FCC Permanently Boots Q Link From Low-Income Phone Program
Published Date: 12/15/2025
Notice
Summary
Q Link Wireless is officially kicked out of the federal Lifeline program starting December 15, 2025, or as soon as they get the debarment letter—whichever comes first. This means Q Link can’t get any federal money or support from Lifeline or related programs anymore. If you’re counting on Q Link for Lifeline services, it’s time to look elsewhere!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Large Lifeline Payments Tied To Fraud
Between 2013 and 2019 Q Link received $618,736,494 from the Lifeline program, and at least 21 percent of payments in that period were due to a fraudulent scheme. This documents that a large portion of federal Lifeline funds paid to Q Link were linked to fraud.
Q Link Permanently Banned from Lifeline
Q Link Wireless is permanently barred from participating in the federal Lifeline program and all programs funded by federal universal service support mechanisms, and from participating in any program administered by the FCC. The debarment begins on the date Q Link receives the debarment letter or December 15, 2025, whichever comes first, and forbids Q Link from receiving funds or discounted services or from consulting, assisting, or advising applicants or service providers about these programs. If you rely on Q Link for Lifeline service, this means you cannot get Lifeline benefits through Q Link and must find another provider.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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