If you’re like most people, your cell phone bill leaves you confused. There are unexplained fees, overage charges, and a different monthly charge for each line. When you consider the sign-up promotions for new customers, detailed contracts full of fine print and complex installment plans for new phones, selecting a plan and securing a phone that works well can feel overwhelming.
As more consumers demand simpler bills and reliable service that is easy to understand, cell phone companies are responding with hassle-free plans. Some of these plans are marketed as budget-friendly options while others are designed specifically for seniors. These plans aren’t advertised much, so you may have more options than you realize.
This guide will introduce you to four of the leading service providers that take the hassle out of mobile coverage. Use this information to find a plan that allows you to focus on things more important than a complicated phone bill.
Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular caters to seniors and offers some of the more reasonable prices on the market today. Signing up is fast and easy because you only have to make two decisions to determine your final monthly rate:
- Talk Plan – This is minutes for phone calls only. If you don’t make many phone calls, you may go with as little as 250 minutes for $15 per month or pay a flat monthly fee of $10 and then pay by the minute. If you make a lot of phone calls, you can pay for unlimited talk time for just $30 per month.
- Connect Plan – This includes data for internet access on your mobile device and text messages. You can opt out of this plan entirely, simplifying your bill to the max. The data plans range from $2.50 per month for 300 text messages and 30 MB of data to $40 per month for unlimited text messages and 5 GB of data. If you send a lot of text messages but don’t use the internet from your phone, you can pay just $10 per month for unlimited text messages and 500 MB of data.
Consumer Cellular allows you to bring your own device to their service, or you can buy a cell phone from them. The phone selection includes simple flip phones that are easy to use as well as the latest iPhone and Galaxy models.
While this cell phone provider doesn’t guarantee service in all areas of the country, their network has grown to include most states. There are a few additional points to keep in mind when considering this hassle-free service provider are no activation fees, no contract to binding you to the provider for two to three years, and a five percent discount for AARP members.
T-Mobile
This is one of the few major service providers still offering plans exclusively for seniors. The ONE Unlimited 55+ plan is exclusively for seniors aged 55 and over. Participants pay a flat monthly fee of $60 for two lines, including unlimited talk, text, and data. The only catch is that you need to sign up for autopay, which automatically deducts your monthly bill from your bank account each month. If you choose not to sign up for autopay, you add $5 per line to your monthly rate.
T-Mobile allows you to select from a wide range of cell phones, including the latest iPhone and Galaxy releases. You may also take advantage of their installment plans to buy a phone with no money down, but that may add a level of complexity to your phone bill.
This plan gives you access to T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network, which is now leading the nation in terms of coverage. You can even use your phone in Canada and Mexico. Plus, you can turn your phone or other connected devices into a mobile hotspot with no added fees. All of this is included in your flat monthly rate, making this one of the simplest cellphone plans offered by a leading mobile service provider.
Jitterbug Direct
Are you looking for a simple flip phone connected to a reliable network that allows you to call anyone in the United States? You may get exactly what you want with Jitterbug. This company caters to seniors who want hassle-free mobile service plans at an affordable price.
Jitterbug makes signing up for service incredibly simply. You have to purchase a Jitterbug Direct cell phone, so there is no option to connect your own device into the network. The website allows you to select between two phone colors, and the latest model allows you to send and receive text messages. You don’t need data because these easy-to-use phones don’t offer internet access.
You can select from a list of plans ranging from $14.99 to $59.99 per month. Each plan offers a different number of talk minutes for phone calls and limited data for text messages.
It’s important to note that the Jitterbug phone will cost you $99, and they do charge a $35 activation fee and $10 for shipping and handling. No contracts, no cancellation fees, and 30-day money-back guarantee make this a hassle-free cellphone service provider.
Your unused talk minutes also rollover for up to 60 days. This means that you don’t lose your minutes if you don’t use them by the end of each month. Since Jitterbug phones run through the Verizon network, you can expect reliable coverage throughout the United States.
Republic Wireless
This is a newer mobile service provider, and they’re network isn’t as extensive as the other services listed above. They are worth mentioning because their goal is to offer less complicated services at affordable prices. You may just find that their network coverage is less than satisfying if you live in the northwest region of the U.S.
If you live in the south or in the east, then there’s a good chance that Republic Wireless can keep you adequately connected. It’s important to note that this company doesn’t have their own network. They run from two existing networks and utilize Wi-Fi hotspots whenever available. The system works for many people, but isn’t always reliable for those who travel extensively.
You have the option of signing your existing phone up to the network, or you can purchase an Android phone from their limited selection online. They don’t have the most up-to-date phones available, and their prices tend to start around $100. It’s a better deal if you have a phone that you can connect into the system.
There is never a contract to sign, and the simplest plan will cost you just $15 per month (plus tax). There is no data included in this plan, but you will have unlimited access to phone calls and text messages. If you want to add data, you have the following options:
- 1 GB data – $20 per month
- 2 GB data – $30 per month
- 4 GB data – $45 per month
These prices include unlimited talk and text, so the flat fees are affordable. Keep in mind that this service connects to Wi-Fi hotspots automatically, so you will use less data even when you’re connected to the Internet.
Are you getting excited about new options for your cell phone service?
While switching to a new service and potentially purchasing a new phone may seem like an inconvenience, it can save you a lot of time and money in the future. You know that it’s time to make the switch to a hassle-free service provider if you don’t understand what you’re actually paying for anymore, if your bill seems to go up without explanation, or if your mobile bill is so confusing that you dread looking at it each month.
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