Terms and Conditions
By enrolling in the Lifeline program, offered through WMA Tech, hereafter referred to as the WMA Tech Program (the WMA Tech “Program” or “WMA Tech”) and by using the WMA Tech service (the “WMA Tech Service” or “WMA Tech”), you (“You”), the participant, acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. DESCRIPTION
- Are eligible for and currently receive benefits from the public assistance program(s) identified in the application form.
- Do not currently receive lifeline support for a telephone line serving their residential address and no other resident in their household participates in the Lifeline program. If the applicant is already participating in another Lifeline program, then the applicant agrees to cancel their current household Lifeline support provider to enroll in the WMA Tech Program.
- Are not claimed as dependent on another person’s federal or state income tax return.
- Will notify WMA Tech by calling 1-888-224-3213 if they no longer qualify for any of the public assistance programs identified in their application form.
- Will notify WMA Tech of any change of address by calling 1-888-224-3213
- Reviewed the information contained in their application and it is true and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief.
Applicants who qualify and are enrolled in the WMA Tech Lifeline Program may receive a free cellular phone handset provided by WMA Tech, a voice-grade connection, together with a free allotment of airtime minutes each month for up to one year. Free handsets provided by WMA Tech may be refurbished and will be capable of texting as well as making voice calls. Where available, WMA Tech will rely on the Lifeline National Verifier or state Lifeline Administrators to determine whether an applicant meets the eligibility requirements to participate in the WMA Tech Lifeline Program. For states where an eligibility database is not available, WMA Tech will determine if the applicant meets eligibility requirements.
Applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements will be told the reason for their non-eligibility if applying in person or, via US Mail. Upon enrollment in the WMA Tech Program, you will be qualified to participate for up to one (1) year. To continue your enrollment in the WMA Tech Program after the initial year, you must verify annually that you are qualified for continued enrollment in the WMA Tech Lifeline Program as required by your state Public Service Commission, Public Utility Commission or other agency administering the Lifeline Program in your state. WMA Tech will also conduct verification drives for each state according to its rules. If WMA Tech determines during its verification drive, or at any other time, that a customer fails to continue to qualify for the WMA Tech Lifeline Program, such customer will immediately be deemed ineligible to participate in the WMA Tech Lifeline Program, will be de-enrolled from the WMA Tech Lifeline Program and will no longer receive the free monthly minutes. WMA Tech Customers who are no longer eligible (for any reason) for enrollment in the WMA Tech Lifeline Program must immediately notify WMA Tech that they no longer meet the eligibility requirements for enrollment. A WMA Tech customer’s enrollment may also be cancelled upon the request of a state and/or federal authority.
WMA Tech reserves the right to cancel the enrollment of any customer and/or permanently deactivate any customer’s WMA Tech phone for fraud, misrepresentation or other misconduct as determined solely by WMA Tech. While participating in the WMA Tech Lifeline Program, a customer shall not be permitted to sell, rent, give away or in any way allow another person to use the cellular phone or WMA Tech Service provided to him/her. IT IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAW TO SELL OR GIVE AWAY THE WMA Tech CELLULAR PHONE OR WMA Tech SERVICE PROVIDED TO YOU. Any violation of this prohibition will be reported to the appropriate legal authorities for prosecution. If you have any questions, concerns, comments or complaints regarding the WMA Tech Program or Service, offerings, or products, please call WMA Tech Customer Care at 1-888-224-3213. You may also contact your state’s Public Service Commission/Public Utility Commission.
2. ACTIVATION AND USE OF SERVICE
WMA Tech Services are provided at WMA Tech’ discretion. Some functions and features referenced in the Manufacturer’s manual provided with your WMA Tech phone may not be available on your WMA Tech handset. WMA Tech may modify or cancel any WMA Tech Service or take corrective action at any time without prior notice and for any reason, including but not limited to your violation of these terms and conditions of service.
Each plan is subject to a non-recurring activation fee of $25 when initiating service with the Company or changing service from another provider to the Company. The one-time fee will be charged to the customer’s account at activation.
You are responsible for establishing, verifying, and maintaining the email address, account, options, settings, and other parameters under which the WMA Tech Services are used, including, without limitation, all related passwords and user identification information. You understand, acknowledge and agree that these account functions may be performed only by a person at least 18 years of age, without exception.
