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Best Senior Cell Phone Plan

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Does Verizon Give Senior Discounts When Buying A Phone

Best Cell Phone Plans For Seniors

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:

Best Cell Phone Plans For Seniors

4.55

  • Competitive AARP discount

45

  • Unlimited talk, text, & data

45

  • Solid health and safety benefits
  • Easy-to-use phones

Whether you’re a senior who wants to keep it simple with a flip phone or a tech-savvy senior posting on social media and video chatting with the grandkids, there’s a phone plan out there for you. Youll find everything from affordable low-data plans to all-inclusive unlimited packages.

Whats more, many carriers and organizations provide additional savings for seniors. We know picking a phone plan can seem daunting. Thats why weve thoroughly researched dozens of mobile carriers and found that Consumer Cellulars 3GB Data Plan is the best option for most seniors. Lets look over all the phone plans for seniors that made our list so you can select the right option for yourself or a loved one.

Best phone plans for seniors
Plan
Consumer Cellular 3GB Data Plan Most folks
AT& T 15GB Prepaid Plan Prepaid service $80/month

Many carriers offer feature-packed cell plans with great senior discounts. Expected goodies include attractive discounts, high data thresholds, and even occasional health apps. Here are the best senior cell phone plans to fit your needs and budgetno matter what they are.

Unlimited Data Cell Phone Plans For Seniors

Price: $27.50/month or $55/month .

Whats included: Unlimited talk, text and data.

Additional usage cost: N/A

This is the best deal out there for unlimited data cell phone plans and its exclusively for seniors 55 and up. You get unlimited talk, text and smartphone data. It also includes extras such as texting abroad, no annual contracts and great customer service. If your senior is tech-savvy and uses mobile data often, this is the plan for you.

Price: $35/month or $60/month .

Whats included: Unlimited talk, text and data.

Additional usage cost: N/A

Boost has the next best unlimited data plan for seniors. Its slightly more expensive than the T-Mobile plan for seniors. However, if you want unlimited data, this is another great option. They have perks such as no annual contract and special giveaways.

*Note: Other carriers such as AT& T and Verizon have senior-specific plans, but theyre quite a bit more expensive . For AT& T, only seniors in Florida are eligible.

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Avoid Data Overage Fees

If you’re on a postpaid plan then you pay your bill at the end of the month. This invoice can sometimes have nasty surprises when you go over your data limit. It’s true that Canada has some of the most expensive data prices in the world, but as a consumer you also have certain rights.

Your mobile carrier must notify you that you’re about to reach your data limit for the month. They are also prevented from charging you more than $100 in a month for overages, but that’s still a big number to pay if you haven’t budgeted for it.

  • Solution #1: Some carriers feature unlimited data. Once you hit your monthly data cap, you can still surf the web to your heart’s content but your uploads and downloads will be slowed down. WhistleOut has a guide that helps you understand how unlimited data works in Canada, and what carriers have unlimited data plans.
  • Solution #2: Koodo Mobile offers Shock-Free® Data which puts a pause on your data downloads. You can still make calls and text, but until the end of your billing month you can’t use chat apps, browse, or watch videos. On the bright side, you also won’t get charged for data overages. Find a Wi-Fi network or contact Koodo customer support to approve data overage fees or buy a booster pack.

Top 7 Questions To Consider When Choosing A Senior Phone Plan

Looking for the best cell
  • Who are the cell phone carriers in your area? Your cell phone plan options will depend on which carriers provide coverage where you live. Ask your local friends, neighbors, and family which carriers they use and if theyre satisfied with their coverage.
  • How will you use your phone? Will your phone be for just talking and texting? Or do you plan to use it for heavy internet surfing and video streaming? How youll use your phone dictates the type of plan you need.
  • Do you already have a cell phone? If youd like to continue using your current phone, be sure to ask if the plan and carrier you are considering allows you to do so.
  • Do you need a health and safety package? Some carriers, such as Lively and Consumer Cellular, offer add-on health and safety packages that include urgent response and fall detection.
  • Do you want a prepaid plan? With prepaid cell phone plans, youll pay upfront for the number of minutes, texts, and data you need.
  • Are you eligible for a veteran discount or low-income plan pricing? Many carriers offer discounts on phone plans to seniors, veterans, and low-income individuals.
  • Do you travel out of the country often? You can stay connected with family and friends, even when youre out of the country, with a plan that includes overseas coverage.
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    Types Of Senior Cell Phone Plans

    When it comes to senior cell phone plans, there are a variety of options to choose from. Some seniors may prefer to sign up for a basic plan that includes unlimited talk and text with limited data usage. Others may want a more robust plan with extended data and international calling minutes, or even a seniors-only social media platform complete with group video chat functionality.

