Cellphone Plans

[Ferrino]

I am completely ignorant of cellphone plans - my wife and I both have old iPhones (iPhone 7) and have been grandfathered into a shared 5GB data plan through Verizon. Now that we're getting out of the house again, we are starting to hit that limit very quickly and I am looking to upgrade to a newer iPhone and a bigger data limit.

We both own our phones and we pay a combined total of $85/month. That means we can move to any network, right? Does anyone have any suggestions on a good unlimited data plan, please? One where I could potentially get a good deal on upgrading to a new iPhone 12 as well? We are Costco members, if that is a good way to go? And if location matters, we are in San Diego.

Thanks so much!

[biosurfer1]

I pay the same as you, roughly, on Straight Talk and get 25 GB of data a month. More than I ever come close to needing. Pretty happy with the service, they use AT&T cell towers so good coverage.

They do have a truly unlimited data plan for $65/ month but if you really look at your usage, unless you are stream HD video a TON, you'll likely not need more than the 25GB.

You'll have to check to make sure your phones are unlocked, and if so, you can take them with you.

[rfuerst911sc]

Verizon has a sister division called Visible . Visible uses the Verizon network so very good coverage and quality . We have been on Visible for over a year now and very happy . Visit the Visible website you can see all the phones they have available . Their pricing structure is very simple .

One phone is 40.00 a month . Two phones is 35.00 each per month . Three phones 30.00 a month and four phones 25.00 a month . Those prices are including all taxes/fees and is unlimited everything . They also offer specials like refer a friend where you are charged only 5.00 a month for referrals .

Every major carrier is associated with at least one MVNO ( mobile virtual network operator ) . Another example of this is AT&T and Cricket . The MVNO's are generally cheaper because in many cases they do not have brick and mortar stores and other overhead costs . They may not offer all the bells and whistles you just need to check them out . Have fun 😊

[KFC911]

Been using Consumer Cellular for years ... very happy. Cell service is via AT&T towers (or T Mobile is also an option ... I switched)... very flexible and customer service has always been great.

[hbueno]

Originally Posted by KC911

Been using Consumer Cellular for years ... very happy. Cell service is via AT&T towers (or T Mobile is also an option ... I switched)... very flexible and customer service has always been great.

Same here. $80 month for two phones. Unlimited voice and text and around 32 GB of data before they start throttling. We use the AT&T network option because TMobile has terrible coverage in our area.

[ledhedsymbols]

I've been on Cricket for years. It's been phenomenal. The only drawback that I've found is that the top-speed is limited to 8Mbps. I haven't found that to be an issue at all, but it's $25/month per line unlimited.

[GH85Carrera]

Go to a Verizon store, and talk to the representative. Tell them what you WANT, and that you are out of contract, and ready to go to whatever company will give you the best deal for the data and service you need. Have them show you a plan and give you a price in writing. Then go home and call the competition, explain you want a new phone, and need service that is better or cheaper than the price you were quoted.

If any match or beat the price offered already, tell Verizon you want that price of you walk with your account to a new provider.

Customer retention departments can make better deals than the service people at the stores in many occasions.

You have to play their stupid games. Just like airline tickets, almost no one pays the same price for equal service. On any airplane there will be some with almost free tickets, and some paying hundreds of dollars for a short hop. You have to play by their rules.

One important item, make the quote the FULL price, that includes all taxes, fees, and add on items. Get a final total price, per month cost. Make them put it in an email or on paper. Never accept just the verbal commitment of one sales person.

[group911@aol.co]

T-mobile 55+ plan. $30 each line

[stevej37]

Tracfone...lowest price of all...works everywhere that any phone will.

[white85carrera]

T-Mobile here too 55+ plan two lines run us $70 total, unlimited.

[74-911]

Originally Posted by white85carrera

T-Mobile here too 55+ plan two lines run us $70 total, unlimited.

Same here and the $70 includes TTL. When we moved to current area our reception was 1-2 bars at best. Called T-Mobil and they sent me Cell Spot and we now have 5 bars everywhere. They waived the $25 deposit for the cell spot and shipped it overnight for free. I was impressed.

[wildthing]

Talk to Verizon if they can beat T-Mobile's deal for "unlimited data for 2 lines". Otherwise go with T-Mobile.

[WPOZZZ]

I have TMobile Magenta Max with 2 lines for $90. Throw in 2 Samsung S20+, and an international calling plan and I am at $155 a month. With 2 lines I get free Netflix Standard. I use it at my house, and my mom watches it at the other house.

[Shifter]

If you have comcast/xfinity internet, look at their phone plans. We pay 40 a month for two phones and 3 or 4 gb data. We have never exceeded that amount. Best of all, there are no extra fees that they don't tell you about. They use the verizon network.

I feel like I use a ton of data, but I don't think I have really gone over a gig a month. What are you doing that uses that much data when you are out and about? Actually curious.

Watch out for verizon, they have a mandatory line fee that isn't included in their advertised monthly pricing. For me, it was an extra 20 bucks a month for just using their service. Their 65 dollar unlimited plan cost me almost 100 bucks a month after their extra fees. That is without any phone payments.

[stealthn]

Don’t come to Canada, due to the stupid Canadian (non)competition rules you have to bend over and drop your pants for a plan…

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by stealthn

Don’t come to Canada, due to the stupid Canadian (non)competition rules you have to bend over and drop your pants for a plan…

Can you come over the border and get a phone? https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/use-your-phone-in-mexico-canada?icid=WMM_TM_P_18INTLTRVL_WAKOCYME609P9KI8B1 7970

[Ferrino]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions - much appreciated. Must admit, I'm a bit confused about having multiple variations of "unlimited plan" from a single network. There's unlimited, and then unlimited with a bit more, then unlimited with more than that...

[Zeke]

Anyone see an advantage for a senior couple to have 2 cellphone providers? I see a lot of pricing for individual phones, no group or paring involved. My wife is a data hog at 40 GB/mo while I'm at 4 GB and don't really need any.

Looking around it seems I can get her requirements for around $45 + fees with her phone. Me, around 15-18+.

[Ferrino]

Many thanks to rfuerst911sc for introducing me to Visible! Just moved us both over to their unlimited 5G plan (using Verizon's network) for $50/month (for 2 lines).

[LWJ]

Just did this at Costco.

I scored rebates of $1200+$180+$720 buy one get one free.

And have no contract on TMobile.

It seems way to generous.

But I took it.