You understand, acknowledge and agree that WMA Tech is not responsible for any malware, spyware, or other potentially harmful viruses or material transmitted via the WMA Tech Service.
3. AIRTIME RATES, PLANS AND INCLUDED MONTHLY MINUTES
WMA Tech airtime is issued in minute (or unit) increments. Units are deducted from the WMA Tech phone plan at a rate of one (1) unit per minute or partial minute of use. There is no additional charge for nationwide long distance.
WMA Tech customers will receive a monthly allotment of airtime minutes as per their package selected. You may use your monthly allotment of airtime minutes to place or receive calls. Airtime minutes will be deducted for all time during which your WMA Tech phone is connected to or is using the wireless system of any Carrier. Use of a wireless system typically begins when you press the “send,” “call” or other key to initiate or answer a call and does not end until you press the “end” key, or the call is otherwise terminated. Airtime minutes are deducted for all incoming and outgoing calls, including incoming calls, waiting calls, simultaneous calls, calls to toll free numbers (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, etc.), 411, and to access your voice mail. Airtime minutes are not deducted for calls to WMA Tech customer service by dialing 1-877-312-1961 or 611 from your WMA Tech handset. For simultaneous calls, such as incoming call waiting and 3-way calling (where available) airtime minutes will be deducted for each call. Airtime minutes are not deducted for calls to 911, and all handsets will be able to call 911 even if they have no airtime remaining. For outbound calls, you may be charged airtime for incomplete and/or busy-no answer calls. No credit or refund is given for dropped calls.
Unlimited Usage Policy: UNLIMITED USE DOES NOT MEAN UNREASONABLE USE. To ensure that all customers have access to reliable services provided at a reasonable cost, you may not use our service in a manner that interferes with another WMA Tech customer’s use of our service or disproportionately impacts WMA Tech’ network resources. WMA Tech reserves the right, without notice or limitation, to terminate individual calls, or, after providing notice to you, offer you a different service plan with no unlimited usage components, or deny, terminate, end, modify, disconnect or suspend your service, or decline to renew your service, if you engage in any of the prohibited voice uses detailed below or if WMA Tech, in its sole discretion, determines action is necessary to protect its wireless networks from harm or degradation.
Examples of Prohibited Voice Uses: WMA Tech voice services are provided solely for live dialogue between, and initiated by, two individuals for personal use & as otherwise described in this policy. WMA Tech voice services may not be used for any commercial or other similar purposes including, but not limited to, (1) conference calling; (2), monitoring services; (3), data transmissions; (4), transmission of broadcasts; (5) transmission of recorded material; (6) interconnection to other networks; (7) telemarketing; (8) autodialed calls; (9) other commercial uses; or other connections that do not consist of uninterrupted live dialogue between two individuals.
Data: Data coverage services are not available everywhere. 4G data coverage is available on our networks but may be limited by your device’s capabilities. 5G Devices and services may not be supported in all areas.
SafetyNet provides broadband service at speeds that meet or exceed the FCC’s mobile broadband minimum service standards but reserves the right to reduce download speeds when necessary while still complying with FCC standards.
DATA SPEEDS ARE NOT GUARANTEED. WMA Tech does not guarantee the speeds of the data services it provides. Data speeds are dependent on many factors including reception, tower traffic, your device’s capabilities, and other factors. WMA Tech reserves the right to prioritize your data behind other WMA Tech customers during periods of network congestion or high individual daily usage by throttling your data speed. Reduced speeds and increased latency may cause web sites to load more slowly or affect the performance of data-heavy activities such as video streaming or interactive gaming. Additional scenarios that vary data speeds and performance may exist in accordance with Sprint and T-Mobile’s network management practices.
Rate Plans: see WMA Tech Lifeline “Plans Chart” and “Schedule of Rates” and current promotions, also available at www.publicwirelessllc.com.
Excessive Use Policy: WMA Tech applies an excessive use policy in conjunction with its “Unlimited” Service (where available). WMA Tech’ Lifeline service is intended for personal use. If a subscriber exceeds 2,000 minutes/texts, the service will go into “hotline” status, which means the subscriber’s calls will be directed to WMA Tech’ Customer Service. The subscriber will be informed that the service is intended for personal use and that their usage is considered high for personal usage. The subscriber will be issued another 250 minutes/750 texts. If the subscriber runs out of minutes/texts again, the “hotline” status procedure will repeat. When in “hotline” status, the subscriber will automatically be directed to the WMA Tech IVR, where they will receive up to 3 “courtesy top-ups”. Any additional courtesy top-ups must be completed by contacting WMA Tech Customer Service.
