Tempo Telecom in South Carolina — free Lifeline phone & plan
SC AT&T / T-Mobile Free smartphone 8 GB / mo
Tempo Telecom is one of the 18 Lifeline-approved wireless carriers operating in South Carolina. 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. South Carolina 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 South Carolina Lifeline plan
South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina households need to qualify
The South Carolina 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 South Carolina.
- 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 South Carolina
- 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina Lifeline carriers
Tempo Telecom is one option among the 18 Lifeline carriers serving South Carolina. 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 South Carolina Lifeline page.
FAQ — Tempo Telecom in South Carolina
Does Tempo Telecom operate in South Carolina?
Yes. Tempo Telecom is a USAC-approved Lifeline carrier serving qualifying low-income households throughout South Carolina. The carrier delivers service on the AT&T / T-Mobile network, with coverage matching AT&T / T-Mobile's footprint in South Carolina.
What does the Tempo Telecom South Carolina 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 South Carolina also receive a free Android smartphone with enrollment.
How do I apply for Tempo Telecom in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina?
Yes — Tempo Telecom ships a free Android smartphone to approved South Carolina 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.