    Regardless of the specific features and options that you are looking for in your senior cell phone plan, there are plenty of options out there that can meet your needs.

    Best Basic: Consumer Cellular

    Geared toward the older crowd, Consumer Cellular is a simplified cellphone reseller that provides an easy-to-understand solution to selecting a cellular provider.

    Individual users can start with rates as low as $20 per month for unlimited talk and text and 1 GB of data, while a two-line plan sharing the same data and minutes raises the cost to $40 per month.

    As an added bonus, Consumer Cellular has an established relationship with AARP, so there’s a 5 percent discount on monthly service for any existing AARP member.

    Another highlight of Consumer Cellular is the opportunity to select a new plan every month, so you can adjust your allotted monthly minutes and data in case you’re traveling, or you find that you’re spending too much or too little for your monthly needs.

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    Unlimited Vs Limited Data

    If youre constantly streaming videos, playing games, and checking your email on the go, unlimited data comes in handy. However, you dont have to pay an arm and a leg. Companies like Mint Mobile, US Mobile, and Visible Mobile notably deliver . Low data plans are typically the most cost-effective. We recommend and Consumer Cellular for limited data packages.

    Methodology: Choosing the best cell phone plans for seniors

    In curating the top phone plans for seniors, we looked at:

    Moreover, we got hands-on testing with mobile carriers to gain invaluable first-hand knowledge of coverage areas and customer experience. Then, we gathered tons of data from seniors for real-world information. We analyzed these statistics while comparing dozens of carriers and MVNOs to narrow down our picks.

    Finding The Right Senior Cell Phone Plans

    Best Cell Phones For Seniors

    Determine your budget

    The easiest and simplest criteria to consider when shopping around for the best cell phone plans for seniors is how much are you willing to spend? As with most things you get what you pay for with cell phone plans but being strict with your costing will be the best way to narrow down the field of choices. As a rule of thumb, we’d recommend spending no more than $25 a month per line if you’re a light user.

    Determine your usage

    Generally speaking, higher data allowances mean higher bills – even for phone plans for seniors. Subsequently, the easiest way to cut your costs is to cut out any of that unneeded data and instead use the local Wi-Fi connections where possible. Note, you can also cut out minutes and text allowances too, although the savings don’t tend to be as good there. If you need help working out how much data you’ll need, simply scroll down to the next section.

    Find which carrier has the best coverage in your area

    Nearly all carriers, including the ones featured on our best cell phone plans for seniors list above, use the three major nationwide networks for service – Verizon, AT& T, and T-Mobile to be specific. Before you commit to any one plan, you’ll definitely want to know whether you’re well covered in your area. It’s also worth asking around your friends and family to see who gets the best service and to find out what plans they’re on. You can check your local coverage just below.

    Compare the market

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    Switch To A Cheap Senior Phone Plan

    It’s never been easier to switch. Let’s break it down.

  • Customize your plan. Whether you’re looking for a truly unlimited plan, or in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your cell phone needs.
  • Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up and your phone is unlocked. If you’re getting a new device, transferring data from one to another is simple. Even if you’re going from an iPhone to Android, and vice versa.
  • Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has ported over. Once you’re sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account. If you’ve got a new device with your Tello plan, it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you’re bringing your own phone then you’ll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send to you in the post.
  • Bring your own phone

    You need simplicity in your life. The great thing about MVNOs is that switching carriers is easy.

    You need an unlocked phone . Once you’ve checked with your new provider about phone compatibility the rest is a breeze.

    Most low-cost carriers simply provide you with a prepaid SIM card. You pop it into your mobile phone and follow the provider’s instructions. Just make sure you don’t cancel your current phone plan until you’ve ported your phone number over to the new carrier.

    Learn More About Cell Phones For Seniors

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    More Than Just Free Cell Phones For Seniors

    Lifeline and ACP service providers, like Easy Wireless, provide more than just free cell phones for seniors. Through these government programs, seniors can also receive:

    • FREE Unlimited Talk
    • FREE Unlimited Text
    • FREE Unlimited Data

    Once they have activated their new phone and Lifeline service, seniors no longer need to worry about how to stay connected with friends and family, or how to get help in an emergency .

