Over half of net new Sprint subscribers utilize government-sponsored ‘Lifeline' service

. More than 50% of Sprint's net new subscriber additions at any given time utilize a government subsidy program called “Lifeline,” which provides low-income Americans with free wireless minutes each month. Sprint provides the service under its “Assurance Wireless” brand, and it makes money beyond the small government subsidies when Lifeline customers spill over their monthly pool of minutes. Actual figures are not available, but the carrier is reportedly nearing a total of 2 million Assurance Wireless subscribers according to The Wall Street Journal.

Boy Genius Report, Over half of net new Sprint subscribers utilize government-sponsored ‘Lifeline' service