Qlink Wireless was one of the largest providers of free wireless services through the federal Lifeline program, which provides essential communication services for low-income Americans. But in 2024, the company’s corporate long story of heroic achievement was wiped out when it pleaded guilty in court to defrauding the very program that it was meant to support.
This blog aims to cover what happened to Qlink Wireless, the background that brought it to this point, the legal ramifications it might have for the company, the impact on its users, and what you can do as a customer.
Table of Contents
- The Rise of Qlink Wireless
- Qlink with Connection to the Lifeline Program
- Legal Troubles for Qlink and Federal Investigation
- Qlink Fraud Scheme Exposed
- Qlink Current Status and Suspension
- Impact on Qlink Customers
- Qlink Alternative Lifeline Providers
- How to Transfer Your Qlink Wireless Number
- User Experiences and Community Response
- The Future of Lifeline Services
- Financial Consequences and Restitution for Qlink
- Comparing Current Qlink Alternatives
- Moving Forward without Qlink
- FAQs
The Rise of Qlink Wireless
Qlink Wireless was founded in 2011 in Dania, Florida, and since its inception, has become one of the most reliable companies in the free government phone business. The business was a Quadrant Holdings company and was a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that offered free cellular services to qualified low-income users.
Services and Mission
Such wireless services were provided under a wireless offering known as “Qlink Wireless” that was supported by the Universal Service Fund and which included:
- Free service EVERY month to Lifeline-eligible customers
- Hello, Mobile prepaid mobile phone services
- Free or subsidized smartphones
- Data, voice, and messaging services
Additionally, the company’s purpose mirrored the objective of the Lifeline program: making communication affordable for populations at risk served by government aid like SNAP, Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Income.
Qlink with Connection to the Lifeline Program
FCC’s federal Lifeline program ensures that eligible low-income American families receive vital communications support. There were over 20 Lifeline service providers who were participating in this program, providing life-changing discounted phone service, including Qlink Wireless, which has participated in this program since 2012 and received millions of dollars to serve eligible customers.
| Lifeline Eligibility Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Government Benefits | SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing |
| Income Threshold | 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines |
| Documentation | Proof of eligibility required |
| One Per Household | Single benefit per household rule |
Qlink Wireless took in more than $618 million from the Lifeline program from 2013 to 2019, becoming one of the biggest beneficiaries of a federal program that subsidizes phone service.
Legal Troubles for Qlink and Federal Investigation
The company’s problems came to light in June 2021 when the United States Postal Inspection Service raided Qlink Wireless headquarters in Dania, Florida. That raid was the start of a federal investigation that would eventually uncover a vast fraud.
Qlink Wireless LLC and the company’s founder and CEO, Issa Asad, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the federal Lifeline program on October 15, 2024. The charges outlined another years-long scheme that stole more than $100 million from a program that exists to help some of America’s most vulnerable populations.
| Key Legal Milestones | Date | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Raid | June 9, 2021 | US Postal Inspection Service raids Qlink headquarters |
| Guilty Plea | October 15, 2024 | Qlink Wireless and CEO plead guilty to conspiracy charges |
| Suspension Notice | December 12, 2024 | FCC formally suspends Qlink from the Lifeline program |
| Sentencing | January 15, 2025 | Scheduled sentencing date |
Qlink Fraud Scheme Exposed
Qlink Wireless had participated in numerous deceptive practices from 2013 to 2019, federal prosecutors said. The company:
- Submitted phony claims for customers who weren’t using their cell phones the way the FCC rules required.
- No actual cell phone activity, doctored to show otherwise
- Resorted to invasive sales tactics to dissuade clients from leaving services
- Continued to charge the government for inactive users
- Submitted false documents to the FCC to hide the fraud
Qlink Wireless also received $618,736,494 from the Lifeline program between 2013 and 2019, and about 21% of those payments were “the result of fraud,” the foundation said.
