What Phones Can I Use for Assurance Wireless?

Assurance Wireless is a federal Lifeline Assistance program that provides free or low-cost cell phone service to eligible low-income households. The program offers a free Android smartphone to qualified customers, but if you already have a phone, you may wonder if it’s compatible with Assurance Wireless. In this article, we’ll explore what phones you can use for Assurance Wireless.

1. Assurance Wireless Compatible Phones

Assurance Wireless offers a limited selection of phones that are compatible with its network. The company provides a free Android smartphone to eligible customers, but you can also use your own device if it meets certain requirements.

To be eligible for use with Assurance Wireless, your phone must be a CDMA device that operates on Sprint’s network. Additionally, your phone must be unlocked and not currently active on another Sprint-based network. If your device meets these requirements, you can activate it with Assurance Wireless by purchasing a SIM card from the company.

2. CDMA vs. GSM

Before we dive into the types of phones that are compatible with Assurance Wireless, it’s important to understand the difference between CDMA and GSM networks.

CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) are two different types of cellular networks. CDMA is used by Verizon and Sprint in the United States, while GSM is used by AT&T and T-Mobile.

The main difference between the two networks is how they handle data. CDMA uses a spread-spectrum technique that allows multiple users to share the same frequency band simultaneously. GSM, on the other hand, uses time-division multiplexing to divide the frequency band into time slots, allowing multiple users to share the same frequency band sequentially.

3. Assurance Wireless Compatible Android Phones

Assurance Wireless offers a limited selection of Android smartphones that are compatible with its network. The company provides a free smartphone to eligible customers, but you can also purchase a device from Assurance Wireless if you prefer.

Some of the Android phones that are compatible with Assurance Wireless include the Samsung Galaxy J3 Achieve, LG Tribute Empire, and Coolpad Illumina. These devices offer basic features and functionality, such as a touchscreen display, camera, and internet access.

If you already have an Android smartphone that meets the requirements for Assurance Wireless, you can activate it with the company by purchasing a SIM card. Keep in mind that not all Android devices are compatible with Assurance Wireless, so be sure to check with the company before purchasing a new phone.

4. Assurance Wireless Compatible iPhones

Assurance Wireless does not currently offer any iPhones that are compatible with its network. This is because iPhones use GSM technology, which is not compatible with Assurance Wireless’ CDMA network.

If you have an iPhone that you’d like to use with Assurance Wireless, you may be able to unlock it and switch to a CDMA carrier. However, this process can be complicated and may not be worth the effort for most users.

Conclusion

Assurance Wireless offers a limited selection of phones that are compatible with its network. The company provides a free Android smartphone to eligible customers, but you can also use your own device if it meets certain requirements. To be eligible for use with Assurance Wireless, your phone must be a CDMA device that operates on Sprint’s network and must be unlocked and not currently active on another Sprint-based network. If you’re unsure whether your phone is compatible with Assurance Wireless, be sure to check with the company before purchasing a new device.