At& t Senior Cell Phone Plans
AARP members who are AT& T Wireless customers can save up to 10% on their talk and data plan monthly charges, as well as save 15% on eligible phone accessories. AARP members get:
- 10% off voice and data plan monthly charges.
- Up to $45 waived for activation or upgrade fees.
- Up to 15% off eligible phone accessories.
Important Questions To Ask As You Decide Between Prepaid And Postpaid Plans
Let us help you figure out what plan makes sense for you. Ask yourself the questions below to see which type of plan fits your situation.
How Much Data Do You Think Youll Use?
Data makes up the bulk of a cell phone plans costs these days. Most postpaid plans include large amounts of data or even unlimited data. Prepaid plans let you pay for as few as 25 MB of data a month. If youre not sure how much data youll use, ask your family how much they use. Odds are, youll use less than they do.
Also, consider what you like to do online. If you just want to send a few emails and check Facebook, you wont need a ton of data. If youre going to stream videos or music, use GPS navigation, or be on the internet every day, youll probably want at least a few gigs.
Will You Be Getting a Single Phone or a Family Plan?
Some prepaid and postpaid plans offer discounts if theyre used as family plans. Ask your family what phone plan they have. Adding your phone to their plan whichever kind it is might be your most affordable option. If you want your own plan, prepaid plans may be better, as they give the lowest rates to single users.
Pro Tip: Still having trouble deciding what type of phone or plan you want? Visit our cell phone buyers guide for more important topics to consider!
Do You Travel a Lot?
If you travel a lot internationally, even just to Canada and Mexico, postpaid plans are great. Many providers offer free international texting and calling.
Do You Need a New Phone?
Why You Should Trust Us
Ive covered the wireless industry since the late 1990smy first guide to cell phone service, written in 1998, devoted much ink to comparing analog and digital cellular. Ive tested smartphones and cell phone plans from all the major carriersthe historic foursome of AT& T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, plus Nextel before thenfor the Washington Post, CNN Money, Discovery News, PCMag, VentureBeat, and others, and I now cover tech and telecom issues for Fast Company, USA Today, and other sites, including trade publications like Light Reading and FierceTelecom. And in July 2021, I put in more than a thousand miles of drive testing from Baltimore to Atlanta for PCMags Fastest Mobile Networks project.
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How We Chose The Best Senior Cell Phone Plans
When picking out the best senior cell phone plans, we evaluated each provider on the following criteria:
- Fair pricing: Between hidden fees, setup charges, and other unexpected costs, working with a cellular provider can induce quite the headache. All of the providers on this list feature straightforward pricing so you can avoid any surprises on your monthly bill.
- Reliable coverage: It goes without saying that a cell phone should be able to function just about anywhere, so we looked for providers with the widest nationwide coverage.
- Ample minutes, messages, and data: With many people ditching their landline service altogether, youll likely need a good amount of usage included with your plan. All of the plans listed here offer affordable unlimited plans that wont saddle you with costly overage charges.
- Senior-specific features: No matter ones age, we all want a phone for communication purposes. With that said, some providers like Lively have senior-specific features such as urgent response buttons and hearing-aid-compatible devices.
- Device options: While its tempting to assume that all seniors want the same big-button flip phones, we know that everyone is different. We looked for providers that offer a range of devices, including providers that allow you to bring your own phone and keep your current number.
How Do Cell Phone Plans Work
Cell phone plans work through the use of a SIM or an eSIM in your phone that communicates with cell phone towers. A tower receives a radio wave from your phone whenever you make a call, and then it transmits the same radio wave to the receiver’s phone so they can hear your voice.
With a cell phone plan, you’re either paying upfront or monthly for service through that network. When you reach your maximum amount of texts, minutes or data, you either need to purchase more or pay overage fees.
more or pay overage fees.
Fees
Ideally, you can choose a carrier that doesn’t tack on lots of fees to your monthly plan. Apart from paying for the coverage you use, some fees might include:
- Emergency response fees
- Sales and excise taxes
- Regulatory and administrative charges
If you feel like your cell phone bill has been creeping up over the past few years, you’re not alone. Taxes and fees have increased rapidly, so it could be helpful to try and negotiate your phone bill with your provider, especially if you’ve been a customer for several years.
Coverage
Data available
The amount of data you’re able to use can vary between networks. For example, some prepaid plans might give you just one GB of data for the month, while other monthly contract plans may allow you to use unlimited data. However, it’s essential to look at the fine print, as some unlimited plans only cover up to a certain amount of data before speeds are throttled.
