| Q Link Wireless | |
| Type: | Division |
| Fate: | Q Link Wireless merged into StandUp Wireless |
| Successor: | StandUp Wireless |
| Founder: | Issa Asad |
| Area Served: | United States |
| Key People: | Issa Asad |
Q Link Wireless was an American telecommunications company based in Dania, Florida that provided free wireless services to Lifeline eligible consumers. The company also offered prepaid mobile phone services including wireless voice, messaging, and data services under the Hello Mobile brand.[1]
Q Link Wireless was one of multiple companies owned and operated under Quadrant Holdings, and was founded in 2011 by its CEO, Issa Asad.[2]
The company is now owned by StandUp Wireless as of 2024. Q Link Wireless no longer offers lifeline services as of 2024. Accessing Q Link Wireless now redirects to StandUp Wireless.
Q Link Wireless provided service for low-income-eligible individuals, funded through the Universal Service Fund.[3] The company also offered general phone plans.[4]
Q Link Wireless offered free or discounted service to eligible Americans who are currently enrolled in a government benefit program or meet certain low-income requirements for their state. Government benefit programs that meet qualifications are standard and set by FCC. but commonly include Food Stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Income.[5]
On June 9, 2021, the company's Florida headquarters was raided by the United States Postal Inspection Service in connection to an undisclosed ongoing investigation.[6] On October 15, 2024, the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of Florida announced that Issa Assad and Q Link Wireless LLC had pleaded guilty to “conspiring to defraud and commit offenses (…) in connection with a years-long scheme to steal over $100 million” from the Lifeline federal program.[7]