Assurance Wireless - Lacking data service, useless customer support

I seldom use the mobile data on my Assurance Wireless (AW) phone, but when I need to, it's never available. According to AW coverage map, there should be both 4G LTE and 5G coverage in my area.

The reason for the poor data service is that AW doesn't respect net neutrality. Lifeline customers are serviced last as far as the network performace is concerned. Here's what their own documentation states: "data for customers on many T-Mobile and Sprint branded plans is prioritized before the data of Assurance Wireless". Their customer service is absolutely useless, even for the most basic request.

I called to opt out of their marketing communications, which pester me daily with invites to "upgrade" my service, and the youngster who took my call asked "what do you mean by opt out?", and "What do you mean by marketing communications?". It was like talking to a toddler; obviously these people are not trained, and don't even understand English properly. There is no option to unsubscribe from the emails I receive from AW, despite what their privacy terms claim. After half an hour of useless gabbing from the inept Assurance Wireless customer service, I am still not sure I was opted out.

A word of caution: Lifeline customers beware of the "upgrade" Assurance Wireless is pushing so hard! If you sign up for the "upgrade", you lose the Internet service from another provider, such as Comcast or AT&T, and you're stuck with the *** data service that AW provides.