A study from the Pew Research Center in 2021 found that almost all seniors in the U.S. have a cell phone, and most of the time it’s a smartphone. Cell phone companies have taken advantage of this growing market by making cell phones that adults can use. But what good is a great device without a cell phone plan that is just as useful and easy to understand?
Even though unlimited high-speed data, a mobile hotspot, and video streaming are all standard features of modern cell phone plans that younger people want, they aren’t always features that seniors need. Many aging people just want to stay in touch with their family and know how to get help in an emergency.
Here’s what you need to know about the different kinds of cell phone plans and which ones are best for seniors in terms of coverage, cost, and benefits that are designed for them.
Types of Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
To figure out which cell phone plan is best for seniors, it’s important to know what kinds of plans are out there. Here are some of the most popular plans.
- Talk and Text Phone Plans
- Unlimited Phone Plans
- Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
- No-Contract Phone Plans
Talk and Text Phone Plans
Talk and text plans are for people who only talk and text on their phones. They are good for seniors who don’t have smartphones or who don’t use their phones to download apps, watch movies, or browse the internet. Many cell phone service companies offer talk and text plans that can be changed or are unlimited. They are often cheaper than plans that include “data,” which means that you can take photos, watch videos, and use the internet.
Unlimited Phone Plans
An unlimited plan is great for a senior who wants to use apps, watch movies, or make a lot of calls on their phone. Most unlimited plans let you talk, write, and use data as much as you want, so you don’t have to worry about running out of data or having to pay extra.
Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
With a prepaid cell phone plan, you pay up front for what you need each month, and the price is generally not too high. These plans are great if you want to save money without giving up quality or service. They also make it less likely that you’ll get a surprise bill at the end of the month. There are many different kinds of prepaid plans, from simple ones that let you talk and text to ones that let you use as much data as you want.
No-Contract Phone Plans
In the past, to get a new cell phone plan, you had to go through a credit check, agree to automatic payments, and sign a contract with your wireless company. Now, more providers offer plans that are flexible, cheap, and don’t require you to sign up for a long time. With a no-contract plan, if you ever need to switch plans or providers, you don’t have to stay with the one you have. Also, there are no early cancellation fees if you decide to stop using the service.
Comparing Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Coverage
When it’s time to compare and choose the best cell phone plan, here are some things to think about:
No one should ever have to worry about whether or not their cell phone will work, especially older people who need to be able to get in touch in case of an emergency. If you choose a plan from one of the three biggest cellphone carriers—Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile—you can be sure that your phone will be covered everywhere in the country.
Data
Make sure your phone plan has data if you use your phone to video chat with family, play games, or download apps. Most providers give plans with “unlimited data” as part of a package. These plans could be a good choice if you don’t want to pay extra fees at the end of the month or run out of data when you need it.
If you don’t know how much data you use each month, you can use our guide to figure out how much data is right for you. With this much money, you can use your phone whenever you want at a price you can pay.
Minutes and Messaging
If you don’t have a smartphone or don’t use much or any data on it, but you call and text often, you need a plan that covers the number of minutes and texts you use each month. Most wireless service companies have monthly plans that include a set number of minutes and text messages. If you want to save money on your phone bill, a plan that only lets you talk and text can be a good choice.
Price
There are a lot of cheap cell phone plans out there, and some of them are even made just for seniors. These plans can only let you talk and text for a certain number of minutes. Many offer a basic package with the choice to add more features.
Easy of Use
Some wireless service providers have plans and features made just for seniors that make it easy to set up and use a plan and understand the bill.
Extra Perks
Price and service may be more important than features, but some wireless providers offer extra perks for seniors.
How to Find the Best Cell Phone Plan for You if You Are a Senior?
Before buying, Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you like to talk on the phone for hours, or do you prefer quick chats with your friends and family?
- Do you like to travel or do you have family who lives in a different country?
- Do you like to watch movies or play games on your phone?
- Do you talk to your family often through video chat?
- How much does money matter?
Depending on how you answer, you can cut down the types of cell phone plans to find the one that fits your needs best. For example, if you have a smartphone and often video chat with your family and play games on your mobile device, you might want an unlimited data plan.
AARP Provides Discount to Seniors
Seniors can save money on cell phone service through AARP. Anyone over 50 can join AARP and get discounts on cell phone plans or special cell phones for seniors. Here are two places where AARP members can save money:
Consumer Cellular Plans for Seniors
Seniors can get cell phone deals from Consumer Cellular that start as low as $15 a month. AARP members get:
- Get a 5% savings on monthly cell phone plans.
- Up to 30% off of cell phone equipment.
- An extension of the money-back guarantee time from 30 days to 45 days.
AT&T- Senior Cell Phone Plans
AT&T Wireless users who are also AARP members can save up to 10% on their monthly talk and data plan fees and 15% on certain phone accessories. AARP members get:
- 10% off monthly fees for voice and internet plans.
- Up to $45 in registration or upgrade fees will be taken off.
- You can save up to 15% on certain phone equipment.
Bottom Line
If you are over 55, you can get extra discounts and savings from big wireless carriers if you have a senior cell phone plan. With an AARP membership, people over 50 can also save money on their phone bills.
If you’re not sure if a senior cell phone plan is right for you or you’re too young to apply, there are plenty of other cheap cell phone plans that can still give you the features you need at the price you want, even if they weren’t made for seniors.
Getting to know what’s important to you and how you use your cell phone will help you choose the best plan for you.
Stay tuned with cell phone store to check out best plan for you and your family.
