GCI Alaskan Lifeline Plans

GCI’s provides phone service to some of the most remote locations. As such, they are able to offer eligible Alaska residents the benefits of the federal Lifeline program. The Lifeline program offers free and discounted phone service to low-income households who would otherwise have a difficult time affording phone service.

What GCI’s Lifeline Offers

Currently, GCI offers two different Lifeline plans. There’s the wireless mobile plan (Lifeline Mobile) and the wired plan (Wireline) as explained below:

Mobile Lifeline:

• Unlimited texting
• Unlimited talk minutes
• Unlimited nationwide talk
• 4 GB of Data
• 1 GB of TurboZone Data

Lifeline Wireline Plan

• Unlimited Local Calls
• Directory Assistance calls: $1.50 each
• In-state long distance calls: 10¢ per minute
• Out of state long distance calls: 14¢ per minute

While the wireless Lifeline plan is available throughout Alaska, the Wireline plan is not. Therefore, before choosing a plan, check to see what is available in your area

The above plans are not free (but very close to free). The monthly charge for either plan is $1 per month.

How to Qualify

If your household income is at or below 135% Federal Poverty Guidelines or you or a member of your household participates in any one of the following government assistance programs, you qualify to receive Lifeline benefits:

• Food Stamps
• Medicaid
• Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Head Start Program (if you qualify under income criteria)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)

If you either participate in one of the programs or have a qualifying household income, the next step is providing documented proof. If you qualify based on income, provide any one of the following documents:

• Prior year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return
• A recent paycheck stub
• Benefits statement from the the U.S. Social Security Administration
• Statement of benefits from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
• Unemployment or worker’s compensation statement of benefits
• A federal or tribal notice or letter of participation in general assistance

Or any other official document containing income information.

Similarly, to prove program participation you can provide one of the following:

• A copy of a current official document or letter of participation
• A copy of your benefits card
• A copy of award letter which includes name of program, name of beneficiary, beneficiary address, date of award and award amount

If you are unsure of what type of documentation to provide, visit the USAC website for more information.

How to Apply

Since Alaska participates in the National Verification program, you can begin the application process by visiting CheckLifeline.org. By receiving approval through the National Verification program, you then are eligible to approach any Lifeline provider and aply for service. If you prefer, you can contact GCI directly via phone 800-800-4800, email: rcs@gci.com or visit one of their store locations.

A few Lifeline Stipulations:

1. Only one Lifeline benefit per household.


2. Lifeline benefits are not transferrable.


3. Do not make false statements on your application. False statements is grounds for losing Lifeline benefits.


4. If you change your address, notify the phone company within 30 days.


5. You must recertify eligiblity annually.


6. You must use your service at least once very 30 days.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: This site was created to help people find information about free government phones. We do not mail, activate or repair free government phones nor do we provide service. If you have questions about phone service we suggest you contact the phone service provider directly.

Last Modified: 7 June 2021