Tempo Telecom in North Dakota — free Lifeline phone & plan

ND AT&T / T-Mobile Free smartphone 8 GB / mo

Tempo Telecom is one of the 21 Lifeline-approved wireless carriers operating in North Dakota. 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. North Dakota 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 North Dakota Lifeline plan

North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota households need to qualify

The North Dakota 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 North Dakota.
• Anyone in your household participates in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
• You live on qualifying Tribal land in North Dakota and participate in BIA General Assistance, Tribal TANF, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or income-eligible Tribal Head Start. Enhanced benefit of up to $34.25/month available.

How to enroll in Tempo Telecom from North Dakota

1. Verify eligibility. Visit nv.fcc.gov/lifeline and complete the National Verifier application.
2. 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.
3. Sign up with Tempo Telecom. Go to https://www.tempotelecom.com or call 1-866-538-3960. Provide your Application ID and North Dakota address.
4. 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.
5. Activate & use. Your phone arrives pre-activated within 5–10 business days. Service starts on day one.

Compare with other North Dakota Lifeline carriers

Tempo Telecom is one option among the 21 Lifeline carriers serving North Dakota. 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 North Dakota Lifeline page.

FAQ — Tempo Telecom in North Dakota

For more on choosing the right Lifeline carrier, see our carrier selection guide and the broader eligibility overview.