Getting a U.S. phone number and internet at home

Step 1 — Check the phone you already have

Is it locked? A “locked” phone works only on the network of the company that sold it, often until it’s paid off, and a provider may not unlock it while you owe money or are under contract (FCC — Cell Phone Unlocking). An unlocked phone can be used on compatible networks in the U.S. and abroad (FCC). Ask your home provider about unlocking while you can still reach them easily.

Is it compatible? Not every phone works on every network, and even when calls work, mobile data or texts might not (FCC). The FCC suggests checking with your provider before you travel (FCC).

Look for eSIM. An eSIM is a SIM built into the phone; on an unlocked phone, you can set it up for a new provider in the settings, with no card to swap (FCC — eSIM FAQ). Some phones have both a regular SIM and an eSIM, so you can keep two numbers on one device (FCC).

Think before you close your home number. Banks and other services often send codes by text message to confirm it’s you (FCC). Update those accounts before you give up your old number.

Step 2 — Choose prepaid or postpaid

The FCC describes the two main kinds of plans (FCC — Cell Phone Unlocking):

• Prepaid: you pay at the start of the month, before you use the service, and there’s typically no credit check. These plans often come with a discounted or free phone, which may stay locked for longer.
• Postpaid: you’re billed after you use the service. Opening an account often requires a credit check, and there may be a contract with an early termination fee (a charge for leaving early).

Deposits. Negative items on a credit report can mean a large deposit to get a cell phone (CFPB). Some large telecom companies may also use a specialty reporting company’s payment data to decide whether to ask for one (CFPB).

Before you sign, ask:

• which IDs and documents the company accepts, including if you don’t have a Social Security number or a U.S. credit history yet;
• whether there’s a deposit, a contract or an early termination fee;
• whether the phone will be locked, and for how long; policies can differ between prepaid and postpaid plans (FCC).

Paying on time helps later; see building credit from scratch.

Step 3 — Protect your new number from day one

In a “SIM swap” or “port-out” scam, someone tricks a phone company into moving your number to their device, then uses your texts and calls to get into your bank and social media accounts (FCC — Port-Out Fraud). The FCC suggests that you (FCC):

• ask your phone company to add a PIN or password to your account;
• turn on email and text alerts for important accounts;
• keep details like your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number off social media;
• never give personal information to someone who calls or texts you; call the company back on a number you trust.

Unwanted calls. Register your number for free on the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222, calling from that number (FCC — Robocalls). Scammers ignore the registry, so call blocking and call labeling are your best defenses (FTC — How To Block Unwanted Calls).

Step 4 — Find internet service for your home

See who serves your address. The FCC’s National Broadband Map shows which providers report offering internet at a home, the type of service and the maximum advertised speeds (FCC — Broadband Data). If the map is wrong, for example because a listed provider refused to serve you, you can file a challenge (FCC). If you rent, ask the landlord which providers serve the building and whether internet is included; see renting your first apartment.

Read the broadband label. Internet providers must have a “broadband label”, like a food nutrition label, for each standalone home or mobile plan (FCC — Broadband Labels). It shows the price, any introductory rate, data allowances and speeds; look for it wherever the plan is sold (FCC). The FCC changed some label rules in July 2026 to make labels easier to read (FCC). Check what you’ll pay after the introductory period ends.

Step 5 — Check whether Lifeline can lower your bill

What it is. Lifeline is an FCC program that gives a monthly discount on phone, internet or bundled service from participating companies (FCC — Lifeline): up to $9.25 a month (up to $5.25 for phone-only service), or up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands (USAC — FAQ). Only one benefit is allowed per household (FCC), meaning people who live together and share income and expenses (USAC — About Lifeline).

Who can get it. The FCC’s rule is household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or taking part in a program such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans Pension benefits (FCC). The full list and income limits are on LifelineSupport.org (USAC — How to Qualify).

How to apply. Apply online through the National Verifier at LifelineSupport.org, by mail, or with help from a participating company; Texas and Oregon have their own process (USAC — How to Apply). The application asks for your name, date of birth, home address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or a Tribal ID number (USAC — FAQ). You may need proof, such as a benefit letter or pay stubs (USAC). Then you sign up with a company that offers Lifeline (USAC); Companies Near Me helps you find one (USAC).

Keeping it. You must recertify every year, and if you don’t pay a monthly fee, use the service at least once every 30 days (FCC). If you move or stop qualifying, tell your company within 30 days (USAC — About Lifeline). The form warns that false information can lead to fines or imprisonment (USAC — Application form).

Rules under review in 2026. In a proposal released on February 23, 2026, the FCC wrote that Lifeline “already is available only to citizens and qualified aliens”, a category defined in federal law (FCC — 2026 Lifeline proposal). It proposed checking applicants’ lawful status with SAVE, a Department of Homeland Security service, and a five-year waiting period for people in that category, with exceptions such as refugees and asylees (FCC). When we checked in October 2026, the FCC’s Lifeline page and LifelineSupport.org did not list these as current rules (FCC; USAC). Check LifelineSupport.org before you apply; if you’re not a U.S. citizen, free immigration legal help can answer questions about your situation.

Step 6 — Check your bill and keep your number

Your bill. FCC rules require phone bills to describe charges in plain language and list a toll-free number for disputes (FCC — Understanding Your Telephone Bill). Expect taxes and fees on top of the plan price, such as 911 fees and a “Universal Service” charge (FCC).

Switching. If you stay in the same area, you can usually keep your number; this is called “porting” (FCC — Porting). Start the new service before you cancel the old one (FCC). Your old company can’t refuse to port it even if you owe money, but you still owe that money (FCC). Ask whether any porting fee can be waived (FCC).