What happened to Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless was one of the largest Lifeline providers in the country. It is gone. The timeline is a matter of public record:
- June 2021 – the US Postal Inspection Service raided Q Link’s Florida headquarters.
- October 2024 – Q Link Wireless LLC pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud and theft of government funds, in a scheme to take more than $100 million from the federal Lifeline program. Its owner and chief executive was sentenced to five years.
- November 2024 – the Florida Public Service Commission issued a show cause order to revoke Q Link’s carrier designation and directed the company to write to every Florida Lifeline customer within seven days telling them to choose a new provider.
- December 2024 – the FCC suspended Q Link from Lifeline and all federal universal service support, effective immediately.
- December 2025 – the FCC permanently debarred Q Link Wireless LLC and its owner from Lifeline and every FCC-administered program. The Commission found Q Link had drawn $618.7 million from Lifeline between 2013 and 2019, at least 21% of it fraudulent.
What happened to Q Link customers
Q Link subscribers were migrated to StandUp Wireless, operated by Global Connection Inc. of America. If your number was on Q Link and still works, it is on StandUp Wireless now, and StandUp is the carrier you port out of.
StandUp Wireless took down the transition notice page it ran during the changeover, so the exact cutover date is no longer documented publicly. If you are unsure which carrier holds your number, your new carrier can look it up before submitting the transfer.
Where to go next
Your Q Link line is a StandUp Wireless line now
Start the port-out there. If you are choosing a new Lifeline provider instead, compare by network first – coverage is the only thing that changes when the price is already zero.
TruConnectT-Mobile network. Lifeline provider, so the benefit can follow.Account number and port-out info →
Assurance WirelessT-Mobile network, T-Mobile owned. Lifeline provider.Account number and port-out info →
Sorted by relevance to a former Q Link customer, not by what pays us. Best Cellular is not a wireless carrier and does not sell service. Some links on this site may earn a commission. Full disclosure.
Common questions about Q Link Wireless
Is Q Link Wireless still in business?
No. Q Link Wireless LLC pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges in October 2024 and was permanently debarred from Lifeline and all FCC programs in December 2025. It cannot provide service.
Why does the Q Link website still work?
The domain was never taken down. It still serves marketing pages promoting free service and a program that ended in June 2024. Treat it as an abandoned site, not a carrier.
What network did Q Link Wireless use?
Q Link operated as an MVNO on Sprint, and on T-Mobile after the merger. This is third-party reporting rather than anything Q Link published, and it no longer matters for a working line – your number is on StandUp Wireless now.
How do I get my number off a Q Link line?
Port out from StandUp Wireless, which holds the line. Your new carrier can confirm who currently controls the number before submitting the transfer.
Do I lose my Lifeline benefit?
The benefit follows your enrollment, not your carrier. You have to enroll at the new provider – only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, so do not leave a gap.