This agreement governs your use of our California Lifeline services. Please read it carefully.
THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS A BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENT AND CLASS ACTION AND JURY TRIAL WAIVER CLAUSES IN SECTION 9 BELOW THAT IS APPLICABLE TO YOU AND US.
Last Updated: 06/19/2025
These Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) governs the provision of the Services by American Broadband & Telecommunications Company, LLC (“AMBT,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) to you (“your,” “applicant,” “customer,” “subscriber,” “participant,” or “user”) and your use of the Services and Devices. This Agreement is applicable to AMBT service marketed under the American Assistance brand and any other brand “powered by American Broadband and Telecommunications Company, LLC.” As used in this Agreement, the term: (A) “Services” means voice telephony (“talk”), text messaging (“text”), broadband Internet access services (“data”), SIM card, embedded SIM (“eSIM”), and any other services provided to you by AMBT, including California Lifeline service and prepaid wireless service; (B) “Device” means any phone, smartphone, tablet, accessory, or other device provided or sold to you by AMBT or that you activate or use with our Services; and (C) “Underlying Carrier” means the wireless provider whose facilities we use to provide you wireless Services. The complete Agreement between you and AMBT consists of:
PLEASE READ THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY as they contain important information about your rights and obligations. These Terms and Conditions: (1) require the use of arbitration on an individual basis to resolve disputes, rather than jury trials or class actions; (2) limit our liability and the remedies available to you in the event of a dispute; (3) permit us to terminate, suspend, modify, or limit your Services at any time, without prior notice, and for any reason, including your violation of these Terms and Conditions; and (4) reserve our right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. THIS AGREEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE AND LEGALLY BINDING ON YOU WHEN YOU: (a) initiate, enroll in, or subscribe to the Services; (b) use or attempt to use the Services; (c) pay for the Services; (d) upgrade or modify the Services, (e) start any application, program, or software that states you are accepting this Agreement, or (f) accept the Services or Agreement through any written, oral, or electronic statement or signature. This Agreement continues until we or you terminate your Services. You must be 18 years or older to enter into this Agreement. When you accept these Terms of Service, you represent that you are at least 18 years of age and that you meet the eligibility standards for AMBT’s Services. If you disagree with any of the terms or conditions stated herein or you are not 18 years of age, do not initiate Services with AMBT or contact AMBT Customer Service immediately to terminate your Services. We may deny requests to subscribe to our Services for any lawful reason.
AMBT has been approved by the California Public Utilities Commission as a California LifeLine Program provider. The California Lifeline Program is administered by the California Public Utility Commission (“CPUC”) and its designee, the California Lifeline Administrator. The California LifeLine Program provides discounts on Service to eligible California households using funds from California ratepayers. These Terms andConditions apply to AMBT customers who subscribe to the California LifeLine service. If there is a discrepancy between these terms and general terms in this Agreement, these terms shall supersede.
If you have any questions, concerns, comments, or complaints regarding American Broadband’s California LifeLine services, please contact AMBT Customer Service. You may also contact the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
You must be enrolled in a Service Plan to utilize our Services. Wireless Service Plan descriptions are available on the AMBT website. Service Plan availability, rates, and Allotments are subject to change at any time. Lifeline discounts are automatically applied. New subscribers select a Service Plan upon enrollment and existing subscribers can contact Customer Service to change their Service Plan.
AMBT wireless subscribers can purchase “Top Up” Plans to receive allotments talk, text, and data by contacting AMBT Customer Services. “Top Up” Plans are available on the AMBT website. “Top Up” Plans are non-refundable and cannot be transferred.
Allotments have no cash value and are non-refundable. If you terminate your service, you will forfeit any unused Allotments. If you use your full allotment, the Service will be suspended for the remainder of the monthly cycle, except for 911 and calls to AMBT Customer Services. You may check your Allotment balances at any time free of charge by contacting Customer Service. Unused Service Plan Allotments expire on the last day of your monthly cycle and will not carry over.
All incoming and outgoing voice calls on your Device use talk minute allotments, excluding 911 emergency calls and AMBT Customer Service Calls. Call time is measured in one-minute increments. Outgoing calls begin the moment you initiate a call and incoming calls begin the moment the signal connection is established.
Each SMS or MMS message that is sent or received on your wireless Device is deducted from text message allotments. There is no guarantee that messages will be received, and AMBT is not responsible for lost or misdirected messages.
