You can switch lifeline carriers one time as far as I know but you must still qualify to switch.

Yes, normally you can switch carriers without any problems. All you have to do is have your account with your current carrier paid in full up-to-date you will need the pin number or password for the account, you will need the account number, and the billing address that is attached to the account. Once you have these things you can take them to the carrier you wish to move to and your number should be reported within minutes to the new carrier and phone. I received my SIM card packet in the mail less than 48 hours after ordering it from qlink wireless, and within 45 minutes my phone was activated working with my phone number attached to the new SIM card. However if you don't wish to keep your number you can use the number that the SIM card comes programmed with as well.