Frequently Asked Questions

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Lifeline

Are Excess Telecom & IM Telecom the Same?
No — Excess Telecom is a distributor that helps you sign up for Lifeline benefits. Your Lifeline service, benefit, and account are provided and managed by IM Telecom.
What is the Federal Lifeline Program
The Federal Lifeline Program enables eligible households to get reduced-cost mobile and internet services.

Learn more about Lifeline and see if you qualify here.
What are the Enrollment Criteria for Lifeline?
To qualify for Lifeline, applicants must meet federal or state-specific requirements. Click here for a full list of eligibility criteria and to check if you qualify.
Why Does my State Offer Lifeline but I Cannot Enroll with Excess? 
IM Telecom currently provides Lifeline services in 27 states. If you're located in a non-covered state, you can still join through our Flex Mobile prepaid plans, which start at just $16/month. Enjoy added flexibility with monthly commitments and higher data options through Flex Mobile. Click here to learn more.

Prepaid

Are IM Telecom and Flex Mobile the Same? 
IM Telecom and Flex Mobile are separate entities that offer different plan options to fit your needs. IM Telecom provides Lifeline service, while Flex Mobile focuses on flexible, prepaid plans available to all. This way, we can serve a wide range of connectivity needs, all with affordable pricing. Excess Telecom is a licensed distributor for Lifeline benefit plans and a close partner of both IM Telecom and Flex Mobile.
What is an MVNO?
An MVNO, or Mobile Virtual Network Operator, is a provider that offers mobile services without owning its own network infrastructure. As a distributor, Excess Telecom partners with MVNOs like IM Telecom & Flex Mobile to deliver reliable service at lower rates. This approach allows us to scale our pricing to your needs, so you always get value.
Can I Use my Phone to Enroll in Flex Mobile?
Absolutely. You can enroll in Flex Mobile directly from your phone. Just visit our website, select your plan, and complete the sign-up process with ease.
How does billing work?
Billing with Flex Mobile is straightforward. You can access your My Account dashboad to make updates as you go, and you will receive regular billing notifications if your plan requires ongoing payments. For Flex Mobile, you’ll enjoy pay-as-you-go options, making it easy to stay in control of your budget.

Activation

How Do I Activate my New SIM Card?
Activating your SIM card is easy. Simply follow our step-by-step instructions on the Activation Page to get connected quickly.
How Do I Activate my New eSIM Card?
Getting your eSIM up and running is a breeze! Visit our Activation Page for a complete guide tailored to eSIM devices.
How Do I Unlock my Phone? 
If your phone is locked, we’re here to help! Head over to our Help Center, where you'll find specific unlocking instructions for each major carrier. Visit the Help Center here.

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