Spectrum Mobile for Seniors: Plans, Prices, and Reviews
While it's currently only available to Spectrum Internet subscribers, Spectrum Mobile offers affordable mobile plans, including the By the Gig plan ($20 a month), Unlimited plan ($30 a month), and Unlimited Plus plan ($40 a month).
Helpful Resource: Still shopping around? Check out our guide to the best senior cell phone plans to compare your options.
Spectrum Mobile Pros and Cons
Pros
- Highly affordable talk and text: If you’re subscribed to Spectrum Internet, a Spectrum Mobile plan can cost you as low as $20 per month for the By the Gig plan.
- 5G access: All Spectrum Mobile plans include nationwide 5G coverage, although restrictions apply.
- Taxes and fees included: Unlike some other carriers, Spectrum Mobile includes taxes and fees in the advertised price for its Unlimited plan.
- No contracts: Spectrum Mobile plans require no long-term contracts or hidden fees. All you pay for is your monthly bill and –– if applicable –– the cost of your phone.
Cons
- Spectrum Internet required: Spectrum Mobile plans are only available to their Internet subscribers. Spectrum Internet plans start at $30 per month, depending on your location and current promotions.
Don't Have Spectrum Internet?
Spectrum Mobile is currently only available to Spectrum internet subscribers. If you don't have Spectrum internet, then we'd recommend one of these three top-rated cellular providers. Each of them offers special discounted plans for older adults.
Spectrum Mobile Plans and Pricing
| Plan | Starting Monthly Price | Talk and Text Allowance | Monthly Data Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| By the Gig | $20 first GB per additional line | Unlimited |
|
| Unlimited | $30 per additional line | Unlimited |
|
| Unlimited Plus | $40 per additional line | Unlimited |
|
Spectrum Mobile Plans for Seniors
Spectrum doesn’t currently offer a cellular plan or discount specifically for seniors; however, we think their By the Gig plan is a great option for affordable cellular service.
At $20 per month, it’s one of the most affordable wireless plans for unlimited talk and text. That said, if you plan to use your phone for music or video streaming outside of a WiFi connection, this plan could quickly get pricey, and you might instead opt for the Unlimited plan.
Did You Know: Several other providers offer specific discounted plans for seniors. To learn more about these options, check out our guide to senior discounts on cell phones.
How to Purchase Spectrum Mobile
To purchase a mobile plan from Spectrum Mobile, you'll want to start by visiting Spectrum's website. If you're not already subscribed to Spectrum Internet, you can purchase both this subscription and a cellular plan at the same time.
You can also purchase a phone directly from Spectrum. Currently, the options are predominantly smartphones from Apple, Google, Motorola, and Samsung, and a simple flip-phone from TCL.
Alternatively, Spectrum allows you to use your existing phone with their service by requesting a free SIM card. If you have an unlocked phone, this could be an affordable way to keep the same device.
Spectrum Mobile Costs
While Spectrum Mobile plans cost as low as $20 per month, this price is a bit misleading. It fails to account for the amount that you also must pay for Spectrum Internet, which starts at $30 per month. However, Spectrum offers a phone and internet bundle starting at $30 (one year of the Unlimited Mobile Line and Internet Advantage).
Another factor to consider is the number of lines you'll purchase. The By the Gig plan data can be shared across 20 lines, which is handy for couples or families with low data usage. The Unlimited and Unlimited Plus plans are priced per line, tax included.
Once you’ve paid for your mobile and internet service, you should be aware of other fees, some of which are optional:
- Activation fee: Typically, a one-time $10 fee per line.
- International fee: The Unlimited and Unlimited Plus plans include 2,000 monthly minutes per line of calling to Canada and Mexico, and pay-per-use calling to 190+ other countries.
There are no late fees, as Spectrum Mobile requires autopay. Nor are there any cancellation or data overage fees, as all contracts are monthly. With the By the Gig plan, you'll pay $5 for each additional GB you use after your first in any given month.
Spectrum Mobile Network Coverage
The Spectrum Mobile network, powered by Verizon, offers coverage throughout the nation. Since Spectrum runs on Verizon's towers, you get access to one of the largest 4G LTE and 5G networks in the country.
Data Speeds
Your data speed relies on your device, connection, and data usage. For the fastest speeds, be sure you have a 5G compatible phone and 5G service. Unlimited plan users will experience reduced speeds after 30 GB of usage per line (5 GB for mobile hotspots), and Unlimited Plus users will experience reduced speeds after 50 GB of usage per line (10 GB for mobile hotspots).
Given that streaming a high-definition video only takes download speeds of a minimum of up to 25Mbps, you shouldn't have any speed or buffering issues.
Spectrum Mobile vs. T-Mobile
T-Mobile 55+ plans have long been our favorite option for seniors due to their affordable unlimited talk, text, and data. Compared to Spectrum Mobile, T-Mobile requires no internet bundle to get their low rates, while offering greater speeds and greater data usage before your speeds are slowed.
That said, if you already have Spectrum Internet in your home, then Spectrum Mobile could be the more affordable option, especially if you don’t require much data and can opt for their By the Gig plan.
| Spectrum Unlimited | T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $30 per month | $45 per month (with AutoPay) |
| 5G Access | Yes | Yes |
| Data Throttled | After 30 GB | After 50 GB |
| Long-Term Commitments | None | None |
| Age Requirement | None | Must be 55 or older |
Bottom Line
If you already have Spectrum Internet in your home, then a Spectrum Mobile plan is definitely an affordable option — particularly if you don't use much data on your phone. However, if you want to buy more than one line, or if you don't want to be tied to a cable internet subscription, you should take advantage of T-Mobile's plans for those who are ages 55 and up.
To learn more about our favorite cellular providers, check out our helpful guides:
Spectrum Mobile — Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Spectrum have a cellular plan for seniors?
Spectrum does not currently offer a cellular plan specifically for seniors. However, with plans starting at $20 per month, Spectrum is one of the more affordable cellular options.
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Where is Spectrum Mobile available?
Spectrum Mobile offers coverage in all 50 states; however, since this service is only available to Spectrum Internet subscribers, the service is not available nationwide.
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How much is Spectrum Mobile?
Spectrum Mobile plans with unlimited data start at $30 per line.
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Which phones can I use with Spectrum Mobile?
Spectrum Mobile supports Samsung, Apple, and Google phones, as well as any LG phone previously bought from Spectrum Mobile.
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Does Spectrum Mobile offer good coverage?
Yes. Because Spectrum uses Verizon’s towers, they offer the same reliable nationwide coverage as Verizon, including 5G access.
