Editorial Policy
People use FreePhone Atlas to make real decisions about phone service and benefit programs, so accuracy matters more than anything else on this site. This page explains how we research, write, check and update our content.
Our sources
We build every page on official and primary sources:
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Lifeline rules and consumer guidance
- Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC): Lifeline eligibility, the National Verifier and the Lifeline Support site
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): the annual federal poverty guidelines behind Lifeline income limits
- State agencies, such as the California Public Utilities Commission for California LifeLine
- Providers' official websites for plan details, and carriers' official store locators for store information
We do not rely on other comparison sites, forums or social media for facts.
How we write and check pages
Our guides are written to answer one practical question at a time in plain English. Drafts may be prepared with the help of software tools, including AI writing assistants. Before a page is published, every fact, figure and requirement is checked against the sources above, and pages that state income limits or program rules name the year they apply to.
How we keep pages up to date
- Lifeline income limits are updated each year after HHS publishes new poverty guidelines (usually in January).
- California LifeLine limits are updated when the CPUC publishes them for the program year starting June 1.
- Provider and store listings are reviewed regularly and removed or corrected when they change.
- Each guide shows the date it was last updated.
Corrections
If you find a mistake or something that has changed, email [email protected] with the page address and what needs fixing. We review every report and correct confirmed errors as quickly as we can.
Advertising and independence
FreePhone Atlas is independent and is not affiliated with any government agency or wireless carrier. We may show advertising to keep the site free. Ads are clearly labeled, are kept separate from our content and have no influence on what we publish or which providers we list.
Not official advice
Our pages are for general information. Eligibility is decided only by the Lifeline National Verifier or, in California, the California LifeLine Administrator. Always confirm details with the provider or the official program before you apply.