Prices
Contracts available
Cloud storage
Perks and discounts
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Lively: Best Emergency Cell Phone Plan For Seniors
Our dearest seniors want to get the most out of their life and it would be great if theres a cell phone plan that can help seniors achieve that. Luckily, Lively offers just that. This mobile network is probably unheard of, but they are the ones behind Jitterbug phones. Jitterbug phones are specially designed to have large buttons that are dedicated to emergency services. This feature is awesome because the users can closely monitor their health with their slew of phones.
Lively also offers the friendliest cell phone plans for seniors all over the US. Their Value Talk & Text plan is $14.99 per month. This includes 300 minutes of calls and prices each text message at 10 cents. The Unlimited Talk & Text plan, which does not have a call duration restriction, starts at $19.99 per month. The subscriber is required to add data of their chosen amount starting at $2.49 per month. This is if they choose the plan with the Jitterbug Smart3 phone. There are also health service plans that can be availed from the provider.
Helpful Information About Cell Phones For Seniors
Cell phones, specifically smartphones, can be confusing, especially to someone who has never used a phone for anything other than making a call. A modern smartphone has the ability to predict the weather for the rest of the week. It can have a driver come and pick you up wherever you are without you even having to talk to anyone. It can even have groceries delivered to your home . Modern smartphones do so much more than what a regular phone or even a cell phone used to do, that they could easily be intimidating for senior citizens if they are not already tech-savvy. This is where cell phones for seniors come in.
Cell phones for seniors are mobile phones that have been designed with older consumers in mind. Their displays, the keypad numbers, the on-screen text, and the icons are larger than usual, in order to make the phones easier to use for those who have conditions that affect their vision. Some phones also include GPS location services and medical monitoring features, as well as an emergency call button, 24/7 access to registered nurses and doctors, check-in calls, and wellness calls.
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Raz Memory Cell Phone
- Designed for users with Alzheimers or dementia
- Simple picture-based menu
- Online portal for caregivers
Cost: $309 for MiniVision2 Phone and Memory Phone additional plan not included
The MiniVision2 features large buttons and a classic cell phone design, making it simple to operate, and its braille features make it completely accessible to blind people. Alternatively, the RAZ memory phone is a take on a smartphone. Great for users with dementia, this phone presents photos of each contact, making it easier to place calls. This phone also has a dedicated 911 button for emergencies.
Both phones from RAZ cost a one-time $309, and to use these phones, you must also purchase a plan from a compatible network such as T-Mobile, AT& T, or Mint Mobile. Currently, the purchase of a RAZ phone gives you three months of free service with Mint.
To learn more about this provider, read our Raz Memory Cell Phone review.
Pros
- No messages, apps, or internet access
- Relatively costly
Best Cell Phone Plans For Seniors In 2022
Let’s compare the best cell phone plans for seniors and how they let you save on wireless service
1. Best overall value – Mint Mobile 2. Best unlimited plan for seniors – T-Mobile 3. Best exclusive senior discount – Verizon 4. The cheapest senior plan – Ultra Mobile
Searching for the best cell phone plans for seniors doesn’t limit you to plans specifically offered to older mobile phone users. Yes, there are senior-friendly plans at several of the best phone carriers, but there are also option open to people of all ages who just want a lower monthly bill.
And that’s really the point of finding the best cell phone plans for seniors: You want to guard against rising wireless service costs by locking in a good rate. And at the same time, you want a plan with the right amount of talk, text and data. That makes for a great cell phone plan, whether it’s aimed specifically at seniors or not.
And you’ve got options, especially if you don’t mind committing to the best prepaid phone plans. All you need to do is figure out how much data you need from the best cell phone plans for seniors. We’ve lined up plans that range from offering just a few hundred megabytes to an unlimited pool of data. You’ll also need to consider whether you want your plan to come in handy when you travel.
Once you’ve settled on those options, picking one of the best cell phone plans for seniors becomes much easier.
Let’s dive into the best cell phone plans from seniors to find one that meets your needs.
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How Do I Choose Between A Prepaid Plan And A Postpaid Plan
Above, we laid out our best picks for prepaid cell phone plans for seniors, but those arent your only options. Did you know theres also such a thing as a postpaid phone plan? Well, there is! Well sort out the differences for you to make the choice between the two a cinch.
Whats a Postpaid Plan?
With postpaid plans, you pay for your service at the end of the month. The main networks all offer postpaid plans. Most postpaid plans include unlimited text and talk. How much you pay at the end of the month depends entirely on your data usage if you use a lot of data, youll have a larger phone bill.
Are Postpaid or Prepaid Phone Plans Better for Seniors?
The answer to this question really depends on the user. Most seniors, especially the 56 percent who have cell phones and landlines3, dont need unlimited talk and text. With prepaid plans, you only pay for what you use. What a great way to cut costs! However, many of the major carriers offer senior discounts for their postpaid plans, so its best to consider both options and pricing models before making a final decision.
