Q Link Wireless is a free phone service available exclusively to low-income individuals and families on a government assistance program like SNAP, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs through its Lifeline program. The company offers customers nationwide coverage on both 5G and 4G LTE networks.

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The Good

Free Unlimited Text, Talk, and Data
No Annual Contract
Keep Your Phone and Number
Nationwide Coverage

Free Unlimited Text, Talk, and Data

Q Link Wireless customers receive a number of benefits when they enroll for the company's Lifeline assistance program:

Unlimited Texting
Unlimited Talk
Free Phone Activation and SIM Card
No Credit Check
Voicemail and 3-Way Calling
Access to 10 Million Wifi Hotspots

Q Link Wireless estimates customers can save up up to $599 per year in monthly fees when they sign up for the Lifeline plan.

No Annual Contract

Q LInk Wireless is also one of the few cell phone plan providers to not require its customers to sign up for lengthy, multi-year contracts. Qualifying customers can sign up for or cancel Q Link's free cell phone service at any time.

Keep Your Phone and Number

Q Link Wireless customers can also keep their existing phone and phone number when they enroll in the Lifeline program, regardless of whether they own a flip phone, iPhone, Blackberry, or Samsung Galaxy. Customers in need of a smartphone can receive a free Q Link phone.

Nationwide Coverage

Q Link Wireless is actively working to expand its national network. The carrier’s network coverage depends on the area, weather, signal strength, and traffic volumes, but over 97 percent of the geographic United States is covered.

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The Bad

Only Available to Qualifying Customers

Only Available to Qualifying Customers

Q Link Wireless's Lifeline assistance program is only available to qualifying Americans who are currently on a low income or government assistance program:

SNAP (food stamps)
Medicaid
Department of Veterans Affairs
Social Security Income Assistance

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The Bottom Line

Customers living under the Federal Poverty Line may find a reliable cell phone provider in Q Link Wireless. The company offer free cell phone services to more than 2 million qualifying customers across roughly 97 of the country. Customers on government financial aid programs are encouraged to enroll in the Lifeline program.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.5

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4,328 Reviews

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21%

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66%

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1 grade

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Jenn Albuquerque, NM

For a free service, I really am happy. I got to bring an unlocked phone that I already owned. I think it is great how bring your own device is an option, because that saved me a lot of money. After being approved, I received the SIM card in 2 days, I was surprised because it arrived very quickly! Once I inserted the SIM into my phone, within about 5-10 seconds I had service and was able to make calls/ use my phone normally. The overall process from the beginning ( application) to the end (inserting SIM and getting service going) was extremely quick and easy! I live in a really rural area, and I have tried a couple other free services before using Q Link and I'd say Q Link is hands down the best one (service wise) that I have tried. As I said, I live in a rural area, which means there are some spots where the service gets a little choppy. However, I feel like the previous services I tried were worse. I recommend family and friends to Q Link! I am SO happy I made the switch myself. If anyone is thinking about making the switch to Q Link, I'd say do it, you will not be sorry!! The ONLY downside I have found is Q Link does not offer "Hot Spot" which was kind of a bummer at first, because I had to get use to not being able to use my phone as a portable hot spot device. But once I got use to it, I have absolutely no complaints at all.

1 year ago

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Terri Errickson Millville, NJ

The service is outstanding. This is the first service that I have found that I can pick up in my house. No matter where I'm at I get outstanding service. I just want to thank you for the awesome service and products. I want to upgrade to a new phone because some of the apps say that it's not compatible with my phone I have the pepper phone I want to upgrade to the to the updated Androids that allows me to get different apps that are compatible with my phone. Thank you again for your awesome service. When I got on your service I went through your store and that's where I got my phone I paid $35 for it. What do you recommend would be the next upgrade I know the price will be a little more.

