordable or even no-cost cellular service plans to these individuals. The purpose of this article is to delve into the intricacies of Assurance Wireless Virgin Mobile, shedding light on various aspects surrounding the carrier’s services.
Do Virgin Mobile Phones Work With Assurance Wireless?
Certainly. It is important to note, however, that the only devices that are fully compatible with Assurance Wireless are certain retired Virgin Mobile PayLo phones, which are not smartphones in the traditional sense. As such, it is essential to research the various Virgin Mobile phone options available for purchase and verify their compatibility with this carrier prior to making a selection.
Some of the Virgin Mobile phones that have demonstrated good compatibility include the Virgin Mobile UMX, Kyocera Jax Virgin Mobile, LG Aspire LN280 RARE Virgin Mobile, and Alcatel OneTouch Retro. For an optimal customer experience, however, it is recommended to use phones that have been provided by Assurance Wireless directly.
Is Virgin Mobile USA Shutting Down?
Indeed. It is noteworthy that Sprint has formally announced its decision to discontinue operations for Virgin Mobile USA, effective from February 2nd. As a result, existing customers will be transferred to Boost Mobile. Through this strategic move, Virgin Mobile USA will revert ownership to its original founder, the Virgin Group. The Virgin Group is currently evaluating the viability of reintroducing a new iteration of Virgin Mobile in the United States.
Who Did Virgin Mobile Merge With?
Virgin Mobile has formally entered into a legally binding agreement with Vodafone for a period spanning five years, subsequent to its decision not to extend its existing contractual arrangement with BT. It is noteworthy that this agreement encompasses over 3 million mobile customers. The execution of this agreement signifies the conclusion of a two-decade-long business relationship between Virgin Mobile and BT-owned EE.
The aforementioned agreement was officially signed in the year 2019. It is anticipated that by the end of 2021, the transition of the 3 million customers to Vodafone’s network will be complete. However, the operator has disclosed that it will initially launch 5G services through Vodafone prior to the commencement of the customer transition.
Best Virgin Mobile Assurance Wireless Phones
1. Kyocera JAX Mobile
Notwithstanding its antiquated exterior design, this device boasts a range of classic features that are sure to impress users. Notably, it incorporates a 1.8-inch color display, complemented by a screen resolution of 128 × 160 pixels. Furthermore, it simplifies texting and general data input via its standby standard alphanumeric keyboard, which includes backlighting. Additionally, a web browser is pre-installed, enabling users to access the internet as desired.
Moreover, users can connect the handset to their preferred social networking sites, such as Facebook and YouTube. Its phone book permits the storage of up to 250 distinct entries, each with the capacity to hold up to five numbers.
Remarkably, this handset is particularly well-suited for seniors, as it is fully compatible with hearing aids. Its speakerphone is further enhanced by a dedicated function key, and a vibrate alert feature ensures that users do not miss calls, messages, or alarms. Regarding battery life, it provides up to 3.3 hours of talk time and up to 8.3 days of standby time.
- Advantages:
- Equipped with a backlit keypad.
- Affordably priced.
- Provides reasonable battery life.
- Hearing aid compatible.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited memory capacity.
- Lacks a touchscreen display.
2. LG Aspire LN280 Rare Assurance Wireless Virgin Mobile
This exceptionally crafted mobile phone is compatible with the Virgin Mobile network and offers an impressive array of features. Boasting a compact and fashionable design, this handset is ideally suited for those who value portability and style. The LG Aspire is equipped with a stunning 3.2 QVGA touch screen display, delivering exceptional clarity and responsiveness.
In terms of imaging capabilities, the device boasts a 2.0-megapixel camera, allowing users to capture delightful photographs. Additionally, it incorporates a QVGA camcorder, providing the ability to record videos with ease. The long-lasting 1540 mAh battery ensures up to 5 hours of talk time, enabling uninterrupted communication.
The LG Aspire comes equipped with a 512MB internal RAM and 256MB ROM, offering ample storage capacity. Moreover, it features a microSD card slot, supporting memory expansion up to 32GB, providing flexibility to store a multitude of files, media, and applications.
This remarkable device is GPS-enabled, enhancing location accuracy and navigation capabilities. It also includes a parental control feature, granting users the ability to set restrictions and safeguards on the phone’s usage, making it a suitable choice for families with children.
