Assurance Wireless Virgin Mobile Zip code aproved for my service area, was qualified, sent a cell phone. No coverage area here by Sprint. Parisppany Internet & New Jersey
Hundreds of applications from Assurance Wireless were sent here in Mt. Shasta, Ca and also Weed, CA. Went online to Assurance Wireless and entered my zip code (96067 and Weed's 96094). Next page said yes service was in my area and in Weed. I proceeded to fill out the application online. I was given a code and pin # to use for CA Lifeline.
Qualified by Lifeline. Received phone from Assurance. One major problem. They use Sprint and we have no Sprint coverage here. Tried and tried and tried to get through to a live person with no luck. Called Virgin Mobile (Parent comapny) told them of my troubles and was connected to a live person with Assurance.
After 20 minutes of the person not grasping that I was sent a phone with Sprint coverage and we do not have Sprint coverage, I asked her to go to Sprint.com, type in my zip code, which she did. Oh my, no coverage. I told her that it is fraud to say I qualify and are in a service area and then send me a phone I cannot use.
I was told that someone would call me in 3-5 business days and that they would get me coverage. Never a call. Tried for weeks to get through to a live person with Assurance Wireless. Could not get through to Assurance Wireless without having a cell number. Didn't have a cell number because I was in a no Sprint service area. After 3 weeks I was able to get through to Assurance via Virgin Mobile.
Went through the same process and then I was told that I had been assigned a cell number but that it was no longer valid due to not using it within 30-days. Couldn't use it, no service.
So now I have a cell phone that the government has paid for and I cannot use.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Are you serious?
#3Author of original report
Thu, July 09, 2015
I am aware that there are many low-lifers out there trying to get everything for free.
I am 62 years old, disabled and unable to work. I worked from the age of 15 until I was 58 years old when I was seriously injured. You think it is easy living on $907 a month?You think I enjoy being disabled and not able to work?
You obviously did not get the meaning of the complaint. There are two wireless companies who are ripping off seniors, the disabled and low-income people. The government are paying these cell phone companies for every phone they send out whether or not the phones are useable to the customer. I am trying to prevent these companies from ripping off the government, the people and the taxpayers money.
Once approved for these cell phones through Lifeline, their landline Lifeline service is cut off. Now these people are either without a thier landline phone or have to pay $39 to have their landline LIfeline service restored and stuck with a useless cell phone.
Stacey
Texas,USA
Are you serious??
#3Consumer Comment
Thu, July 09, 2015
You get a FREE phone my TAX DOLLARS pay for and you have the audacity to complain?????? REALLY?? I suggest you DUMP your internet if you need FREE things from my TAX DOLLARS or maybe get a JOB and pay for your own bills!!