4. ADDITIONAL PLANS, TOP-UPS
You may add minutes to your account at any time by purchasing one of the top-up plans we have available. You can purchase additional minutes using your credit or debit card at our website www.publicwirelessllc.com or, over the phone by calling our customer service department. You can reach customer service by dialing the number given to you when you enrolled or by dialing 611.
Additional usage rates are listed on the WMA Tech Lifeline “Plans Chart” and “Schedule of Rates”, also available at www.publicwirelessllc.com.
Prepaid Plan Refund Policy: If you purchased a monthly prepaid rate plan and transfer your service to another designated service provider, opt to terminate your service, or are found ineligible for service, a return of any collected but unapplied payments is available. You must send us a written request within 60 days of the service termination date. A check will be mailed to your last known service address or to the address noted in your written request four to six weeks from the receipt of the written request. If a subscriber terminates service or transfers to another provider and does not send a written request to return the deposit within 60 days, remaining monthly deposits will be converted to data upon termination or benefit transfer at the rate of X MB per $1 and such data allotments will remain available for use with the subscriber’s SIM for 60 days.
5. TEXT MESSAGING
6. SERVICE END DATE, DEACTIVATION AND REACTIVATION
If your service is deactivated, you may reactivate your service by re-enrolling in the WMA Tech Program (if eligible). Upon reactivation of your phone, you will be assigned a new telephone number. If your phone remains inactive or unused for more than 45 days, you will lose any remaining airtime and your Lifeline account will be disconnected on day 46.
To prevent any interruption in your Lifeline phone service, please keep your handset service active by using it to place or receive a call every 30 days through one of the following means: (i) Completion of an outbound call or usage of data; (ii) Purchase of minutes or data from WMA Tech to add to your Service plan; (iii) Answering an incoming call from a party other than WMA Tech or a WMA Tech agent or representative; (iv) Responding to direct contact from WMA Tech and confirming that you want to continue receiving Lifeline Service; or (v) Sending a text message. You will also need to complete your annual re-certification as required by the WMA Tech Lifeline Program before your Service End Date.
7. TERMINATION OF SERVICE
8. UNAUTHORIZED USAGE
The WMA Tech device is provided exclusively for use by you, the end consumer with the WMA Tech Service available solely in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Any other use of your WMA Tech handset, including without limitation, any resale, unlocking and/or re-flashing of the handset is unauthorized and constitutes a violation of your agreement with WMA Tech. You agree not to (i) unlock, reflash, tamper with or alter your WMA Tech phone or its software, (ii) enter unauthorized PIN’s, (iii) engage in any other unauthorized or illegal use of your WMA Tech phone or the Service, or assist others in such acts, (iv) sell and/or export WMA Tech handsets outside of the United States. These acts violate WMA Tech’ rights and state and federal laws. Improper, illegal, or unauthorized use of your WMA Tech device is a violation of this agreement and may result in immediate discontinuance of Services and legal action against you. WMA Tech will prosecute violators to the full extent of the law.
WMA Tech Unlocking Policy
WMA Tech reserves the right to lock any devices on its network at any time. A customer may request unlocking in accordance with the unlocking policies noted below.
- Prepaid Lifeline Unlocking Policy. SafetyNet, upon request, will unlock prepaid Lifeline mobile wireless devices no later than one year after initial activation, consistent with reasonable time, payment or usage requirements.
- Notice. SafetyNet will clearly notify customers that their devices are eligible for unlocking at the time when their devices are eligible for unlocking or automatically unlock devices remotely when devices are eligible for unlocking, without additional fees. SafetyNet reserves the right to charge non-customers/non-former customers with a reasonable fee for unlocking requests. Notice to prepaid Lifeline customers will occur through a clear and concise statement of policy on the SafetyNet website.
- Response Time. Within two business days after receiving a request, SafetyNet will unlock eligible mobile wireless devices or initiate a request to the OEM to unlock the eligible device or provide an explanation of why the device does not qualify for unlocking, or why SafetyNet reasonably needs additional time to process the request.
