Excellus Wireless in Illinois — free Lifeline phone & plan
IL T-Mobile Free smartphone 8 GB / mo
Excellus Wireless is one of the 20 Lifeline-approved wireless carriers operating in Illinois. The carrier — a service of Excellus Communications — has been a USAC-designated Eligible Telecommunications Carrier since 2016 and runs on the T-Mobile cellular network. Illinois 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 Excellus Wireless Illinois Lifeline plan
Illinois Lifeline customers on Excellus Wireless 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 Illinois applicants is described as: Free smartphone with sign-up. Devices are unlocked at the time they ship and pre-loaded with the carrier's account management app.
Eligibility — what Illinois households need to qualify
The Illinois 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 Illinois.
- Anyone in your household participates in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
How to enroll in Excellus Wireless from Illinois
- 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 Excellus Wireless. Go to https://www.excellus-wireless.com or call 1-888-693-5588. Provide your Application ID and Illinois 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 T-Mobile-compatible device.
- Activate & use. Your phone arrives pre-activated within 5–10 business days. Service starts on day one.
Compare with other Illinois Lifeline carriers
Excellus Wireless is one option among the 20 Lifeline carriers serving Illinois. 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 Illinois Lifeline page.
FAQ — Excellus Wireless in Illinois
Does Excellus Wireless operate in Illinois?
Yes. Excellus Wireless is a USAC-approved Lifeline carrier serving qualifying low-income households throughout Illinois. The carrier delivers service on the T-Mobile network, with coverage matching T-Mobile's footprint in Illinois.
What does the Excellus Wireless Illinois 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 Illinois also receive a free Android smartphone with enrollment.
How do I apply for Excellus Wireless in Illinois?
Apply at the federal National Verifier (nv.fcc.gov/lifeline), receive your Application ID, then enroll with Excellus Wireless at https://www.excellus-wireless.com.
Will I get a free phone with Excellus Wireless in Illinois?
Yes — Excellus Wireless ships a free Android smartphone to approved Illinois 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.