2 years ago

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Wendy Rivers Vicksburg, MS

I truly appreciate Qlink for accepting me. I am disabled and can't afford a phone bill. That doesn't mean I have to accept being treated rudely and inconsiderately. After being with another provider for a good while, I began to be treated that way. All along being told I was a valued customer. Qlink accepted my application and I haven't had any problems to speak of. I have elderly parents that aren't in the best of health and need a reliable phone and service. Qlink has provided that, unlike the other company. The only issue may be that customer service never got back to me in response to a message I sent. Otherwise they've been helpful.Thank you Qlink

2 years ago

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Andy Wallace Charlotte, NC

Its hard to complain when you provide free service and phones, but the Serano phone I chose is lacking in sound and picture quality. The phone seems to shutdown numerous times in the day and freezes up in which I have to take the battery to restart it. I paid for phone and received the Q Link tablet which is awesome! No issues with it and I'm glad I got it. I know I got the base model Serano Pepper phone, but I hope I can contact Q Link for a phone upgrade . Outside of the phone, your coverage is excellent and the tablet is very nice. I am very thankful for your service because I live on a fixed disability income. Thanks, Andrew Wallace

2 years ago

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Diana Curran Wilmington, MA

Love it, switched to QLink from Verizon wireless that I was paying $60 per month for and didn’t know I qualified for this as I work but I applied for food stamps and I got approved— they raised the limits so try again if you got denied before. I qualified for $75 per month as I work but heck it will help. That alone qualified me so even if you work full time you may qualify for a free cell phone. I am so glad I did as I am saving $60 per month. They use T-Mobile network and I have not had any issues at all. I use my phone a lot and I am loving being able to keep my data on I used to keep my data off and connect to WiFi all now u still connect when I can but don’t have to worry about having data in my car anymore.

2 years ago

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Paybacksabish Kkkk Snow Hill, NC

My experience with Q-link wierless has been pretty good! I had my doubts at first based off some of the reviews I had read. 😬 But I decided to give them a shot anyway, and boy am I happy I did! *Ok rewind a little* So before Q-link I had verizon wierless, they are just to darn exspinsive, I mean who wants to pay that kind of money? Not me! I mean at one point they had me paying like $20 bucks for adding 3 extra gigs of data when I run out! That's ridiculous! Especially, when companies like Q-link are offering the same thing, but for cheaper? And well, being a single mom I have to save and cut cost when possible and Qlink has allowed me to do just that! I'm saving a TON in my phone bill department now!I honestly can not even tell that I switched, the cell coverage is just as good (if not better), but don't take my word for it, head over to their site and check it out for yourself! You won't be disappointed! Just be sure to check out the coverage in your area first!

2 years ago Edited May 9, 2022

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Carlito Wayz New York, NY

In the beginning of my service with Qlink was not much of satisfaction but I believe it was from my part of fault due to receiving personal negative news which had nothing to do with Qlinks representing its service so overall I could say that they are very great from their signals, their call rating which I never had any issue with, their staff are good. And also their devices sold are at a great price. I recommend Qlink to any in search of a phone plan that is beneficial to them . And I can most guarantee that as a customer they will be appreciated with their service. Plus the phone that is at their possession can be used , and the phone number can still have or change, and the best of all their is no phone bill for an entire year. From a satistisfactioned customer ANDY D ....

2 years ago

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Aimee Wilcox Dallas, TX

Q-link has had pretty much the same coverage as the other National brands I have used. I was a long time customer for nearly 20 years to a major cell phone provider. Never late. Paid every month, until COVID. I called to speak with them. Explained I had lost my job, I just needed a little more time. Nothing. They “couldn’t” work with me at all the rep said. I was flabbergasted. The next few months as I struggled I started using the monthly plan phones lines. From one month to the next I had to change my number countless times because a friend here or there had a phone I could borrow a couple of weeks at a time. I struggled finding a job because the number I put on one resume wasn’t guaranteed to be my number the following week. Abs then I found Q-link. There to help me through this time of struggle I had found myself in and not only that but there with really good coverage as well. The only thing I can complain alot is obviously I’m not working so like a phone I struggled paying internet was an issue to, so I needed more internet work out being throttled. However, I still got internet so other than by mid month I was getting throttled, I still had internet and am grateful. So when that is still a huge blessing and not a negative, just felt like I should keep it real I guess.

