For those in need of a reliable yet affordable wireless provider, Assurance Wireless has become a top option, especially for individuals who qualify for government assistance and truly need it. But while the service may seem like a steal, there are some pros and consโyou should consider before diving in. In this Assurance Wireless review, weโll take a look at the most important things that subscribers say about the service and explore the common complaints so that you can figure out if you’d be better off with a different provider.
What is Assurance Wireless?
Assurance Wireless is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that provides free and discounted wireless service to eligible customers in the United States. The service is part of the Lifeline Assistance Program, which the government established to afford low-income individuals access to discounted or no-cost phone service. Itโs notorious for lackluster phone lineups and the promise of affordable plans, but is it a reliable option for those who use it as their daily driver?
How Does Assurance Wireless Work?
Assurance Wireless operates on T-Mobileโsโnetwork, so the quality of service and coverage ought to be comparable to T-Mobileโs, in most cases. The Lifelineโprogram is available to subscribers with income at or below certain levels or who are receiving governmental assistance. Users get free minutes, texts, and data depending on their location and plan when they are deemed eligible.
The main use of Assurance Wireless, however, is its Lifeline program, which allows low-income consumers to stay connected without getting stuck with a costly phone bill. But as many users have noted, the phones provided through Assurance Wireless are often subpar, featuring outdated or underpowered models. If you want to use a better phone, you can bring your unlocked device (BYOD) and just swap out the SIM card. For many, this kind of capability has been a game changer.
Assurance Wireless Phones: Are They Good?
Assurance Wireless is famous for their basic cell phones, which pisses some people off. The phones are commonly derided as โcheapโ or โjunk,โ with few features and poor performance. A lot of folks have complained about screen quality, battery life, and slow software. But thereโs a loophole for those who donโt like the free phones.
Assurance Wireless BYOD: Bring Your Device
Assurance Wireless is BYOD – bring your device, and the company doesn’t restrict the kind of phone you decide to use. Which means you can purchase an unlocked unit and swap the SIM card from your Assurance Wireless device. Itโs not exactly a cakewalk, but the changes can make a world of difference in your relationship to the service. Youโll get better performance and more control of your device by using your unlocked phone.
Customer Complaints Regarding Assurance Wireless
Thatโs not to say itโs all roses and daisies with Assurance Wireless, despite the affordability. Many customers have complained to the service of their experience with the company. Some common issues include:
Bad Customer Service
A few customers said that they had a hard time getting through to customer service when they needed assistance. With automated phone systems and an endless wait to speak to an actual person, it can be a frustrating experience.
Limited Data and Speed
Assurance Wireless can offer relatively low amounts of data, and many customers have found their data speeds to be slow. When you run out of your data allotment, it can also be challenging to get more data or to investigate the problem.
Website and Account Issues
The big thing that most people have issues with is the website. Many of the users say they have trouble accessing their accounts or managing services online. This can make it tough to monitor your data use or make changes to your account.
Phones Eat Through Data Fast
A few users mentioned running out of data too quickly, especially when they donโt have access to a Wi-Fi network. Itโs been especially hard for those using free Assurance Wireless phones.
One Reddit user said, “I haven’t had it for a month, and the website never works.” “I can’t even get to my account.” This phone was the only way for me to get help because I don’t have a place to live.
Assurance Wireless vs. Other MVNOs
Many wonder, is Assurance Wireless a good replacement service for a paid service like Mint or Metro? Lots of users who used Mint or Metro previously as them for their moms or whoever, have said Assurance Wireless is just as good as the major carriers’ service when using your phone.
But if youโre worried about call quality or being dropped in a dead zone without data, then you might want to think twice. Services like Life Wireless, which runs on AT&Tโs network, or Safelink Wireless, which uses Verizonโs network, have similar benefits but slightly different coverage. Life Wireless, for example, charges a nominal processing fee for a free phone, but has been praised for more valuable service overall, including priority data on AT&T.
Assurance Wireless Reviews on BBB and Quora
There are mixed reviews of Assurance Wireless online. On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), numerous customers posted their frustration with the companyโs customer service and the quality of their phones. On the downside, there are good reviews too, which commend the price and easy availability of the service.
In one forum on Quora, a diverse set of contributors agree, saying they have found that the service works well for someone who needs relatively simple mobile coverage. Certain users suggest using Assurance Wireless as a secondary line or for elderly family members who donโt require much data or advanced features.
Is It Worth Switching To Assurance Wireless?
So, is Assurance Wireless a good alternative to a paid plan like Mint or Metro? It depends on your needs. If saving money is your main concern and you donโt require a fancy phone, then Assurance Wireless makes for a good option, especially if you qualify for Lifeline assistance.
But if you want faster data speeds, more attentive customer service, and a wider selection of the newest phones, weโd like to direct you toward Big Yellow, Small Red, or the Uncarrier. That might yield better coverage, reliability, or a phone selection versus providers like Mint, Metro, or Life Wireless. If youโre teetering on the fence about the quality of these phones, remember that you can always buy an unlocked phone and use Assurance Wireless with it for allegedly better performance.
Assurance Wireless Alternatives
If Assurance Wireless doesn’t make the cut, there are several other budget-friendly MVNOs to consider. Here are some of the most popular options:
SafeLink Wireless
Provides free service through the Lifeline program with Verizonโs network.
Life Wireless
Offers inexpensive plans with AT&Tโs network.
ReachOut Wireless
Another possibility for low-income individuals, providing very basic coverage over T-Mobileโs network.
These options come with largely the same coverage and price point, though each has its perks depending on where you live and the amount of coverage you need.
