Do you know Excellus Communications is offering a free tablet to qualifying customers? Excellus Communications LLC is a privately held company based in Sioux Falls, SD. The company starts its journey with the primary goal of producing a cell phone and providing a cell service with seniors in mind. Recently they extended their services from seniors and special needs customers to low-income people of our country offering free tablets with free internet plans for them under the Affordable Connectivity Program. If you are a low-income person, you can take the opportunity to get an almost free tablet with a suitable internet plan for you.
You Can Get a Free Tablet from Excellus Communications Under the ACP Following These Steps
- Check your eligibility
- Gather necessary documents
- Visit Excellus Communication’s website.
- Navigate to the application page
- Fill out the application form
- Submit the application
- Wait for approval
- Enjoy your Phone & tablet
Eligibility Criteria for Free Tablet from Excellus Communication Under the ACP
The eligibility criteria for getting a free tablet from Excellus Communication are of two types. The income-based eligibility and the Program Participation based eligibility. A person or household is eligible for the ACP if his/her or the household’s annual income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This criteria is the income-based criteria.
If the applicant or the household participates in or takes benefits from a certain government assistance program, then he/she or the household is considered eligible for the ACP. This is Program participation eligibility. To be eligible for the ACP, the government assistance programs are as follows:
- Lifeline.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Medicaid.
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA).
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
- Receiving a Federal Pell Grant Award in the current award year by your child makes your household eligible for the program.
Households located on qualifying Tribal lands may also qualify based on participation in one of the following Tribal assistance programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations(FDPIR).
If anyone has one of the above-mentioned eligibility (Income-based or Program Participation Eligibility), then he/she or the household will be eligible for the program.
Required Documents for The Affordable Connectivity Program
To prove your eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you must submit some documents as proof of your eligibility. These documents will show your income status, age, emancipation status, Program participation status, identity, address, proof that you are alive, and also proof of your Social Security Number. These documents ensure the proper distribution of benefits and that the benefits reach the correct person. So, it is very important to prepare and submit these documents properly and correctly.
- Documents to verify identity: To verify your eligibility, identity verification is most important. Identity verification helps to prevent false applications and thus ensure genuine persons apply for the program. So, you must submit one of the following documents for the verification of your identity.
- Documents: A driver’s license, Passport, or Birth certificate.
- Documents to verify Age/Emancipation Status: You need a document that mentions your full name and date of birth. To apply for the program, you must be 18 years old or older. If you are under 18, then you must be an emancipated minor to apply for the ACP. In that case, you have to submit court documents to prove your emancipation status.
- Documents: A valid ID, Passport, Birth certificate, or Emancipation certificate.
- Documents to verify Address: Submit a document that contains your valid email address and physical address, and also your full name. This document is needed to verify your address.
- Documents: A valid ID, Driver’s license, Utility bill, or a Recent mortgage or lease statement, W-2, or Tax return.
- Documents to prove your Income: You have to submit a document that proves your income status. This document may prove that your income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Documents: A prior year’s State, Federal, or Tribal tax return, Current income statement from your employer, Paycheck stub, Social Security statement of benefits, or Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits.
- Documents to prove your participation in certain government programs: If you participate or take benefits from certain government programs, then you may submit a document that proves your enrollment in the program. This document may contain your full name, the program’s name, the document issuing institution’s name, and a valid date.
- Documents: Approval letters, benefit award letters, benefit verification letters, or benefit statements.
Keep in mind that you have to provide documents to prove that you are a living person and also prove your social security number.
Also, keep in mind that your document must be clearly readable. You may not submit the original documents, instead submit copy documents, because your submitted documents are unreturnable.
Application Process for The ACP Program to Get Excellus Communications Free Tablet
You can apply online, via mail, or Via a provider. The government keeps all the ways open for you to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Our government wants to reach as many households as it can. You may have the ability to apply online, or you may be comfortable with applying via mail. Also, there are many people who are unable to apply by themselves, because of very old age or lack of technical knowledge. Here I mention all the processes open for you to apply for the program.
- Via Online: You can apply online for the Affordable Connectivity Program in the following process:
- Go to the ACP website at: “getinternet.gov/apply?ln=RW5nbGlzaA%3D%3D“
- Click on the “Apply ” button.
- Sign in to your account. If you don’t have an account, create one.
- Now follow the instructions on the website and complete your application.
- Upload eligibility documents.
- Submit your application.
- The ACP will review your application and send a confirmation email to you of their decision.
- If your application is approved, you will get a highly discounted tablet (Discount up to $100) for only a copay of $10.01 from your preferred participating provider. (Here Excellus Communications).
- Via mail: If you do not have the opportunity to apply online, or if you are comfortable with applying via mail, then you may apply via mail. You can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program via mail in the following way:
- Download the application form and the household worksheet from the following website: “getinternet.gov/apply?ln=RW5nbGlzaA%3D%3D” and take print out.
- Complete the application form and the household worksheet.
- Gather the required documents that are needed to support your eligibility for the program. Send the application form and the household worksheet, along with all other documents to the following address: ACP Support Center, PO Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773
- The FCC will review your application and notify you of their decision by sending a confirmation email. It may take up to 60 days to process your application if you apply via mail.