All data usage that occurs through your wireless Device (except when connected to Wi-Fi) will be deducted from your data allotment. Data usage is calculated in full-kilobyte increments. Data usage may occur whenever your Device is connected to the network and transmitting data, including from applications that automatically send and receive data without your knowledge. To prevent unintended data usage, you should connect your device to Wi-Fi when available or power off your Device when it is not in use.
Upon enrolling in AMBT’s Lifeline service, you may be eligible to receive a free wireless Device. If you are not eligible for a free Device, AMBT will provide you with a free SIM that you can use with a wireless Device you purchase from us or with your own wireless Device. Your AMBT Device can only be used with our Services. If you provide your own Device, you are responsible for ensuring it is unlocked, compatible, and does not interfere with our Services.
Devices purchased directly from AMBT may be returned for a full refund within 30 days of purchase with the original receipt. Devices must be returned in their original package and in like-new condition. Refunds will not be issued for damaged Devices. Prior to returning a Device, erase all personal data. Please contact AMBT Customer Service for instructions. SIM cards are not eligible for returns.
Upon accepting a Device from us, all risk of loss, theft, or damage is borne by you. AMBT is not responsible for lost or stolen phones. If your Device is lost or stolen, you may purchase a replacement. You are responsible for any usage or charges until you report the loss or theft to us by contacting AMBT Customer Service. Upon receiving notice, AMBT will take immediate steps to suspend the Services.
AMBT may, from time-to-time remotely update or change your Device’s software, applications, or programming without notice. These changes will modify your Device and may affect or erase data stored on it. AMBT is not responsible for lost data or functionality. While your Device is receiving a software update, you may be unable to use it, including to contact 911.
AMBT may offer software, content, and applications. These are licensed, not sold, to you for personal, lawful, non-commercial use. You may not copy, decompile, reverse engineer, or modify the software. AMBT reserves the right to update, modify, or delete software at any time, without notice.
You are not permitted to unlock, re-flash, tamper with, or otherwise alter the hardware or software on your AMBT Device for any purpose.
AMBT complies with the CTIA Consumer Code regarding unlocking eligible AMBT Devices. AMBT will, upon request, unlock Devices used to access Lifeline services no later than one year after initial activation for subscribers in full compliance with our Terms and Conditions. “Unlocking” refers only to the disabling of software that prevents a Device from being used on another carrier’s network. It does not guarantee compatibility. AMBT may deny an unlocking request if we have a reasonable basis to believe the request is fraudulent or the Device is stolen.
You are responsible for paying all one-time and recurring charges, including Service Plan charges, Top-Up Plan charges, Device charges, and all applicable federal, state, and local taxes, surcharges, and fees. With the exception of taxes or other charges that are required by law, no additional surcharges are assessed on Lifeline-supported services. All charges, fees, and taxes, once paid, are non-refundable.
You will receive your bill electronically. You are responsible for reviewing your bills to ensure all charges are accurate. You agree to pay for all charges on or before your payment due date. By providing payment information, you authorize us to charge your payment method. You may cancel automatic renewal at any time.
If we attempt to charge your payment method and it fails, we reserve the right to suspend your access to our service. If non-payment is not resolved, your account will be deactivated. You agree to reimburse us for any collection agency fees and costs.
AMBT does not condition the provision of Services on a subscriber’s credit rating or credit history. No deposits are required as a condition of receiving Services.
AMBT may provide promotional credits or offers. Promotions and Rewards are offered at the sole discretion of AMBT, have no cash value, and may not be sold or transferred. If your Services are terminated, any Promotions and Rewards are forfeited.
Devices associated with your Services may be used to purchase content or apps from third parties. You are responsible for all charges resulting from Third-Party Purchases. AMBT is not liable for any such charges.
You can access your subscriber account information by contacting AMBT Customer Service and providing necessary authentication. You will only be able to access CPNI by providing a password. You are responsible for protecting your password.
You should be aware of Port-Out Fraud and SIM Swap Fraud. We have implemented measures to help you protect your account.
Customer Notification: Upon receiving a port-out or SIM change request, and before effectuating it, we will provide you immediate notification.
Account Locks: You have the option, at no cost, to lock your account to prohibit your number from being ported or your SIM from being changed. We will not fulfill such requests until you deactivate the lock. To request or deactivate a lock, please contact Customer Service. We may also activate a lock if we have a reasonable belief you are at high risk of fraud.
