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October 21, 2024
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Known for its 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 $15 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data.
FYI: To learn more about our favorite cellular providers, check out our guide to the best senior cell phone plans.
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 $15 per month per line.
- 5G access: All Spectrum Mobile plans include nationwide 5G coverage, although restrictions apply.
- No hidden fees: Unlike Spectrum’s internet and TV service, Spectrum’s mobile plans include no hidden fees or charges.
- 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 $49.99 per month.
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
| Spectrum Plan | Monthly Cost Per Line | Features | Data Speed Reduced |
|---|---|---|---|
| By the Gig | $15 |
|
After 5 GB |
| Unlimited | $29.99 |
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After 30 GB |
| Unlimited Plus | $39.99 |
|
After 50 GB |
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 $15 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, 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.
Spectrum Mobile Costs
While Spectrum Mobile plans cost as low as $15 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.
Spectrum Mobile Network Coverage
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.
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 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 |
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, 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 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 $15 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 $29.99 per line. Limited data options start at $15 per month.
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Which phones can I use with Spectrum Mobile?
Spectrum Mobile supports Samsung, Apple, and Motorola phones, as well as unlocked devices purchased elsewhere.
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Does Spectrum Mobile offer good coverage?
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.