Can I Switch from SafeLink to Assurance Wireless? Find the Answer Here!
SafeLink and Assurance Wireless are among the best carriers for low-income individuals. They offer affordable phones and service plans that let you browse the internet from the comfort of your home or anywhere you are.
You may be wondering: “Can I switch from SafeLink to Assurance Wireless?” The short answer is yes. Still, there are a few details you may want to keep in mind before making the switch.
If you want to switch from SafeLink to Assurance Wireless, keep reading!
Is SafeLink the Same as Assurance Wireless?
Even though both carriers seem to provide similar benefits to people, they’re not the same thing. Assurance Wireless is best for people looking for free phones and services. On the other hand, we have SafeLink, which also offers phone services to people enrolled in government assistance programs.
The main difference is that SafeLink tends to offer fewer benefits for low-income individuals than Assurance. You may make your switch based on your area’s coverage and network quality.
Which Is Better: SafeLink or Assurance Wireless?
It depends on what your goals are. Typically, Assurance Wireless is better because it can give you a free government phone, excellent coverage, and plenty of minutes to use.
SafeLink offers some of these free benefits too, but there are some drawbacks you should be aware of:
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SafeLink only allows one account per household.
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The basic plan only gives you 68 minutes of free air time each month.
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There are a few options for more data, texting, and minutes, but they come at an extra fee.
Benefits of Switching to Assurance Wireless from SafeLink
There are plenty of benefits to enjoy from Assurance Wireless. Feel free to evaluate each one to see if making the switch is worth it:
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You could get better network coverage in your area.
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You may save money on phone plans and promotional offers.
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The company gives eligible people new smartphones and phone plans.
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There are a few ways to apply to the carrier’s free phone program.
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You can expect great customer service from the team.
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Many devices are compatible with this carrier. If you want to switch, Assurance offers a wide list of new phones.
Steps to Switch from SafeLink to Assurance Wireless
Here’s what you need to do to switch from SafeLink to Assurance Wireless:
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Evaluate all the plans offered by Assurance Wireless. Choose the best one for your needs.
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Check if the carrier’s coverage in your area is good.
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Take the cover of the battery from your SafeLink phone and remove it.
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Remove the phone’s SIM card.
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Enter the SIM card into your Assurance Wireless phone.
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Activate your account. To do this, restart your phone, and it will start connecting to the Assurance Wireless network and checking for updates.
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Once you’re finished with the setup, dial 611 and follow the instructions.
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Enter the PIN given by Assurance Wireless. You can find it on the approval letter’s top side.
If you want to ensure you’re keeping all your benefits when switching, call an Assurance Wireless representative to get help.
Keeping Your Phone Number
You may be able to port your existing number when switching to Assurance Wireless. Feel free to call one of the carrier’s agents and tell them you want to port your number.
They’ll guide you through all the steps to achieve this. Keep in mind that porting your number doesn’t mean that you’ll keep the same benefits you had with your SafeLink plan.
Costs and Fees Associated with Switching
There are not any early termination fees with SafeLink, as the programs it offers get renewed every month.
Assurance Wireless, on the other hand, doesn’t ask for annual contracts or activation fees. All you have to do is apply to the program, and if you’re eligible, you’re good to go.
The carrier offers free cell phones and free service for those who qualify. Technically, you don’t have to pay for anything.
Currently, Assurance Wireless has two plans. The Lifeline and ACP Unlimited plan offers unlimited voice minutes, text, and data. It also gives you 10GB of mobile hotspot data.
On the other hand, we have the Lifeline-only plan, which includes unlimited texts, voice minutes, and about 4.5GB of data.
There are other low-cost plans you can choose from if you’re not eligible for these plans. You may find many of them at under $30 a month.
Potential Impact on Phone Plan and Data Usage
The best way to know if your switch is worth it is to evaluate your current plan and data usage. Thanks to Assurance Wireless and its unlimited data benefits, you won’t have to worry about that part too much.
Something important to note is that you may not get such high internet speeds after you use more than 35GB in a month. If you don’t apply for any government assistance program, you’ll have to pay for extras.
Duration of the Switching Process
The process to switch from one carrier to another may not take more than a day, especially if you’re working with a specialist from Assurance Wireless.
You may have to wait longer if there are any issues with your account like debt or suspicious activity reports.
Differences in Coverage and Network Quality
SafeLink seems to have better coverage since it works with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Assurance, on the other hand, only runs on T-Mobile.
Despite that difference, both carriers have huge coverage areas and reliable network quality at all times.
Customer Service and Technical Support
Both SafeLink and Assurance Wireless offer responsive support services to clients. In the case of Assurance Wireless, you can dial 661 from your phone or call customer care directly at 1-888-321-5880.
SafeLink, on the other hand, allows you to call the team at 1-800-378-1684. Toll-free calls made from your phone aren’t free, though. The team encourages people to call from a landline.
Device Compatibility
You can go to Assurance Wireless’s website and enter your IMEI number to see if the phone is compatible with it. If it is, you can order your SIM card, install it, and start enjoying the service.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to switch, Assurance Wireless has a shop with many interesting options, including Apple, Alcatel, Motorola, and Wingtech devices. You can also go to Amazon and other similar sites and look for compatible devices.
If you’re going for the “Free” phones, Assurance offers options like:
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Moto G Pure
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Alcatel Dawn
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Coolpad Illumina
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Kyocera Hydro Reach
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ZTE Quest
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And more
Contract Considerations
SafeLink doesn’t have any contracts, so you don’t have to worry about early termination fees. As for Assurance Wireless, all you have to do is follow the company’s Terms and Conditions and purchase the plan you like the most.
Comparing Pricing and Data Plans
If you apply through Lifeline and ACP programs, you’ll get your phone plans for free. Even if you want to purchase upgrades, they’re affordable:
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500MB - $15
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1GB - $20
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4GB - $30
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10GB - $45
SafeLink offers similar benefits by giving people free phone plans if they qualify through Lifeline and ACP. You may also go for prepaid plans that range from $15 to $39 per month.
Conclusion
Assurance Wireless is a carrier that offers plenty of benefits, especially to those with budget limitations.
If you’re looking to switch to Assurance Wireless, make sure to do proper research, find the perfect plan, and start your application process.
In the best-case scenario, you could even get a free phone!