Tempo Telecom in Minnesota — free Lifeline phone & plan
MN AT&T / T-Mobile Free smartphone 8 GB / mo
Tempo Telecom is one of the 19 Lifeline-approved wireless carriers operating in Minnesota. 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. Minnesota 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 Minnesota Lifeline plan
Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota households need to qualify
The Minnesota 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 Minnesota.
- 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 Minnesota
- 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota Lifeline carriers
Tempo Telecom is one option among the 19 Lifeline carriers serving Minnesota. 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 Minnesota Lifeline page.
FAQ — Tempo Telecom in Minnesota
Does Tempo Telecom operate in Minnesota?
Yes. Tempo Telecom is a USAC-approved Lifeline carrier serving qualifying low-income households throughout Minnesota. The carrier delivers service on the AT&T / T-Mobile network, with coverage matching AT&T / T-Mobile's footprint in Minnesota.
What does the Tempo Telecom Minnesota 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 Minnesota also receive a free Android smartphone with enrollment.
How do I apply for Tempo Telecom in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
Yes — Tempo Telecom ships a free Android smartphone to approved Minnesota 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.