Reporting Fraud: If you believe you have been the victim of Port-Out or SIM Swap Fraud, please contact us immediately.
As a California customer, you can use talk allotments to call certain areas of Mexico and Canada. All other international calls and text messages are not included.
Service availability is subject to the geographic coverage area of our Underlying Carrier. Coverage is not available everywhere. A coverage map can be accessed from our website. Coverage maps are only approximations of actual coverage. AMBT does not guarantee or warrant the coverage of the network.
“Roaming” occurs when you use the network of another wireless provider. While roaming, you will typically be able to use all Services under your plan with no additional charge; however, data Services and certain calling features may not be available. Only domestic roaming is available.
Service availability and quality may be subject to limitations due to weather, obstructions, network capacity, and other factors. Service Limitations may also occur as a result of network maintenance. AMBT does not guarantee or warrant the availability or quality of the Services at any given time or geographic location. We are not liable for Service Limitations.
AMBT or our Underlying Carrier may take actions to address security threats and optimize the network. Such actions may include discontinuing services, restricting usage, limiting speeds, filtering or blocking transmissions (like spam or malware), and blocking access to certain numbers or services. Some of these actions may interrupt or prevent legitimate communications.
Your wireless Device may be location enabled. Your location information may be used by us, our Underlying Carrier, or third-party services, as described in our Privacy Policy. Additionally, your location information may be used by 911 and other emergency services. Always state the nature of your emergency and provide both your location and phone number when you make a 911 call. We cannot assure you that if you place a 911 call you will be found. You may be able to configure your Device settings to restrict the sharing of your location information.
Your Device’s location information may be used to assist emergency services in finding you, but you should always be prepared to provide this information. Wireless devices may not always be able to provide 911 dispatchers with your exact location. If you attempt to make an emergency call in an area with no wireless coverage, your call may not go through. AMBT does not guarantee that you will be able to contact emergency services.
AMBT may make Wi-Fi Calling available. Calling 9-1-1 via Wi-Fi Calling operates differently than traditional 9-1-1. You must provide us with the physical location at which you will use Wi-Fi Calling (the “Registered Location”) and promptly update it if it changes. If you attempt to dial 9-1-1 via Wi-Fi Calling from any location other than your Registered Location, emergency personnel may not be able to identify your location. NEITHER AMBT NOR ITS UNDERLYING CARRIER IS RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANYTHING RELATED TO YOUR USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE ANY WI-FI CALLING, INCLUDING ANY FAILURE OF EMERGENCY CALLS.
Devices may be used to access third-party “Content and Applications.” Some Content and Applications may be harmful, offensive, or unsuitable for minors. You are solely responsible for evaluating the Content and Applications accessed. When you access third-party Content, you are subject to their terms and privacy policies. You may review our Privacy Policy to learn how we handle information.
You must accept the phone number we assign to you. We reserve the right to change it at any time. Except for any legal right you may have to “port” your number, you have no ownership rights to any phone number. We do not guarantee that numbers ported to or from AMBT will be successful. To request a port, please contact AMBT Customer Service. When you port a number, you are solely responsible for all charges billed by your prior carrier. If you authorize another carrier to port a number from AMBT, we will consider that a request by you to terminate your Services. If your Services are terminated and you do not port your number, we may reassign it to another subscriber.
You are only permitted to use AMBT’s Devices and Services for lawful, personal, and non-commercial uses. Prohibited uses include those that are unlawful, harmful, or otherwise impact our ability to provide Services.
Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:
This Acceptable Use Policy applies to all Service Plans, including unlimited plans. UNLIMITED DOES NOT MEAN UNREASONABLE USE. If you engage in any unauthorized, excessive, or abusive use, we may, at our sole discretion, terminate, suspend, modify, or limit your Services.
You are responsible for all fraudulent use of your Device and the Services. If you discover fraudulent activity, you must immediately notify AMBT Customer Service. If you want to report any violations of this Acceptable Use Policy, please contact us.
Either party may terminate the Services at any time on advance notice. AMBT must terminate your Lifeline service, upon notice to you, if we have a reasonable belief that you no longer qualify, if you fail to timely recertify, or if you fail to use your device for thirty (30) consecutive days. Additionally, AMBT may, at any time, with or without prior notice, terminate, suspend, modify, or limit your Services if:
Upon termination, any unused Allotments will expire, and you will not receive a refund. AMBT may reassign your phone number. We are not liable for any harms that may result from termination or suspension. You can request that we terminate your Services by contacting Customer Service.