- Advantages:
- Equipped with a microSD card slot, allowing for expandable memory.
- Possesses a compact and elegant design, ensuring portability and style.
- Offered at an affordable price point, accessible to a broad range of consumers.
- Disadvantages:
- The camera’s capabilities are somewhat limited, resulting in less impressive photographs.
- The device is equipped with a relatively modest RAM capacity, potentially impacting performance.
3. ZTE QUEST N817 Assurance Wireless Virgin Mobile
By utilizing Virgin Mobile, individuals have the opportunity to take advantage of the exceptional features embedded within this mobile device. Possessing a precise weight of 134.0 grams, the aforementioned device was initially introduced to the market less than five years ago. If you are contemplating purchasing this device, it is essential to have a micro-sized SIM card to facilitate your calls.
This device showcases a 3.9-inch touch screen display, delivering a screen resolution of 480 × 800 pixels. Furthermore, it offers an internal memory capacity of 4GB, complemented by a micro SD slot, enabling the expansion of storage capacity. As a result, this device provides an ample amount of space to accommodate all your data requirements. The RAM size is approximately 512.0 MB. Additionally, it is equipped with a robust 1500 li-Ion battery. This device operates on the Android 4.4 KitKat operating system.
- Advantages:
- Offers a substantial memory capacity.
- Equipped with a micro SD slot for expandable storage.
- Provides a satisfactory display size.
- Relatively cost-effective to acquire.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited by a small RAM size.
4. Samsung Montage By Paylo Virgin Mobile Assurance Wireless
This device exemplifies a classic analog design while incorporating impressive modern features. Similar to the Kyocera Jax Mobile, this gadget is equipped with a 2.4-inch non-touchscreen display complemented by a well-spaced backlit keypad. Its design appeals to those who value simplicity. Additionally, a 2.0MP camera is integrated into the rear of the device, facilitating the capture of high-quality photographs. A camcorder is also included, enabling video recording capabilities. Furthermore, this device offers a range of additional features, including email, instant messaging, and web browsing.
Furthermore, the handset incorporates a slide-out keyboard, providing convenience for individuals who prefer physical keypads over touchscreen interfaces. Despite the presence of the slide-out keyboard, the device maintains a compact form factor, measuring precisely 4.6 × 2.1 × 0.6 inches. However, it is worth noting that this device is only available in a single color option, namely black. Lastly, additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity are also included.
- Advantages:
- Unique design
- Slide-out keyboard
- Reasonable display size
- Disadvantages:
- Limited color availability (black only)
5. Kyocera Kona S2151 By Virgin Mobile – Assurance Wireless
Equipped with a flip design, the aforementioned handset incorporates a 2.4-inch QVGA display and a screen resolution capability of 240 × 320 pixels. Additionally, it boasts a removable 870 mAh battery that facilitates a talk time of up to 6 hours and a standby time of up to 700 hours. The device includes a 480 MHz Qualcomm processor and a 128 MB, which ensures smooth operation and rapid response to commands. However, a potential drawback of this handset is its limited internal storage capacity of merely 256 GB. Its compact size and lightweight design, weighing only 105g, contribute to its portability. Moreover, the device offers the capability to capture memories through its integrated 2MP rear camera, which features a camcorder, night mode, and multi-shot capabilities.
- Advantages:
- Incorporates a visually appealing flip design
- Exceptionally lightweight
- Affordable acquisition cost
- Disadvantages:
- Significantly limited internal storage capacity
- Does not possess a microSD slot for memory expansion
6. UL40 Virgin Mobile Assurance Wireless
The battery life of a cellular telephone is a crucial factor when making a purchase decision. Virgin Mobile offers an exceptional cell phone with an impressive 1700 mAh battery. This battery provides a substantial talk time of up to 8 hours and a standby time of over 200 hours. Additionally, the device is equipped with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage, which cannot be expanded however. The 4-inch display is spacious and allows users to enjoy videos comfortably. The screen resolution of 480 × 800 pixels complements the display.
At only 120g, the handset is lightweight and portable. Additionally, it features a 3.5mm jack, enabling users to conveniently watch or listen to videos.
