Optimum Mobile for Seniors: Phones, Prices, and Reviews
|
January 14, 2025
|
As of 2024, Optimum provides broadband internet, mobile service, video, and other services to over 4.6 million people and businesses. By contracting with T-Mobile, Optimum now provides cellular service for as low as $15 per month.
Optimum does not offer a specific discounted plan for seniors. But for those who currently subscribe to its cable or internet service, Optimum Mobile can be a highly affordable option.
Pro Tip: Not subscribed to Optimum TV or internet? Then take a look at our rundown of the best phone plans for seniors.
Optimum Mobile Pros and Cons
Pros
- 5G nationwide coverage: Using T-Mobile’s network, Optimum gives mobile subscribers access to the nation’s largest 5G network.
- Bundled savings: Subscribing to both Optimum Mobile and internet will get you a discount of $15 per month. The savings could cover the cost of mobile itself, with the entry-level package.
- Multi-line savings: For its unlimited data plans, Optimum will offer discounts with the purchase of additional lines, up to $20 saved per month per line for up to five lines.
- Cable and internet not required: Unlike Cox Mobile and Xfinity Mobile, which require an existing internet or TV subscription, Optimum Mobile does not require subscribers to purchase these services.
Cons
- Fees: Optimum charges a one-time $20 activation fee, a $10 late-payment fee, and a $6 data overage fee for every 1GB used over your monthly data allotment.
- No senior-specific savings: Unfortunately, Optimum does not offer any special deals or discounts for seniors at this time./li>
Optimum Mobile Plans and Pricing
All of Optimum’s plans include unlimited talk and text. The main difference between each plan will be the monthly data allowance.
| Plan | Monthly Price Per Line | Talk and Text Allowance | Data Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB | $15 | Unlimited | 1GB |
| 5GB | $25 | Unlimited | 5GB |
| Unlimited | $45 | Unlimited | Unlimited, but data is slowed after the first 20GB |
| Unlimited Max | $55 | Unlimited | Unlimited, but data is slowed after the first 50GB |
Optimum Mobile Plans for Seniors
Optimum does not offer any special plan discounts for seniors at this time. However, we think that the company’s 1GB plan is an ideal option for most seniors. This plan costs $15 per month for one line and includes unlimited talk, text, and 1GB of data. This is not enough data for those who frequently stream video or music. But, this plan would be ideal if you want to use your phone for making calls and sending texts.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for cellular deals for seniors, read our guide to senior discounts on phones.
How to Purchase Optimum Mobile
New and existing customers can sign up for Optimum Mobile online, in-store, or by phone. However, signing up online is the easiest and fastest option. On the company’s website, you can view each of its plans and pair them with either a new device or one that you currently have.
If you choose to purchase a new device, you will be presented with a wide range of choices, including Apple, Samsung, and Motorola phones. The cost of a phone can be added to your monthly mobile plan or purchased outright. Be sure to check out what deals Optimum is currently offering on its devices before making a purchase.
Optimum Mobile Pricing
For cellular service, Optimum has set rates based on the specific mobile plan you choose. For the company’s unlimited data plans, you can get each line at a discounted rate when purchasing multiple lines. Take the lower-tier unlimited plan, for instance. While you can pay $45 a month for one line, two lines will cost you only $30 per line each. The same goes for the Ultimate Max plan. While one line costs $55 each month, two lines cost $40 each, making Optimum a good option for spouses.
Extra Fees
Unfortunately, Optimum has a few fees that you should be aware of:
- Overage charges: With the 1 and 5GB plans, every additional GB of data you use above your maximum each month costs $6. This amount could add up quickly.
- International charges: No plans include international calling and texting. But, you can add it to any plan for a monthly price, which depends on the country. For Canada and Mexico, calls and texts from the U.S. cost an additional $5 per month; traveling in Canada and using your phone would cost $10 a day or $40 a week. Prices go up, however, for other countries. Calling and texting Aruba, for instance, would be an additional $60 per month.
- Activation fees: All plans come with a one-time $20 activation fee.
- Late payment fees: If your payment is late, you will be charged $10.
Optimum Mobile Network Coverage
Optimum Mobile uses T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks, so you will have access to nationwide coverage. As the country's largest 5G cellular network, T-Mobile’s 4G LTE coverage is accessible to 99 percent of Americans; its 5G reaches 98 percent of Americans, as of December 2024.
Data Speeds
No matter which 5G network plan you choose, you can expect download speeds of 80 to 382Mbps, upload speeds of 7 to 32Mbps, and latency of 19 to 37ms. If you’re on 4G LTE, those numbers will drop down to 19 to 76, 4 to 20, and 24 to 40, respectively.
Comparing that to T-Mobile’s senior-specific plans, on 5G you can expect download speeds of 79 to 418Mbps, upload speeds of 6 to 31Mbps, and latency of 17 to 32ms. Overall, T-Mobile's speeds will be faster as it prioritizes its own customers before those of the MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) like Optimum.
You need speeds of about 100Mbps to stream high-definition videos on multiple devices, so either provider will be able to get you there. Of course, speeds will be slower in 4G LTE, but like we said, T-Mobile’s 5G network covers 98 percent of the U.S.
Optimum Mobile vs. T-Mobile
Optimum’s unlimited plan and T-Mobile’s Essentials Choice 55+ plan for seniors cost the same for one and two lines: $45 per month for one line or $30 per line per month for two lines. Ultimately, we’d recommend T-Mobile over Optimum due to its faster speeds and data in Mexico and Canada.
| Optimum Unlimited | T-Mobile Essentials 55+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $45 per month | $45 per month |
| Price Increases | Potential | Potential |
| 5G Access | Yes | Yes |
| Long-Term Contracts | None | None |
| Age Requirement | None | Must be 55+ |
Bottom Line
Fast-downloading 5G options, nationwide coverage, simplified plans, and no contracts are just some of the appealing features of Optimum Mobile. It’s also very affordable, offering one line of unlimited talk, text, and data for $45 a month.
For seniors, we’d recommend subscribing to one of T-Mobile’s senior plans, which cost less and offer greater international coverage.
>> Related Reading: Optimum Internet for Seniors
Optimum Frequently Asked Questions
-
Does Optimum have a cellular plan?
Yes, in addition to cable and internet, Optimum offers nationwide cellular service.
-
Do I have to have Optimum cable to use Optimum Mobile?
No, you are not required to use Optimum cable or home internet to sign up for Optimum Mobile.
-
What are the downsides of Optimum Mobile?
The downsides of Optimum Mobile are:
- $20 activation fee
- $10 late fee
- $6 per GB overage fee
- International usage not included
- No senior discounts