2 years ago

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Christine Pieper Fond du Lac, WI

I agree with the concept of having this type of service for those of us that cannot afford to communicate unless we have this service. In my case, I know you want me to make more calls, but I CANNOT MAKE CALLS as I don't have a voice to talk with due to throat cancer. I text every day, but it never shows up on my statement. I have tried calling your company a couple of times, but I always get a foreign sounding person that has no idea what I am talking about--this is when I was trying to activate a new phone or something. I do have a machine I use to talk with, but it is very unreliable, so I don't use it on the phone unless necessary. Overall I'd say you are a good company though.

3 years ago Edited June 1, 2022

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David Drake Shelbyville, IN

In the last few months as you guys didn't upgrade plus I traded the phone for a different thing and you gave me a little SD card I think they call it everything has been working great I don't talk in the phone a whole lot but when I do I'm glad it's there I use it for emergency as a say it's a lifeline phone I usually don't call to talk to just to talk if I call it's to make a important call or to call a doctor or to call for help or to call to order something that I gotta have as medicine a lot of people takes advantage of the phones but I try to do what I can to not run up a bunch of minutes better it's t The lifeline phonr

3 years ago

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Lisa King Davis Rock Hill, SC

I'm very pleased with the service, except you say I get free data but some months when I need to use a lot of data it runs out then I don't have any more for the month to look for a job !! It's suppose to be free for the ninth right ? Besides that Ive been with QLinks for several years and service can't be beat customer service is bit that great. No I e speaks English, they hang yo in you if they do t understand what your problem is but usually because they do not understand English Language well enough to understand that what you are explaining to them, so they hang up on you and it's difficult to get someone on the phone. you have to go thru a bunch of prints to get to customer service and it's aggravating , they also have attitude problems most of them but you do get a nice one sometimes if it's your lucky day. I love the actual service on the phone. Also if they mail you something g you get it fast I hope this j Helps

3 years ago

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John Johnston Signal Mountain, TN

I have been with Q Link about 3 years as I am in a nursing home and living in nursing home makes you poor. I can't believe all these negative reviews. This service has been a gift from God to me. Without this program I wouldn't have a phone. So I have been saving for a new phone so when I got this new sim I went ahead and got it. When I looked at how to activate it I did not understand the reset part so I called in and had a tech on the line in 5 minutes. He was so nice and helpful and he asked me some questions about my phone and then he had me call a number that is on the card under the word activation. I called it was automated and it asked me a couple questions and then it activated it for me. Much easier then going into your phone and resetting the carrier. So I love the service of Q Link and I am having fun playing with my new phone. I will check back here and if anyone wants to ask me any questions about how I set up my phone leave me a message. My name is John and I want to thank Q Link for helping me, living in a nursing home, to be able to have a cell phone.

3 years ago

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Toninette Loyd Flint, MI

I have enjoyed being a Qlink member from the very beginning, when they first started their services. But I stop for a while, because my son brought me a phone and I became member on his service, I have always been a fan of QLINK I think they are a wonderful company. They just need better phones with phone protectors. O' years I need a new SIM CARD ASAP..... I don't have a phone at this time...

1 year ago

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Kayla Hall Philadelphia, PA

Been (w/) Q Linķ Wıreļess for a coůple to a few years now {&} seems to be a pretty good an decent cell phone company provider to be (w/) ,plus have cell service in a area that usually most providers don't pick up in this location <ÔŘ> nøt as far up in that area ((but)) can say Q Lınķ reaches more more futher in the area!¡¡¡!¡¡¡!¡¡¡!

1 year ago

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Shiela Scott Columbia City, IN

April 14 when I joined Qlink I had the BEST ever customer service! His name was Freddy and he took service to a new level which haven't seen in years! I was having (and still am) changing my account from Straight talk as soon as Straight talk saw I was changing carriers they locked me out of my account. Freddy called Straight talk while I was on phone and accomplished getting account to Q Link!!! He was amazing!!!!