Qlink Current Status and Suspension
After the guilty plea came on Thursday, the F.C.C. acted quickly. On December 12, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission suspended Qlink Wireless from the Lifeline program and initiated debarment proceedings. This suspension means:
- Qlink Wireless is no longer able to provide Lifeline service
- The company is not eligible for federal universal service support
- Existing subscribers will need to switch to other providers
- The company could be permanently barred from federal programs
Impact on Qlink Customers
The FFC announcement caused panic and fear among millions of Qlink Wireless subscribers who immediately began worrying about the future of their services. The majority of customers had their service moved to StandUp Wireless, which took over the Lifeline service, offering them the following:
- 4.5GB of monthly data
- 1,000 minutes of talk time
- Unlimited text messaging
- Option to purchase additional data and minutes
Qlink Alternative Lifeline Providers
Current and former Qlink Wireless customers have several options for continuing their Lifeline benefits:
| Provider | Monthly Benefits | Additional Features | Coverage Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| StandUp Wireless | 4.5GB data, 1,000 minutes, unlimited text | Top-up options available | Nationwide 5G |
| Assurance Wireless | 8GB data, unlimited talk/text | Mobile hotspot capability | T-Mobile network |
| US Mobile | Varies by plan | Supercarrier coverage | Multiple networks |
How to Transfer Your Qlink Wireless Number
If you’re switching from Qlink Wireless to another telecom services provider, you can keep your current phone number by following these steps:
1: Gather Required Information
- Your Qlink Wireless phone number
- Account number (found in your member portal account overview)
- Transfer PIN (typically the last four digits of your phone number)
- Full name, address, and ZIP code on your account
2: Contact Your New Provider
- Provide all required information to your new carrier
- Request to start the number porting process
- Keep Qlink Wireless service active until the transfer is completed
3: Complete the Transfer
- Wait for confirmation from both carriers
- Test your service with the new provider
- Confirm all features work properly
User Experiences and Community Response
Reddit users and online forums have shared mixed experiences with Qlink Wireless over the years. Many customers reported:
Positive aspects:
- Reliable basic service for essential communication
- Helpful customer support when available
- Good coverage in most areas
Common complaints:
- Difficulty reaching customer service
- Unexpected service interruptions
- Limited data allowances for heavy users
- Confusion during the transition period
The Future of Lifeline Services
The Qlink Wireless case has drawn attention to Lifeline program checks and balances. The FCC has since put in place more rigorous verification steps and oversight to prevent such fraud going forward. This includes:
- Improved National Verifier accuracy
- Regular audits of participating providers
- More onerous ETC compliance obligations
- Improved customer usage monitoring
Financial Consequences and Restitution for Qlink
As part of a plea agreement, Qlink Wireless and its CEO, Issa Asad, will pay $109,637,057 in restitution to the FCC. However, he personally pocketed some $15 million from the scheme and now faces a maximum of 15 years in prison on various charges.
Comparing Current Qlink Alternatives
For those seeking new Lifeline providers, consider these factors:
Coverage and Network Quality:
- StandUp Wireless offers nationwide 5G coverage
- Assurance Wireless operates on T-Mobile’s network
- US Mobile provides access to multiple carrier networks
Data Allowances:
- StandUp Wireless: 4.5GB monthly
- Assurance Wireless: 8GB monthly
- US Mobile: Varies by selected plan
Additional Services:
- Mobile hotspot capabilities
- International calling options
- Device upgrade programs
Moving Forward without Qlink
The Qlink Wireless case is a reminder of the need for program integrity within public benefits programs. The company’s fraud may have tainted the Lifeline program with distrust, but alternative providers have moved in to provide service to the needy.
Existing customers need to make arrangements to find an alternative provider and potential new customers can find a variety of Lifeline providers in their area by visiting the FCC’s Lifeline provider directory.
FAQs
Qlink Wireless was terminated from the Lifeline program because of fraudulent practices and has entered a guilty plea to defrauding the program out of more than $100 million.
Qlink Wireless was suspended for its involvement in a plot to defraud the Lifeline program, submit false requests for Lifeline reimbursements, and provide Lifeline service in providers’ names over the years.
No, Qlink no longer provides Lifeline service and has lost its ability to be a part of any Universal Service Program.
To transfer your number, you’ll need your Qlink Wireless phone number, account number, transfer PIN, and billing information. However, you will want to have the above information ready when contacting your new provider to have your number ported.
Other alternatives are StandUp Wireless, Assurance Wireless, and US Mobile, all of which are also in the Lifeline business and provide similar benefits to qualified customers.