- If your application is approved, you will get a coupon via mail that you can redeem for a tablet from your preferred provider. ( Here Excellus Communications.)
- Via A Provider: You can apply through Excellus Communications.
- Go to: “acpenroll.snapfon.com“
- Enter your Zip Code and email address.
- Tap ‘Check availability’.
- Now, enter your personal information and choose a plan.
- Upload your eligibility documents as required.
- Submit the application.
- Wait for Confirmation of approval.
- When approved, complete the Final step.
How to Check the Application Status of your Excellus Communications Free Tablet Application
There are a few ways to check the status of your Excellus Communications Free Tablet application.
- Check your email: You will receive an email from Excellus Communications once your application has been processed. The email will contain the status of your application.
- Log in to your Excellus Communications account: You can also check the status of your application by logging in to your Excellus Communications account. Once you are logged in, click on the “Products and Services” tab and then click on the “Free Tablet” link. Your application status will be displayed on this page.
- Call Excellus Communications customer service: If you have any questions about the status of your application, you can call Excellus Communications customer service at: (800)937-1532
Here are some statuses you may see when you check the application status.
- Pending: This status means your application is still under processing.
- Approved: This status means your application is granted. Soon you will receive your tablet.
- Denied: This status means your application is denied or disapproved. You will soon receive an email from Excellus Communications explaining why your application was denied.
- Withdrawn: If you withdraw your application then this status is shown.
What Type of Tablet will You Get from Excellus Communication
It is difficult to say exactly which tablet you will receive from Excellus Communications. Because almost all MVNOs do not disclose what brands and models of tablets they will give to their customers. From some reviews and research, we can conclude that usually, Excellus Communications usually gives the following types of tablets to their clients.
- Sky Pad Table
- Alcatel Joy Tab 2
- Apple iPad and iPad mini
- Blu Smartphones Tablet
- Cloud Mobile Tablet
- Hyundai Tablet
- Maxwest Astro 8R Tablet
- KonnectONE Moxee Tablet
- Samsung Galaxy Tab Series
- Maxwest Nitro Tablet
Activation of the Free Tablet after Getting it from Excellus Communications
You can activate the tablet by activating its SIM card, or alternatively, you can activate it by a Google Account.
Activate the Free tablet using the SIM
SIM activation is easy. Just turn off the tablet, wait for a few seconds, then turn it on. Then you will see that your tablet’s SIM activation process has already. If the process does not start automatically, then you have to enter the SIM activation code that you received with your SIM. After entering the SIM activation Code, your tablet’s activation process will start.
Here in short I mention the activation process using the SIM:
- First turn the tablets on.
- Now from the welcome screen choose your language and region.
- If you have a Wi-Fi network in your location, then select the network.
- Enter the password for the network.
- Now, tap ‘Set up manually.’
- Then tap ‘SIM Card’.
- After that enter your SIM card details. Say, your SIM card number, PIN, and PUK, carrier name, APN, etc.
- Now, create a passcode for your tablet.
- Tap ’Next’.
- The tablet will activate the SIM within a few minutes. After activation, you can use your tablet. You can make phone calls, send SMS, and also use your cellular data.
The SIM activation process is simple and anyone can activate it easily. But if you cannot activate your SIM by yourself for any reason, then you may get help from the customer care of Excellus Communications.
Some alternative ways to activate SIM
- SIM Activation by Customer Care: If you have faced any problem when activating the SIM, then you can contact customer care of Excellus Communications. You can make a phone call to the customer care service and request them to activate the SIM for you. They may ask some questions to verify your identity and also may want to know the SIM activation code and other necessary information. Provide them with all the information, and they will activate the SIM for you.
- In-person: You may visit Excellus Communications’ office in person and provide them with the required information and the SIM activation code. They will activate your SIM for you.
- Activation Through their website: Go to: “snapfon.com/activation” and enter your SIM, Device, or Kit Code and tap ‘Activate’. Your tablet will be activated. You will find your 6-digit activation code on the back of your SIM card. And you will find your Kit Code on the activation guide inside the device box.
Activate your tablet by using your Google Account
If you don’t have a SIM, you can alternatively activate your free tablet using a Google Account. After activation, you can access and use all Google services and you can also download apps and games from the Google Play Store and install them on your tablet.
Here I mention in short the process of activation of your tablet using a Google Account:
- Power on the Tablet: Press the power button and hold it for a few seconds to power on the tablet.
- Language and Region Setup: In the welcome screen, select your preferred language and the region where you live. This selection will help you a lot to set up your tablet’s interface.
- Wi-Fi Connection: You need an internet connection to activate your tablet using a Google Account. If you have a Wi-Fi network in your location, then select it, enter the password for it, and get connected.
- Sign in to Your Google Account: Now you need to sign in to your Google account. If you do not have an account, then create one.
- If you have two-factor authentication enabled, then a code is sent to your registered mobile number or email. You need to enter this code into your tablet to sign in to your Google Account.
- Agree to Terms and Conditions: If you newly open a Google account, then you have to accept Google’s terms and conditions to continue their service. Accept the terms and conditions and proceed.