- Deployed Personnel Unlocking Policy. SafetyNet will unlock mobile wireless devices for deployed military personnel who are customers in good standing upon provision of deployment papers.
SafetyNet reserves the right to decline an unlock request if SafetyNet has a reasonable basis to believe the request is fraudulent or the device is stolen.
9. ROAMING AND COVERAGE
Coverage maps showing where WMA Tech service is generally available can be found on our website – www.safetynetwireless.net. These maps depict approximate domestic coverage and roaming coverage applicable to our service plans. These maps are generated using generally accepted methodologies and standards to depict outdoor coverage. All maps will contain or link to an appropriate legend concerning the limitations and/or variations in wireless coverage and map usage, including any geographic limitations on the availability of any services included in your plan, including roaming. These maps will be periodically updated as necessary to keep them reasonably current.
10. FEES AND OTHER CHARGES
11. LIMITATIONS OF SERVICE AND EQUIPMENT
12. DEVICE POLICIES
Devices purchased directly from WMA Tech can be returned within 7 days of purchase by calling Customer Care. The Customer must return the device undamaged and in good working condition, with no material alterations to the device’s hardware or software, in its original packaging and all its components along with the original receipt to receive a credit or refund. Devices purchased from other sources (e.g., Our Sales Agents) or authorized retail locations are subject to their respective return policies.
Prepaid Plan and Device Bundle Refund Policy: If you purchased a prepaid monthly rate plan and device bundle and transfer your service to another designated service provider, opt to terminate your service, or are found ineligible for service, a return of any collected but unapplied deposits is available. You must return the device in good working condition with no material alterations to the device’s hardware and software in its original packaging and with all its components at your expense and send us a written request within 60 days of the service termination date. A check will be mailed to your last known service address or to the address noted in your written request four to six weeks from the receipt of the written request.
Warranty Exchange Policy: WMA Tech customers shall have up to 60 days from the activation date of their device to return any defective phone to WMA Tech. WMA Tech will exchange a defective device for a new or refurbished device, at WMA Tech’ discretion, during this period of time only. For a defective device replacement, call WMA Tech Customer Service at 1-888-224-3213.
Exclusions and Conditions: This limited warranty does not cover damage or failure caused by abuse or misuse of the device or accessories. Your limited warranty excludes all direct, indirect, incidental and/or consequential damages, unless otherwise provided by law. Replacement phones can be purchased by calling Customer Service and making a payment via debit or credit card. Devices will be replaced at WMA Tech’ discretion. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Customers are responsible for removing all personal information from the device and/or completing a factory reset on the device prior to returning it to WMA Tech for any reason. WMA Tech is not responsible for any personal information remaining on the device upon receipt.
13. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES
14. HEARING, VISUAL OR SPEECH IMPAIRED ACCOMODATIONS
15. EMERGENCY CALLS, 911 SERVICE
16. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
17. PENNSYLVANIA
18. IDEMNIFICATION
19. BINDING ARBITRATION
20. PRIVACY POLICY
CONSENT
These Terms and Conditions govern your participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and includes required disclosures and eligibility information. Our standard terms and conditions, including the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), also apply and are available at www.publicwirelessllc.comor California customers and for customers in other states. In the event the ACP Terms and Conditions and the standard terms and conditions conflict, the ACP Terms and Conditions control. If you have additional questions, call us at 800.286.5380. The ACP is a government benefit program operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides discounts on monthly broadband Internet access service and certain connected devices. The ACP provides discounts of up to $30 per eligible household on monthly broadband Internet access service (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands) and up to $100 on certain connected devices (with a required co-pay of between $10 and $50). The ACP monthly service and device discounts cannot be transferred to another household or individual. An eligible household is limited to one monthly service discount and a single, one-time device discount. ACP benefits may be obtained from any participating provider of your choosing and your monthly service benefit may be transferred to another provider at any time. ACP services and devices are subject to consumer eligibility, provider participation, product availability, and approval by the FCC/Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The ACP was launched on December 31, 2021, and replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. Subscribers enrolled in the EBB as of December 31, 2021 may keep their EBB benefit for 60 days and must transition to the ACP on March 1, 2022, if eligible. By subscribing to WMA Tech’s ACP supported services, you authorize WMA Tech and its contracted partners, for the purpose of applying for, determining eligibility, enrolling in and seeking reimbursement of ACP service and