- Advantages:
- Ample display size
- Considerable battery life
- Lightweight and portable
- Disadvantages:
- No memory expandability
7. Samsung Entro SPH M270
If you seek a basic yet highly functional mobile phone, Virgin Mobile offers an ideal solution. This device is equipped with well-spaced keypads, which are illuminated to ensure accurate data entry. Additionally, its display measures approximately 1.7 inches and boasts a screen resolution of 128 × 160 pixels.
Furthermore, the portability of this device is enhanced by its lightweight design, weighing only 99.20 grams. It also incorporates a 750 mAh Li-ion battery, providing up to four hours of talk time and an impressive standby time of up to 480 hours.
- Advantages:
- Extended battery life
- Highly portable
- Well-lit keypads
- Disadvantages:
- Limited internal memory capacity
8. Virgin Mobile UMX
In contrast to the other gadgets mentioned in this list, this particular device demonstrates a highly advanced camera. Consequently, if you are an avid photographer, this is a device that you should consider trying. To be more specific, this handset is equipped with a powerful 3MP rear camera. In addition to its exceptional camera, it also boasts a robust 1100 mAh lithium-ion battery. It also features a large 3.2-inch display, which is complemented by a screen resolution of 320 x 240 pixels.
Furthermore, this handset operates on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and has an internal memory capacity of 158MB. Last but not least, the aforementioned handset comes with a built-in 600 MHz processor, which facilitates its smooth operation.
- Advantages
- Equipped with a substantial battery size
- Showcases a large 3.2 display size
- Disadvantages
- Possesses a limited internal memory capacity
FAQ
Is Virgin Mobile CDMA or GSM?
Given that Virgin Mobile operates on the Sprint network, which utilizes Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology, it is accurate to state that Virgin Mobile employs CDMA technology. In essence, Virgin Mobile is a CDMA carrier.
How good is Virgin Mobile coverage?
The coverage provided by Virgin Mobile is typically outstanding, due to its utilization of EE’s infrastructure. In terms of 2G connectivity, the carrier boasts an impressive 99% coverage rate. Furthermore, it offers 98% coverage for 3G and surpasses 99% coverage for 4G, demonstrating its extensive network reach.
What network is Virgin Mobile on in the USA?
Virgin Mobile utilizes Sprint’s extensive network infrastructure within the United States. Consequently, this network offers a high level of reliability and encompasses approximately 29% of the country.
Can I use a Sprint phone on Virgin Mobile?
If you are in possession of a Sprint phone, you will be able to utilize a SIM card from Virgin Mobile, as it operates on the same network infrastructure.
Can I use a Boost Mobile phone on Virgin Mobile Network?
Certainly. Boost Mobile will now transition you to a plan that is comparable to your existing Virgin Mobile plan, or potentially an enhanced plan without incurring any additional charges. Furthermore, you possess the flexibility to switch to an alternative Boost Mobile plan at any time, as per your preference. However, it is important to note that if you choose to do so, you will be required to pay the standard price for the selected plan.
Is Virgin Mobile any good?
Commencing with an analysis of Virgin’s monthly contract fees, it becomes evident that they are generally quite reasonable when compared to other mobile networks. As such, individuals who are comfortable with making an upfront payment will find these plans to be advantageous. It is noteworthy that the majority of these plans include unlimited text and voice minutes, while also offering additional benefits and perks that have the potential to generate long-term cost savings.
Which network does Assurance Wireless use?
Assurance Wireless customarily utilizes Sprint’s countrywide network infrastructure to provision its services to its entire customer base. In recent times, Sprint has undergone a merger with T-Mobile.
How many states does Assurance Wireless cover?
The aforementioned carrier is a significant Lifeline service provider, furnishing gratuitous governmental telephone service in excess of forty-five states.
Final Thoughts
Owning a phone should not be impeded by one’s low-income household status. After all, maintaining communication with friends and loved ones is essential. Additionally, having access to a phone enables individuals to reach out to professionals in the event of emergencies at home or at work. Assurance Wireless offers a solution by providing government phones to eligible individuals.
Virgin Mobile phones are among the most suitable devices for this purpose. As these devices utilize the Assurance Wireless cell phone provider, individuals can be assured that their budget will not be strained with regard to talk time, text messages, and even data. Considering these devices is recommended, as they offer numerous benefits.