FYI: To learn more about our favorite cellular providers, check out our guide to the best senior cell phone plans.
|
June 30, 2023
The Senior List is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Click here to learn more about our editorial review process and click here to learn more about how we are compensated.
Known for their cable and Internet services, Spectrum now offers affordable mobile plans. While it’s currently only available to Spectrum InternetⓇ subscribers, Spectrum Mobile™ can cost as little as $14 per month for unlimited talk and text, making them an ideal choice for those who don’t use too much data.
FYI: To learn more about our favorite cellular providers, check out our guide to the best senior cell phone plans.
| Spectrum Plan | Monthly Cost Per Line | Features | Data Speed Reduced |
|---|---|---|---|
| By the Gig | $14 |
|
After 5 GB |
| Unlimited | $29.99 |
|
After 20 GB |
| Unlimited Plus | $39.99 |
|
After 30 GB |
Check out these recommendations from our team.
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 $14 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.
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, their options are predominantly smartphones from Samsung, Apple, and Motorola, and they offer only one flip phone, the Orbic Journey V.
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.
While Spectrum Mobile plans cost as low as $14 per month, this price is a bit misleading, as it fails to account for the amount that you also must pay for Spectrum Internet, which starts at $49 per month. So technically speaking, the lowest price you stand to pay is $63 per month for a bundle of mobile and Internet.
Still, for current Spectrum Internet subscribers, the total costs will likely be more affordable than purchasing a cellular plan from a different provider.
While Spectrum Internet is only available in about half of the United States, Spectrum Mobile offers coverage throughout the nation. That said, this coverage is mostly 4G, whereas 5G coverage is limited to major metropolitan areas for now.
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 is slightly cheaper, 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 55+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $29.99 per month | $27.50 per month |
| 5G Access | Yes | Yes |
| Data Throttled | After 20 GB | After 50 GB |
| Long-Term Commitments | None | None |
| Age Requirement | None | Must be 55 or older |
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, for seniors who plan to use their phones for streaming and frequent web browsing without WiFi, we’d recommend a plan from T-Mobile.
To learn more about our favorite cellular providers, check out our helpful guides:
Spectrum does not currently offer a cellular plan specifically for seniors; however, with plans starting at $14 per month, Spectrum is one of the more affordable cellular options.
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.
Spectrum Mobile plans with unlimited data start at $29.99 per line. Limited data options start at $14 per month.
Spectrum Mobile supports Samsung, Apple, and Motorola phones, as well as unlocked devices purchased elsewhere.
While Spectrum Mobile doesn’t offer as wide a range of 5G coverage as T-Mobile or AT&T, the service still offers reliable cellular coverage.
