The pandemic has changed our lives in every aspect. Due to the pandemic’s impact, many people have lost their jobs, businesses, and other income sources and now they are living below their normal living standard. Since the collapse of Coveid-19, millions of Americans are struggling to maintain their daily necessities. Even many Americans have trouble getting internet access for the cost. The federal government wants to ensure that no one is deprived of the internet due to this financial deterioration. To address these challenges, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a new program called EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) to connect low-income people to their virtual needs. This program is designed to facilitate households with discounts on their monthly internet bills who are struggling to pay the bills due to their income loss. So those households can continue their online work without any financial crisis. Like other internet providers, Qlink Wireless has joined this EBB program to help those households with free unlimited talk, text, and data. Surprisingly, Qlink also offers free tablets to qualified households under EBB program.
Qlink is a wireless telecommunication company and works as a Lifeline provider. Qlink wireless commits to helping those households who have been facing hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Its goal is to keep the customers connected as much as possible. In response to the recent situation, Qlink Wireless offers EBB to all eligible households. In this article, we will discuss the Qlink Wireless EBB program.
What is Qlink Wireless EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program?
Qlink Wireless is a popular Lifeline provider throughout the country. The company’s prepaid mobile service offers effective talk, text, and data plans. In addition to Lifeline, Qlink Wireless now offers EBB plans. After the FCC announced its EBB program, Qlink Wireless immediately joined with all its network support. FCC announced a fund of $3.2 to provide low-income households with affordable internet. Congress granted this fund as Covid-relief for the affected households.
Qlink Wireless will be continuing its discount offer to internet users. Eligible households get $50 per month as a subsidy to the monthly internet bill. Households from tribal lands can get extra benefits at $75 additionally, up to a $100 subsidy is available for the tablet computer that you can get from one of the specific models. In case your household suffers any income loss because of this pandemic, you can apply with documentation proving your situation. Through the National Verifier, the USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company) determines the eligibility of the applicant as a third party. It goes through the national servers and checks the information and documents an applicant provides. Then it determines whether the applicant is eligible or not. There are other terms that the FCC set as eligibility criteria. We will discuss them in this article further.
About Qlink Wireless
Qlink Wireless is an approved provider of the federal Lifeline Assistance program and provides both Lifeline and Emergency Broadband Benefits. This company is a pioneer in the telecommunication industry. It provides special offers to people who are struggling during pandemics with unlimited free data, talk, and text. Qlink Wireless offers free wireless phone service to qualifying Lifeline subscribers without a monthly bill, without a contract, or a credit check.
Qlink offers wireless service to over thirty states through the T-Mobile network. It distributes the network as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). The company is expanding rapidly in new areas. Qlink Wireless is now available in 48 states with the EBB program. Qlink Wireless is providing free smartphones of various brands such as Alcatel, Blackberry, HTC, Huawei, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, etc. Also Qlink Wireless expanded the EBB service to sixteen new states. Which are: Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, and Virginia. Here are specific 2 plan details:
QLink Wireless plans
- Up to unlimited minutes & texts
- Up to 4.5GB of high speed
QLink Wireless Unlimited Plan under the EBB program
- Free Android smartphones
- Unlimited minutes, texts, and data
- 10 GB Mobile Hotspot data each month
Benefits of Qlink Wireless EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program
Qlink offers free and discounted wireless services including unlimited talk, and text. The eligible households receive unlimited data, unlimited talk and text, unlimited picture messaging, voicemail, 3-way calling, access to 10 million free Wi-Fi locations, a free SIM card, and a new tablet, etc. To help them navigate these unprecedented times, eligible EBB customers can receive a one-time, non-transferable device discount. Getting a free device is available until the stocks appear.
New and existing customers can get this offer through the company’s website. Customers can contact the representative regarding the free device offers. With the emergency broadband benefit, customers have to co-pay $10.01 for the new tablet. Other benefits Qlink Wireless offers for the EBB households are:
- Free activation
- Ability to bring households own phone and number
- Nationwide coverage to access 3G LTE and 5G network
- Regular access to 911
- Wi-Fi is available at 10 million locations for free
- No contracts, no hidden fees.
Eligibility Criteria for Qlink EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program
Participation in government assistance programs may qualify you for the Qlink Wireless EBB program. Remember that only EBB-eligible customers can get the free devices. You will be considered eligible if you meet any of these program criteria:
- Federal Lifeline Program
- SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program)
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal public housing assistance
- Veterans survivor Pensions fund
- The income of the household is below 135%
- If a household member receives a free and reduced-price school lunch program
- Or is a Federal Pell Grant recipient in the current award year.
- If the household member suffered a substantial loss or was terminated on February 29, 2020. For a single filer, the household income in 2020 should be less than 99,000 dollars. Joint filers should have an income below 198,000 dollars.