    How To Get A Free Phone For Seniors

    Best mobile plans and cell phones for seniors who just want to stay in ...

    Are You Getting FREE Text, Calls and Data?

    Join the Tens of Thousands that have already signed up for FREE Lifeline and ACP Benefits.

    • Mon-Sat: 9 am – 6 pm ESTSun: Closed

    Over 60 and looking for a free phone for seniors? You may be eligible for a free smartphone and free unlimited talk, text, and data through the Lifeline and ACP programs.

    Keep reading to learn what these programs are and how you can get these FREE benefits.

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    Samsung Galaxy Note : Tech Pick

    It has all the key features you may want in a smartphone like apps, internet browsing, a voice assistant, and social media. We also like Google Fit, Androids built-in health monitoring app. And because its a newer phone, it can sync with other health and safety wearables like a Galaxy smartwatch or FitBit.

    You can find an unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 8 online, but youll need to take it to your cellular carrier to get it working. So prices may vary depending on where you buy. The good news is most major carriers like Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and AT& T support this smartphone.

    The Galaxy Note 8 is great for seniors who like tinkering with home automation, new devices, and surfing the web. It can connect to smart home devices and control your home security system.

    The Android operating system on your Galaxy Note works with smart devices too. Here are just a few goodies you can control from your phone:

    The Palm Phone is aptly named because its small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Its 3.3-inch screen keeps everything simple but may be tough to see for some older adults.

    But it does have a dual speaker for better audio. And its face-unlock feature means you wont have to remember any codes to use your phone.

    Palm Phone service plan

    The Palm Phone works independently or with major carriers like Verizon, AT& T, T-Mobile, and US Mobile. If you dont go with a carrier, you can use a SIM card of your own or the one Palm includes with the phone.

    Senior Cell Phone Faq

    With a large screen and uncluttered list-style menu, the Jitterbug Smart3 is the easiest cell phone for seniors to use.

    The Jitterbug phone can’t be purchased or serviced through Verizon Wireless. You have to go through Lively to activate and use the Jitterbug phone.

    Our top senior cell phone picks include the Jitterbug Smart3, Apple iPhone 8, Alcatel Go Flip 3, Samsung Galaxy Note 8, and the Palm Phone. The best cell phone for you will match your budget, provide all of the features you enjoy, and be easy to use.

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    Lively Talk And Text Plan

    Cost: Value Talk and Text is $14.99 a month, which lets you choose how many messages and data you want to pay for. Unlimited talk and text is $19.99 a month. In addition, the service has two phones, which are the Jitterbug Smart3 and the Jitterbug Flip2. Finally, there are different packages for extra services specifically for the elderly from $19.99 to $34.99 a month.

    Lively simplifies things by having only two phones. The Jitterbug Smart3 has far more features, while the Flip2 is no-frills flip phone that is easy to use. They also have two phone plans to choose from, and then several other services that include medical response and emergency response.

    Features300 minutes and 10¢ per text for Value.Unlimited minutes and texts for Unlimited.Data plans for the Smart3 from $2.49 for 100MB a month to $30 for unlimited usage.Service Packages for personal and medical assistance.

    BenefitsBecause there isnt a contact, you can change your plan or cancel your service.Dont have to change your number.Different packages for any budget.Specifically designed phones that are easier for seniors to use.Phones have an emergency response button.Urgent Response is included with all Health & Safety packages.

    Why Senior Cell Phone Plans Are Important

    The Best Smartphone for Retirees or Seniors

    Cell phones themselves can be confusing to everyone, not just seniors. As seniors become more comfortable with technology, they do demand that their smartphones do what their grandkids’ smartphones can do. In a 2017 report from Pew Research, we found that roughly 60% of seniors 65+ use smartphones and 95% of seniors 65+ use a cell phone of any kind. This number is likely to increase as we are reminded that generations of users are getting older along with technology. Brad Pitt is 54-years-old if that gives us any indication of how technology grows with us all.

    Regardless of the type of cell phone you or your senior family member uses, having good coverage is the ultimate factor in what makes a good cell phone plan the best one for you.

    The good news is that most big cell phone carriers like , , T-Mobile, and have all released . Smaller carriers like Freedom Pop and have followed this trend and are supported by the big carriers and their strong network connections.

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