Low-income residents in California may qualify for free smartphones and mobile service through the California LifeLine program. Despite its benefits, many Korean residents remain unaware of the Life Wireless option, a government-supported plan under this program.
Eligibility and Required Documents
According to Sean Jung, CEO of DNC International, an official agent of Life Wireless, California residents aged 18 or older with an annual income of $32,500 or less are eligible.
Free Phones with Updated Models
“There is a common misconception that free phones are low quality,” Jung said. “However, the devices provided are Android smartphones manufactured by government-contracted companies, and models are updated regularly.”
Service Features: Calls, Texts, and Data
The Life Wireless plan includes unlimited calls and texts, along with up to 6GB of mobile data per month. This data allowance is enough to stream about 14 hours of YouTube videos.
The plan also includes unlimited international calls to 20 countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Australia, Cambodia, and Israel. An additional 60 countries receive up to 80 free minutes per month.
Reliable Network and Extra Benefits
The service uses Verizon and T-Mobile networks, ensuring stable coverage and speed.
“Major carriers allocate part of their bandwidth to government programs, which makes this possible,” Jung explained.
In addition, if the phone is lost or damaged, users can receive a replacement device at no extra cost. “Unlike regular phones that come with expensive repair fees, Life Wireless offers a free replacement without requiring users to cover the damage,” Jung said.
Funded by Federal and State Sources
Program funding comes from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and government budgets. Jung noted that part of the monthly fees paid by regular mobile users also supports the FCC fund.
Application Process and Expert Help
Although residents can apply directly at californialifeline.com/en, Jung recommends applying through official agents like DNC International due to the complexity of the application and document submission process.
“It’s possible to apply online,” he said, “but using a certified agent is usually the safest and most efficient way.”
▶ Contact: (213) 640-1651
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