1 year ago

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Kelli Reed Pensacola, FL

It, Q-Link still has a few hiccups to hammer out .I mean Q-Link is a cool thing so far , sorta. What kept me from posting a 5 Star rating at this time is just that there's alot, A LOT of weird things . I'm not the techno Champ however; some apps and emails are doing there own thing and acting outta pocket. Putting words in without me finishing typing. My phone is definately not a team player lol. I probably need to get a new phone but I thought the powers that be might want to know My phone is acting up. Thanks ,Kelli Reed

2 years ago

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S. Quincy Harris Atlanta, GA

I appreciate the fast response to my questions and concerns. But i am have problems with the mobile phone I have purchased along with a tablet . The tablet works fine so far but the mobile phone isn't working so well. I am having difficulty in purchasing the right SIM cards and the mobile phone is much smaller than I had wished which makes it very hard to read and use the keyboard.

2 years ago

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tina kimball Charlotte, NC

I love my q link service without it I wouldn't be able to get service because I'm unable to pay for a monthly bill because of loosing my job last year. I've had Qlink now for several months the only downside I've had was unable to get online for 7-10days n Jan %2-3days one time last year but in Jan I found out that I had used up all my data for that month. I didn't know that it was a limit but representative was very nice. But I love Q link and I recommend it to everyone, I do myself very often & actually I did yesterday.

2 years ago

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Phyllis Keene Seymour, IN

I like everything about Qlink. I've had it for years & it always works. Customer service agents are helpful & polite. Much better than other companies that cost a lot more money & their agents act like they are doing you a favor anytime you ask a question or try to make a purchase. At&t stores are the worst. Over charged, treated poorly unless they're still acting like you aren't there.

2 years ago

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Jonathan Hopkins Chicago, IL

What kind of individual would not be thrilled to have free service with unlimited text, talk, and data? It's a blessing in a time when the cost of living is so inflated that it's practically impossible to have a quality lifestyle. Plus I never lose service, drop calls, or have had an issue that Q-link didn't immediately resolve without causing me any inconvenience.

2 years ago

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Pete Brescia West Palm Beach, FL

For the most part I've got full bars but doctors offices things of that nature small offices I go down to like one bar but it's nothing I can't handle and it's better than the alternative. I want to unlock another phone this one was kind of old when I grabbed it I just don't know if the phone company well let me buy a phone from them with a new line even if I haven't in existing line with them and tell them I want to cancel the line and then go solo

2 years ago

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Elmer Makua Seattle, WA

I'm not disappointed that I just can't get why I run out of unlimited data as fast as I have been. I'm not sure if it was the change from my old phone to this phone qlink sent me. I am going to say that every thing is working great now. The qlink unlimited data, talk and text is the best thing to have happen in my lifetime. "Simply, unlimited praise".

2 years ago

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chuck bonnersr

HI I WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW THINGS TURN OUT OVER MY PHONE. THANKS FOR THE REFILL. BUT DID YOU EVER LOOSE A PASSWORD AND HAVE TO GET A CODE TO RESET YOUR PASSWORD.? I HAVE AND I CANNOT EVER FIND THE CODES. I USE TO GET THEM. I AM GOING TO ASK MY SISTER IN LAW TO CHECK MY PHONE. SHE KNOWS ALOT ABOUT PHONES. I WILL LET YOU KNOW. EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS FINE ON MY PHONE. YOUR FRIEND CHUCK

2 years ago Edited November 1, 2022

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cathy beasley Livingston, TN

I've just had the service for almost a month. I have 1 complaint my service where I live and around me isnt really good. It takes a very long time to pull up anything using data . I'm not sure why. Getting signed up and talking thru with customer service really went to great lengths on helping me. Customer service is great thru Qlink. They do as they say they are there to help.