Find The Best Plan For You
In order to find the very best phone plan for you and your family pay attention to your usage patterns and make a list of the features that are important to you . Then sign up for a provider that best fits your needs. If youre really confident in your choice you can likely lock in discounts by signing up for long-term contracts.
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Minutes Text Data: Need Vs Nice To Have
Whether itâs an easy-to-use flip phone with big buttons and a bright display or a sleek, streamlined smartphone, the cell phone is more than just a phone these days itâs a life management tool.
But industry jargon can get in the way of understanding what bells and whistles are truly necessary to make these devices work the way they were designed to work to deliver everything theyâre capable of doing for us. 4G! LTE! Mobile hotspots! Gigabytes! Shared data! Streaming music! Family sharing! Rewards! International calling! Cloud storage!
Using My Jitterbug Flip2
I have to say, when I powered up my Jitterbug Flip2, I almost felt like Id gone through a time warp. Unlike my smartphone, which constantly barrages me with email and social media notifications, the Jitterbug Flip2 is comparably modest. The home screen presented me with the time, date, and a colorful background, nothing more. Gradually, however, I came to see the beauty of this simplicity. Especially for those of us looking for a phone, rather than a pocket-sized computer, the Jitterbug Flip2 is just what the doctor ordered.
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Before You Buy Cell Phone Plan Seniors Here Are A Few Things You Should Know
In your opinion, what is the most suitable cell phone plan seniors for your needs? You will find all the information you need here. As there are a wide variety of options available, it may be difficult to make the best decision due to the wide range of possibilities.
I hope this post will provide you with more information about cell phone plan seniors so that you can make an informed decision about the product. The needs and desires of each customer group have been considered by us in order to assist you in choosing the right product based on your needs and desires. Purchase of this product is easy and convenient!
Purchasing My Jitterbug Flip2
The Jitterbug Flip2 can be purchased over the phone, through Livelys website, or at many brick and mortar stores such as Best Buy and Walgreens. I decided to purchase my phone directly from Livelys website. There, I was able to choose the color of my phone , select my service plans, and check out some additional features.
Once I added my Jitterbug Flip2 to my cart, I was asked if I would like to keep my existing phone number. Although they couldnt guarantee that Id be able to keep my number, I was happy to find that, in my case, I could. After this, I had to select my service plan. Currently, Lively uses an à la carte model when it comes to minutes and texts, meaning any amount of minutes can be paired with any amount of text messages. Here is an overview of the options.
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Why Do Seniors Need A Cell Phone
A reliable cell phone provides numerous benefits to older adults. They allow seniors to stay connected with friends and family, receive help during an emergency, get some entertainment, capture special moments through photos, and so much more.
Cell phones can also positively impact a persons health and well-being. Older adults may find themselves spending more time alone, which can lead to cognitive decline along with feelings of isolation or depression.2 Cell phones are a fantastic way for seniors to stay social, no matter where theyre located. Today, older adults embrace technology more than ever, with the vast majority of older adults owning a cell phone and more than 60 percent owning a smartphone.3
From the Pros: Our cell phone for seniors buyers guide shares important factors to consider before your big purchase.
When you think about a cell phone or smartphone, your first thought might be that theyre too complicated or expensive. However, more and more cell phone providers are stepping up to the plate to build affordable, senior-friendly phones that allow older adults to enjoy all the perks of a phone without any confusion or frustration. Now, lets get into all the details for this years best senior-friendly cell phones.
Does Verizon Give Senior Discounts When Buying A Phone
Seniors these days have started adapting to modern innovations. Technology for seniors has become more popular, particularly when it comes to smartphones. These gadgets allow seniors to stay in touch with their loved ones and be updated with the latest news. As one of the major US carriers, Verizon has a plan for senior citizens who are interested in getting smartphones.
Although this is not exactly considered a senior discount for phone purchases, Verizon has a 55+ Unlimited Plan, which is essentially the discounted version of their existing basic unlimited plan. It includes the following:
- Unlimited 4G/LTE data
- Unlimited mobile hotspot
- High quality streaming services
- Service in Canada or Mexico if needed
One caveat, however, is that the plan is currently only available in Florida. If you are a Florida resident and want to get their 55+ Unlimited Plan, you can expect to pay:
- $60 for one line/month
- $80 for two lines/month
On average, this plan lets you save around $5-15/line in contrast to their regular unlimited plans. To qualify for this plan, you have to be a new Verizon wireless customer, with a Florida billing address, and 1-2 phones in your account.
While we can only hope that the coverage of the 55+ Unlimited Plan will expand to the other coverage areas in the US, Verizon has a few other good deals. These are not necessarily meant for seniors alone, but could be a good starting point if you are looking for reasonable plans:
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