AMBT MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR PERFORMANCE TO YOU IN CONNECTION WITH THE SERVICES OR DEVICES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free Services, wireless coverage, or particular service speeds. We do not guarantee that your communications will be private or secure. We do not manufacture any Devices and are not responsible for any defects, acts, or omissions of the manufacturers.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree that AMBT shall not be liable for any: (a) act, omission, or error by you or a third party; (b) charges for products or services provided by third parties; (c) claims against you by third parties; (d) mistake, omission, interruption, or defect in the provision of Services; (e) damage or loss caused by your use of the Services, including traffic accidents; (f) damage or loss caused by any interruption or failure in accessing emergency services, including 911; (g) interrupted, failed, or inaccurate location services; (h) content or applications you may access; (i) unauthorized access to your account or Device; or (j) default or delay due to factors beyond our control.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, AMBT shall not be liable for any indirect, special, punitive, incidental, exemplary, or consequential losses or damages. Our liability for monetary damages shall not exceed the total amount of charges paid by you for the applicable products or services.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree to defend, release, indemnify, and hold harmless AMBT from and against any and all losses, claims, liabilities, damages, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to your use of a Device or the Services, or your breach or violation of this Agreement or any applicable laws.
PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS.
Most subscriber concerns can be resolved quickly by contacting AMBT Customer Support. In the unlikely event that Customer Support is unable to resolve a complaint, we each agree to resolve those Disputes through binding arbitration or small claims court, instead of courts of general jurisdiction. Arbitration is more informal than a lawsuit in court. Any arbitration under this Agreement will take place on an individual basis; class arbitrations and class actions are not permitted.
Except to the extent preempted by or inconsistent with applicable federal law, this agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to choice of law principles. For any claim that proceeds in court rather than in arbitration, we each waive our right to a jury trial. Any Disputes of a legal nature that are not subject to the mandatory arbitration provision, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal or state courts located within the State of California.
AMBT may elect or be required to file tariffs with the appropriate regulatory body. In such event, the terms in the tariff shall govern our delivery and your use of the Services subject to the tariff.
You provide express or implied consent for AMBT or our authorized agents to contact you using live, automated, or prerecorded messages to any number, physical address, or email address you provide, for any and all purposes, including customer service and marketing. Please review our Privacy Policy for more information.
We may, at any time, modify any part of this Agreement. We will provide you with advanced notice of any modifications that have a material adverse impact on you. All other modifications become effective when posted on the AMBT website. If you continue to use AMBT Services on or after the effective date, you accept those modifications.
We may use any of the following methods to provide you with notices: correspondence to any physical or e-mail addresses you have provided us; live or prerecorded calls or text messages; or posting on our website. You are responsible for updating your contact information. You must provide us notice by contacting us using the contact information on our website.
This Agreement is solely for the benefit of you and AMBT. No provision shall be deemed to confer on any third parties any remedy, claim, or right.
You may not transfer or assign this Agreement without our prior written consent. We may transfer or assign all or part of this Agreement, or your debts to us, without notice.
Neither party shall be liable for any default or delay in performance that arises out of causes beyond their reasonable control, including acts of God, weather, fires, acts of war, network problems, or medical emergencies.
AMBT has the right, but not the obligation, to monitor or investigate any suspected violation of this Agreement. Any waiver of or failure to enforce any provision in one instance shall not be construed as a waiver in another instance.
Any rights or obligations in this Agreement that by their nature are intended to continue following termination shall survive termination, including those relating to payment, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution.
If any part of this Agreement is deemed unlawful or unenforceable, that part shall be interpreted consistent with applicable laws or severed, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Section headings are for descriptive, non-interpretive purposes only.
The original version of this Agreement is in the English language. Any discrepancy or conflicts with any other language version will be resolved by interpreting the English version.
This Agreement and any other policies incorporated by reference represent the complete agreement between you and AMBT. It supersedes any and all prior agreements, representations, or warranties.
In the event of conflict among the documents comprising this Agreement, the order of priority shall be: (i) any publicly filed tariff governing the Services; (ii) the terms in Section 1 (California Lifeline Program) of this Agreement; and (iii) any other terms in this Agreement.