2 years ago Edited August 3, 2022

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Mike Merrill Jackson, OH

Overall I've had a good experience with q Link although I had to purchase my phone well I purchased two from qlink actually cuz her first phone was just it just wasn't up to par I guess but yeah my overall experience has been great good service and the plan is great and q Link was definitely a good choice and it has helped me out a lot not having to pay a phone bill and he's hard times struggling enough thank you q Link

2 years ago

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Sharon Lepore Bountiful, UT

been ok for phone calls and sms. im thankful for it. good service and low prices. Too bad they dont have flip phones. my husband who has since passed on, had learning difficulties and disabities, it was really hard for him to to use this android phone. I wish the phone and the tablet had 4G capabilities. These phones and tablets are too slow for most of the apps I run. Improvement of this service and devices would be most helpful to a lot of people. I am disabled and elderly and would like to catch a break!!!

2 years ago

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Muneca Loca Brooklyn, NY

I think this is a great service especially with large families who can’t afford to be on a family plan. My daughter uses the phone to let me know she is out of school to do her remote learning and communicate with friends. It’s a big relief that I know she is safe and I can always contact her or her me for any emergency reasons. Thank you Qlink

3 years ago

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Dwayne Holland Toney, AL

I had another phone service but couldn't pay the monthly bill so it got cut off. A friend told me about q link and how good the signal and the service was. I decided what the heck and and ahead and applied for a phone service. I didn't think i would be approved anyway, but lo and behold, i was approved and was so excited to get a phone that wouldn't be cut off due to non payment at least for a year. I've had my q link for around 5 months and have had no problems with off. I love it

3 years ago Edited May 13, 2022

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Chad Edgar Columbia, MO

Q Link is the best free government side I ever used I'm so very thankful I had it when I couldn't afford a phone they gave me a free phone for I am on social security and I can barely make ends meet but you ain't saved me not only gave me a free phone but free unlimited talk text and web every month for the past 4 years thank you so much I have no idea what I would have done for a phone without you thank you so very much. Q Link

3 years ago

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Dougie D Harold, KY

Offering the excellent program with little to no hassle for low income families is amazing! Other companies have soo many hoops that most poor and or homeless people can’t get it. You have helped save my family for job and emergency contact. The tablet program gave us the ability to use it to teach our 3yo in a much easier method, pay taxes and keep in contact with family easier! Thanks to Appalachian mountains connection is spotty but it is what it is on any network!

3 years ago

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Debbie S Breslin Philadelphia, PA

Well first off i am on disability does not leave much room to purchase or pay for phone,its a god send for me to keep in touch with all my doctors its all i have to contact important people and i so appreciate this awesome phone,i keep it by my bedside in case of medical emergencies i be lost without it ,thanks again qlink for this free service!😊Its a life saver!

3 years ago

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Boricua Del Bronx The Bronx, NY

I don't understand why people is complaining about Q-Link. I know sometimes they provide discarded phones but they provide you with a sim card for many phones, including iPhones.. With a good phone you get good service. I got problems with caller ID and signal when I started but now I'm using an old iPhone and with the new sim card they just sent me everything is working excellent.

3 years ago

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Pamela Smith Buckhannon, WV

I found it extremely difficult to understand the lady on the . I am not criticizing her at all. She might have found me difficult to understand. I have been a customer of Qlink for a long time. Their over all performance over has been fan

1 year ago

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Chrissy Lang Bellevue, WA

I love that I could figure it out all on my own. I didn't need to call to get set up and now I feel like I can activate anyone's phone 😁👍Thank you Qlink. 🤏lol they could have sent a phone with a better camera but I can live and love with the one I have

1 year ago Edited June 16, 2023

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Barry T Sullivan GA

Thank you Q Link you've been a great help to me to make sure that I always have service any issues that I've ever had have always been corrected fast and efficiently your representatives have been outstanding thank you for your service

1 year ago Edited June 5, 2023

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Kevin Gallagher Framingham, MA

very nice people great value thank both Jesus and... the other guy (???) Ummmm, Juan! THAT'S the other gardener who told me all about this wondrous planet-wide revolution. Arrriba Arrrriba! kevg Ps. All kidding aside... Love you guys! Great lifesaving service. helping people = GOOD

1 year ago

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Joseph Stombaugh Costa Mesa, CA

I really like the quick and helpful responses that I have been getting. One problem I ordered a new phone and tablet and can't get confirmation. It has been 3weeks since I ordered l want to reorder if it's necessary. Help desk hasn't helped.