Additionally, you must be at least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor to participate in the EBB.
The Application Process For The Qlink Wireless EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program
The application process is simple and easy. Just follow the steps below.
Check the eligibility terms
Before going through the main application process, you must meet the eligibility criteria to apply for this process. The National Verifier will check your information and documents and will let you know whether you are eligible for this program or not. This verification process is executed and done by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). There are common eligibility terms that Qlink Wireless follows. You will get your eligibility confirmation from the National Verifier within a few minutes.
Apply online
After getting confirmation of your eligibility Visit qlinkwireless.com/signup/g-6-717 for signing up. Next, you will need to fill out the online page with pieces of information. Besides the information, you must attach certain documents to claim your eligibility based on the criteria. Before going to the next step, make sure of the validity of each piece of information and then proceed to the further steps. Wait until getting approval, usually it takes 3 to 5 minutes for the verification and approval. After verification, you will be able to use Qlink services and receive Qlink EBB.
Documentation Required For Qlink Wireless EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program
FCC requires some documentation to prove your eligibility for the Qlink Wireless EBB Program. There are two types of documents you need to submit to demand the benefit as an eligible household. To prove your eligibility for the FCC, you must first prove your identity as an American. The documents you need are:
- If your eligibility is based on the government assistance program then you have to submit one of the related documents. Such as an approval letter, benefits verification letter, or benefits award letter.
- Social security number/Driver’s license/passport/ID/Taxpayer Identification Number (Individual) with name and date of birth.
- Documentation confirming your income status. Such as the prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement, unemployment statements.
Restrictions For Qlink Wireless EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program
To receive the Qlink Wireless EBB Program, there are still some restrictions.
- A new tablet is only available to EBB-eligible users.
- You must pay a $10.01 copay to receive the device.
- Within 30 days, you must pay.
- The FCC will not allow you to apply your co-pay of $10.01 toward company credits that you may have earned
- You cannot choose the tablet because the offer depends on product availability.
- Remember that, this is a limited time promotional offer
- Depending on the state and availability, the offer may vary
- It may take up to 6 or 8 weeks after placing the order to receive the device, time depends on availability and location.
- It is a one-time offer and not transferable.
In Which Areas Qlink Offers Free Tablets Under EBB Program ?
Customers of Qlink EBB can get free discounted tablets in any state in the USA. But the eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions vary from state to state. You have to sign up at qlinkwireless.com/signup/g-6-717 to receive a free tablet through the EBB program. Within a few minutes, you will get a notification about confirmation whether you are qualified or not. To know more details about EBB-related calls to the number 611 or 1 (855) 754- 6543 or contact customer support qlinkwireless.com/members/support.aspx to ask about tablet and EBB program related issues.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I get a new tablet from the Qlink Wireless EBB program?
After getting verified by the National Verifier and a successful enrollment, you can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase the device. Since it is a stock-based offer, Qlink Wireless can deliver the tablet based on the availability of the product.
How long does it take to get a Qlink Wireless EBB-free tablet?
According to Qlink Wireless, it’s just a matter of shipment time to get the free tablet. Once you finalize your enrollment and order, Qlink Wireless starts the shipping process immediately. It may take 6 to 8 weeks to get the tablet in your hand.
How long will the Qlink Wireless EBB last?
Qlink Wireless EBB is a limited-time program. Unlike the Lifeline program, EBB will last until the FCC fund ends. Besides, FCC will close it immediately after the health department lifts the emergency. But according to the plan, EBB will last for around six months.
Does QLink Wireless offer free Tablets?
Emergency Broadband Benefit EBB is a limited-time offer operated by the FCC. In addition to data, text, and calls, EBB customers also qualify for a new tablet as part of the device discount. Eligible customers are required to pay a $10.01 copay fee. The product depends on availability and FCC rules and updates.
Are there any extra bills required for the Qlink Wireless EBB program?
Qlink Wireless doesn’t require any contract. So, you don’t have to worry about any hassle as there is no mandatory contract. Qlink Wireless also doesn’t take any extra monthly bills or hidden fees. You will only have to pay the bill after adding the discount to your internet plan.
Final Words
It’s pathetic for any individual to struggle to arrange monthly internet bills for the household. Here EBB is like a blessing for those who have been thinking of government subsidies. Now if you are struggling with your income then don’t think twice to get the benefit. Here you better opt-in to the Qlink Wireless EBB program and take the hassle-free monthly discount on your internet bills. Besides, a free tablet is also available if you don’t have this gadget. The EBB with nationwide phone service makes Qlink Wireless one of the top internet providers right now. But since EBB is a limited-time offer, better hurry and enrolls today for the Qlink Wireless EBB program.