device benefits, to collect, use, share and retain your personal information, including, but not limited to, information required for the purpose of establishing eligibility for and enrolling in the Lifeline program, and including, but not limited to, full name, full residential address, date of birth, last four digits of social security number, telephone number, eligibility criteria and status, the date on which the ACP service discount was initiated and, if applicable, terminated, ACP connected device distribution date/type/make and model/status, usage status and other compliance requirements, the amount of support being sought for the service and/or device, and information necessary to establish identity and verifiable address. This includes sharing the information with USAC to ensure proper administration of the ACP service and/or connected device benefits. Failure to provide consent will result in your being denied the ACP service and/or the connected device benefits. You agree that any state, local, Tribal government, school, or school district may share information about your receipt of benefits that would establish eligibility for the ACP and that such information will be used only to determine ACP eligibility. WMA Tech and its contracted partners may contact you to validate your eligibility for or desire to participate in WMA Tech ACP offers and other products and services via email, telephone, or text messaging. Text messaging and data rates may apply. Consent for calls and texts is optional and can be revoked at any time. Eligibility A household is eligible to receive an ACP discount if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:
- Has an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a household of that size;
- Receives benefits from certain federal assistance programs: Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, or Lifeline;
- Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program;
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s qualifying low-income program.
Households on Tribal lands are additionally eligible to receive an ACP discount if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:
- Receives Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance;
- Participates in Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard);
- Receives Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF); or
- Participates in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
ACP eligibility will be determined for the FCC by the USAC’s National Verifier and National Lifeline Accountability Database, or an alternative verification process approved by the FCC. Service Plans You can apply your ACP discount to any available WMA Tech ACP service plan. Service plans are posted on WMA Tech’s website at www.publicwirelessllc.com. Your service plan terms and conditions may limit the amount of high-speed data included with your service plan and the actual speeds you will achieve while using our broadband services. Other factors, including your device, network availability from our underlying carrier, your proximity to cellular towers, and environmental factors may affect speeds. For additional information about broadband speeds, visitwww.publicwirelessllc.comLifeline Subscribers Customers may have one ACP and one Lifeline benefit per household. Your Lifeline benefit and ACP can be combined and applied to the same service plan or applied to different service plans. You are not required to opt-in to the ACP, and you can continue to receive your Lifeline service without enrolling in the ACP. You may choose to take ACP benefits from a service provider other than your existing Lifeline provider. If you would like to have your ACP plan on a separate device with a different phone number, please call Customer Care at 800.286.5380 WMA Tech. Emergency Broadband Benefit Subscribers This Agreement applies to subscribers who are enrolled in WMA Tech’s EBB services. The FCC is phasing out the EBB and replacing it with the ACP beginning on December 31, 2021. Eligible subscribers who are enrolled in WMA Tech’s EBB Services as of 6:00 PM Eastern Time on December 30, 2021, will continue to receive Services with their EBB program discount of up to $50 (or for households on Tribal lands, up to $75) per month during a 60-day transition period, which lasts from December 31, 2021 to March 1, 2022. The discount amount available to subscribers who are enrolled in the ACP after the transition period will be up to $30 per month. Beginning December 31, 2021, EBB customers may switch their service plan at any time. EBB subscribers who qualified for the EBB through eligibility criteria that are not applicable to the ACP will be required by USAC to demonstrate their eligibility in the National Verifier to receive an ACP benefit using the ACP criteria before the end of the transition period. EBB subscribers will receive additional information if they are required to take additional steps to transition to the ACP benefit on March 1, 2022. Account Activity Requirement To continue receiving your ACP service with WMA Tech, you must make or answer a voice call or send a text message (if your device is capable), use data, purchase minutes, or respond to direct contact from WMA Tech at least once during any 30-day period. ACP Discontinuance If the FCC announces that funding for the ACP has been exhausted, we discontinue our ACP service offers, or we determine you are no longer eligible for the ACP, we will notify you and you will revert to our standard FREE Lifeline plan where available and if you are eligible. You also may choose to keep your service plan or choose another plan available at the time, but you will be subject to paying applicable rates applicable plus applicable fees and taxes. Our standard terms and conditions will apply.