Tempo Telecom in District of Columbia — free Lifeline phone & plan
DC AT&T / T-Mobile Free smartphone 8 GB / mo
Tempo Telecom is one of the 19 Lifeline-approved wireless carriers operating in District of Columbia. The carrier — a service of Tempo Telecom LLC — has been a USAC-designated Eligible Telecommunications Carrier since 2011 and runs on the AT&T / T-Mobile cellular network. District of Columbia households that qualify for Lifeline by income or by participating in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing, or the Veterans Pension can sign up for $0/month service plus a free Android smartphone.
The Tempo Telecom District of Columbia Lifeline plan
District of Columbia Lifeline customers on Tempo Telecom get the carrier's standard nationwide plan: 8 GB of high-speed mobile data, unlimited domestic talk and text, and 2 GB of mobile hotspot. Calls and messages to U.S. numbers are included; international calling requires a paid add-on. Voicemail, 911, and basic call features are included at no cost.
The free smartphone shipped to District of Columbia applicants is described as: Free smartphone with enrollment. Devices are unlocked at the time they ship and pre-loaded with the carrier's account management app.
Eligibility — what District of Columbia households need to qualify
The District of Columbia Lifeline rules mirror the federal standard. You qualify if any of the following are true:
- Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines — currently $21,008 for one person and $43,680 for a family of four in District of Columbia.
- Anyone in your household participates in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
How to enroll in Tempo Telecom from District of Columbia
- Verify eligibility. Visit nv.fcc.gov/lifeline and complete the National Verifier application.
- Receive your Application ID. Approval is instant when your SNAP or Medicaid status is in a connected state database; otherwise expect a 5–10 business-day review of your uploaded documents.
- Sign up with Tempo Telecom. Go to https://www.tempotelecom.com or call 1-866-538-3960. Provide your Application ID and District of Columbia address.
- Pick a device. Choose a free Android phone or, if eligible, opt into a paid upgrade. BYOP (bring your own phone) is also supported with a AT&T / T-Mobile-compatible device.
- Activate & use. Your phone arrives pre-activated within 5–10 business days. Service starts on day one.
Compare with other District of Columbia Lifeline carriers
Tempo Telecom is one option among the 19 Lifeline carriers serving District of Columbia. Pricing is identical ($0/month after the federal subsidy), so the choice usually comes down to network coverage in your area, monthly data allowance, and the device the carrier ships. Compare side by side on the District of Columbia Lifeline page.
FAQ — Tempo Telecom in District of Columbia
Does Tempo Telecom operate in District of Columbia?
Yes. Tempo Telecom is a USAC-approved Lifeline carrier serving qualifying low-income households throughout District of Columbia. The carrier delivers service on the AT&T / T-Mobile network, with coverage matching AT&T / T-Mobile's footprint in District of Columbia.
What does the Tempo Telecom District of Columbia Lifeline plan include?
8 GB of monthly mobile data, unlimited talk and text, and 2 GB of mobile hotspot tethering — all for $0/month after the federal Lifeline credit is applied. New customers in District of Columbia also receive a free Android smartphone with enrollment.
How do I apply for Tempo Telecom in District of Columbia?
Apply at the federal National Verifier (nv.fcc.gov/lifeline), receive your Application ID, then enroll with Tempo Telecom at https://www.tempotelecom.com.
Will I get a free phone with Tempo Telecom in District of Columbia?
Yes — Tempo Telecom ships a free Android smartphone to approved District of Columbia households. Model availability varies by region and inventory.
For more on choosing the right Lifeline carrier, see our carrier selection guide and the broader eligibility overview.