Network Reliability and Coverage
Assurance Wireless is only as good as the network it operates on โ and it operates on T-Mobileโs network, so just how good it is depends on T-Mobileโs network quality and performance. For some customers, this amounts to solid 4G and 5G coverage in large urban areas, but for others, particularly in rural areas, it could result in quite a lot less. The network improves every day, and we have read some recent Assurance Wireless reviews which note improvements in the quality of wireless phone signals; however, location-based will once again dictate the quality.
In deciding whether Assurance Wireless could replace a paid service, such as Mint Mobile or Metro, it all depends on the coverage in your area. For example, in places with good T-Mobile coverage, Assurance Wireless is a good option, while those in places with poor coverage might not have a great experience.
Data and Call Quality
Assurance Wireless reviews often have people complaining about their data caps and poor quality of calls. Many users have struggled with frustrating data throttling, particularly after exceeding their monthly data allowance. Although the service boasts unlimited data usage, after you go over a certain amount of data usage, the speeds can be reduced massively. The complaints about the data not working on Assurance Wireless are often about users using the phone provided to them by the provider, and not using the BYOD option.
When you make the move to an unlocked phone, the difference will be night and day, especially when it comes to data speeds and call quality. The Assurance Wireless phone number isnโt always cooperative when trying to troubleshoot a network problem, and that can make things even worse. Yet using your brand phone unlocked is a great solution to many of these issues, and will give you the experience you deserve with improved usability and speed.
Customer Service: A Complaint Weโre All Hearing Too Often
Itโs customer service where Assurance Wireless falls behind other providers. Assurance Wireless reviews on the BBB and Consumer Affairs are filled with complaints about unresponsive and unattainable customer service. Most customers are unable to contact any rep who can resolve their issue at all, especially when it has to do with billing or service.
But one good thing is that Assurance Wireless is easy to manage online. However, Assurance Wireless complaints have often included that the website is impossible to navigate, often wonโt load, or wonโt show your account details. Several users have also experienced problems where their online profiles donโt reflect their real data usage or remaining balance, only adding to the complexity.
If you are new to using Assurance Wireless, then read on because customer service will try your patience. Some are absorbing other lifeline services such as SafeLink Wireless and Life Wireless, which offer more responsive customer service and support.
The Assurance Wireless Phone Quality
One of the main complaints of the majority of Assurance Wireless customers is the fact that they are not satisfied with their device at all. These are typically low-end models that canโt hold a candle to midrange or flagship phones offered by other carriers. As several Assurance Wireless reviews have mentioned, the phones are a bit slow, have lousy battery life, and often come with a significant amount of pre-installed bloatware that you canโt uninstall.
But that doesnโt mean you are going to be on the hook for a subpar device. The BYOD route is one of the best ways to achieve this. Upgrading to an unlocked phone enables you to avoid free phones offered from Assurance Wireless, as well as more powerful and faster handsets.
When youโre selecting a phone to use with Assurance Wireless, be sure itโs compatible with T-Mobileโs network, as this network runs on GSM technology. If unsure, you can look up compatibility lists online or use T-Mobile’s compatibility checker. A lot of people notice a significant improvement in their user experience when using the phone unlocked, especially in terms of data speed and call quality.
Assurance Wireless and Lawsuits and Legal Questions / Issues
Historically, Assurance Wireless has been surrounded by legal trouble and Assurance Wireless lawsuits for customer complaints around their service and products. Most of these complaints have related to sub-standard service, deceptive billing, and communications about data usage. While none of those problems are exclusive to Assurance, they are worth keeping in mind when picking a provider.
That said, the company has taken some steps to deal with some of these issues over the years, particularly making it easier for consumers to transfer their SIMs to new phones. If you are considering Assurance Wireless, youโll want to take a look at these previous Assurance Wireless reviews and complaints to get the full story and perspective of previous customers.
SafeLink Wireless vs. Assurance Wireless: Whose Plan is Better?
If youโre comparing Assurance Wireless vs. SafeLink Wireless, you need to factor in which network coverage will be the best for you. In general, SafeLink Wireless users are more satisfied with Verizonโs network overall (since T-Mobileโs network does not cover a lot of rural areas). And itโs true that in general, SafeLink Wireless customers report higher call quality and data speeds, particularly if they have their device.
Both are part of the governmentโs Lifeline Assistance Program, so the plans are rather similar in cost and offerings. But SafeLink Wireless offers more flexible plans that may be a better fit for those who need solid service. If you live in a location with excellent Verizon coverage, SafeLink Wireless could be a better choice.
Is Assurance Wireless a Good Value?
Looking at the value offered by Assurance Wireless, if youโre a low-income individual who can afford only the no-frills option, the service is not a bad deal. The service is free or super cheap for eligible users, so it is a great deal for those who meet that criteria. But there are concessions to contend with, like bad phones and not-so-great service.
The biggest advantage of Assurance Wireless is that it offers inexpensive connectivity without the need for a contract or for the payment of high monthly fees. The service is adequate for the most basic calling, texting, and light data usage. But if youโre the type of user who wants a better phone, better customer service, and better data speeds, switching to a paid MVNO like Mint or Metro may be a better value in the long run.
Conclusion
So, in summary, you have a very inexpensive government-assisted cellular service in the form of Assurance Wireless. The service is great for anyone who wants basic communication without the requirements for a fancy phone or fancy features. But stringing customers along with gimped phones, slow data speeds, and overpriced data plans while customer service flounders are things you should take into account as well.
If youโre willing to spend more on a device for better service, you might still get a great deal from Assurance Wireless, particularly if you have reliable T-Mobile service where youโre located. You could look into other MVNOs with better coverage and customer service, like SafeLink Wireless, Life Wireless, or another MVNO that offers faster data, better phones, and better customer service.
You can decide if Assurance Wireless is the best choice for your phone needs after thinking about its pros and cons.