- Backup and Restore: You can restore your backed-up data from a previous device to your new tablet if you backed up the data in your Google account.
- Set Up Your Google Services: You can set up all Google services, and you can access and use them.
- Device Security and Lock Screen: You may have personal and sensitive data in your tablet. You may have personal documents, pictures, audio files, video files, or any other sensitive content. To keep these contents, secure, you may set up a lock screen method, such as PIN, pattern, password, or fingerprint.
- Home Screen: After the activation process, you will see the home screen. From there you can access all your apps, settings, and other features.
Now you can download and install free or paid apps, games, etc. from the Google Play store and customize your tablet as you prefer.
Remember that the process of activation slightly differs for the tablet’s brand, model, and Android version.
There Are Some Restrictions for The Free Tablet from Excellus Communications
- One service and one device are given per household or individual.
- The beneficiary must use the service and the device at least once every month, or his/her benefits will be dismissed.
- The device and the service are non-transferable. That means the beneficiary cannot transfer the device to another person or cannot transfer his / her benefits to another person, though the person is eligible for the program.
- Every year the beneficiary must recertify for his/her benefits.
- If the beneficiary is no longer eligible for the program, then he/she must notify the authority about it within 30 days.
The Reasons for Rejection of Your Application for A Free Tablet from Excellus Communication
- It is possible that your application and the provided documents have any wrong, incomplete, or outdated information. If so, then providing such information may cause the rejection of your application.
- You have to submit some documents for the verification of your eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Sometimes you need to submit additional documents. If you are unable to submit these documents, then your application can be rejected.
- When you apply for the program, you may face technical errors or problems. For these technical errors, your application may not be submitted properly and this causes the application to be rejected.
- A household or an individual can submit only one application to be approved by the program. But if you or your household submit more than one application, then your application may have been rejected.
- Like any other program, ACP also has a deadline to apply for. If you miss this deadline, then your application may be rejected.
- If you take the same advantage as the Affordable Connectivity Program from another government program, then for this overlapping of benefits, your application can be rejected.
- If you apply from a state where Excellus does not give its service, then your application can be rejected.
Some Solutions for The Rejection of Your Application for a Free Tablet from Excellus Communications
- If your application or submitted documents contain any wrong, incomplete, or outdated information, then correct it and double double-check the application, and reapply for the program.
- Try to submit all documents that are required to prove your eligibility. If further documentation is needed, provide them also.
- When applying for the program, make sure the internet connection is stable and the computer is fully functional. Ensuring these will lead to a proper submission of the application.
- Never submit more than one application from the same household. This can help to protect you from the error of duplicate applications and your application may be approved.
- Try to apply before the deadline of the application. Write down the deadline in a notebook.
- Avoid overlapping of benefits. Take advantage of the Affordable Connectivity Program only.
- Check if your state is included in the service area of the Excellus Communications. If included, only then apply for the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other benefits will I get with the Excellus Communications free tablet?
You will get unlimited talk, text, and 5 GB of high-speed data from Excellus Communications if you are approved by the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Is the Excellus Communications Free Tablet truly “free”, or are there hidden costs?
There are no hidden costs associated with the Excellus free tablet. You have to copay $10.01 for the tablet and that’s all. And this amount is also announced.
How long will it take to receive my Excellus Communications Free Tablet after registration?
The time it takes to receive your Excellus Communications free tablet after registration depends on a few factors, including your location and the availability of tablets.
In general, it takes about 7-10 business days to receive your tablet after you have registered. However, it may take longer if you are located in a remote area or if there is a high demand for tablets.
Once your tablet has shipped, you will receive a tracking number so you can track its progress. You can also contact Excellus Communications customer service for more information about the status of your order.
What if I face technical issues with my free tablet past the warranty period?
If you face technical issues with your free tablet after the warranty period, you will need to pay for repairs or replacement. The cost of repairs will vary depending on the nature of the problem.
What apps and services are preloaded on the tablet?
Your Excellus Free tablet is mainly preloaded with some essential apps to give you health-related services, information, etc., and help you to keep fit physically. However, there are also some other essential apps, like Microsoft Office, Google apps, etc. to help you in your daily work. Here is a list of some apps and services that are preloaded on the free tablet from Excellus Communications:
- Excellus OneCare
- Excellus MemberConnect
- Excellus Health Coach
- Excellus Find a Doctor
- Excellus Pharmacy Finder
- Excellus Member Rewards
- Excellus News
- Excellus Connect
- Excellus App Gallery
The Excellus Communications Free Tablet is preloaded with some other apps. These are:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Apps
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Spotify
- Amazon Kindle
- Web Browser
Here you might keep in mind that the apps and services that are preloaded on the Excellus Communications free tablet may vary depending on the model of the tablet.
How do I keep my Excellus Communications free tablet in good condition?
Here are some tips on how to keep your Excellus Communications Free Tablet in good condition:
- Handle it with care
- Keep it clean
- Protect it from water
- Keep it in a cool, dry place
- Update the software regularly
- Back up your data regularly
- Do not leave it plugged in for long when not in use
- Get a case or screen protector
- Take it to a qualified technician if you have any problem