1 year ago

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Chris Livengood Winston-Salem, NC

Thank you so much Q Link, man, you have awesome service, and service plans, better yet, don't forget about all the new phones you carry, I want to thank all of y'all, for being such a good team, and assisting each customer, with the best instructions and manners, from each and every one of you guys.. thank you too late you make my world go round..

1 year ago

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Annette Higuchi Los Angeles, CA

I like that you are giving me free service. Also like the fact that if anything happens to my phone you have many other's I can choose from. Q link is a great company. They're really looking out for the people they are helping with this services that they offer.

2 years ago

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John Woods Detroit, MI

The service is very good and they make it simple enough that your system basically functions flawlessly and the reception quality does not drop even in bad weather so I'm very satisfied with the services that they provide thank you very much quality link wireless for the things that you do for us

2 years ago

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Rachel Schidecker Dayton, OH

I am happy with my service I am been in a uncomfortable place unable to pay bills due to a hip replacement and this has allowed me to have a phone so that I can communicate with the doctors and anybody else I need to thank you the service has been good every time I've needed anything I've been taking care of

2 years ago

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Becky Raye CO

Customer service is PHENOMENAL!! we're very impressed with the assistance we have received for setting up BYOP. Any and everyone we have spoken with has been Very friendly and ready to help work through problems, questions, and concerns. It's refreshing..

2 years ago

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Nina Casale Queens, NY

I am grateful for the help at this difficult time. I recently lost both my parents to covid . Relocated back to New York from Florida where they were and I'm struggling to make ends meet so I appreciate cooling for helping me with phone service.

2 years ago

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Darius Myrick Jackson, GA

I like the service that Q Link Wireless provides; but my phone wont text, its to small and I can't see it that good, can my phone be up graded to a newer version, please help by sending me an email, with the suggestions, thanks. Kimberly Myricks

2 years ago

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jonas dusevicius Hickory Hills, IL

easy to use user friendly, easy aplication if you have food stamp oor medicaid you can get a phone and a line life line. sometime this come is clutch when you need to call doctors zoom judges and get the call back for a job interfview

2 years ago Edited January 9, 2023

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Nives Taylor Orlando, FL

Since I s6arted using QLink I am happy that I have wifi most anytime I need it so I can listen to my music and get any information I'm trying to look up and just simply stay in the now about what's going on in the world. Last but not least I get phone service most places where I did get it with my previous carrier. Q link is the best. Thank you

2 years ago

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David Harris Denver, CO

I really like Q link because of the coverage, especially when you live in a rural area and I still can get Coverage,sometimes it's a little hard When the weather is Not Cooperating.but all in all I Have Not Had any Problems. IReally like Q Link.

2 years ago Edited May 3, 2023

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Daisy Parker Boston, MA

I love qlink.they are a great company .I love the Internet.i love the service itsgreat.this company is a just amazing.what else can I tell you about q link .l just love everything about them I can't tell you enough they are the greatest company I have ever seen

2 years ago

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Georgia Delaney Kennett Square, PA

You kept in touch. My customer service who helped me put in SIM card, etc. rushed me a lot. I am not very tech savvy and he did not give me enough time. Made me feel I was a bother to him and he could not wait to get rid of me.

2 years ago

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Michael “Mike” Ireland Sacramento, CA

Can't beat the price. Seem to have as good or better reception than my lady's she's with one of big cell services that sounds like getro- get it.... and I got to use my own Phone. My only complaint is I use a lot of Data with no wifi at home I run out 3/4 in to the month. I like it

2 years ago