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December 16, 2024
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Similar to internet providers like Cox and Spectrum, Xfinity has recently launched its own cellular service. And while Xfinity Mobile is only available to Xfinity Internet subscribers, this bundled service is potentially one of the more affordable ways to get cellular service.
FYI: Looking for a phone plan that requires no existing internet subscription? Check out our rundown of this year’s best senior phone plans.
Xfinity Mobile Pros and Cons
Pros
- Low monthly costs: Xfinity Mobile offers plans with unlimited talk and text for $20 per month.
- Hotspot access: Not only does Xfinity provide coverage via Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks, but the company also operates a network of millions of Wi-Fi hotspots for customers to use at no extra charge.
- Full coverage: Because Xfinity piggybacks off of Verizon’s towers, you get coverage throughout the United States.
- Bring your phone: Xfinity Mobile allows customers to keep their current phone and number when subscribing to their service.
Cons
- Requires internet subscription: In order to subscribe to Xfinity Mobile, you’ll need to have a current subscription to Xfinity Home Internet.
- Cancellation charges: You can still use Xfinity Mobile if you cancel your Xfinity internet service; however, it will cost you an additional $25 per month.
- Higher costs for data: If you want unlimited data, Xfinity Mobile will cost $40 per month or $30 per month (per line) when you purchase two lines.
Xfinity Mobile Plans and Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price per Line | Talk and Text Allowance/th> | Monthly Data Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| By the Gig | $20 per line | Unlimited | 1 GB |
| Unlimited Data |
|
Unlimited | Unlimited but data speeds slowed after 30GB of usage |
| Unlimited Plus |
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Unlimited | Unlimited but data speeds slowed after 50GB of usage |
Xfinity Mobile Plans for Seniors
Although Xfinity Mobile does not offer specific senior plans, we think that one of their “By the Gig” plans is ideal for older adults who don’t require much data usage. With one of these plans, you’ll pay $20 per month for unlimited talk and text and 1 GB of data. Although 1 GB of data is not much, a person won’t require data usage if they’re primarily using their phone in areas with Wi-Fi.
Xfinity Mobile Pricing
Xfinity Mobile plans start at $20 per month for the By the Gig plan. However, if you plan to use more than 1GB of data per month, then you’ll likely want one of the carrier’s “unlimited” plans. These plans cost between $40 and $50 per month.
Despite the name, these unlimited plans will slow your data speeds after reaching a monthly data allowance. The Unlimited plan slows your data after 30GB of monthly usage, and the Unlimited Plus plan slows your data after 50GB of usage.
Additionally, Xfinity Mobile requires an internet subscription. So, you’ll also want to factor in the cost of Xfinity Internet. The company’s most affordable plan starts at $68 per month. Thus, at a minimum, a person can expect to pay $88 per month for both Xfinity Home Internet and one line from Xfinity Mobile. This is certainly not the lowest internet/mobile bundle we’ve ever come across. Cox, for example, offers 1GB of mobile data plus home internet for only $50 a month. For more information, read our reviews of Cox Mobile and Cox internet.
Extra Fees
In addition to what you’ll pay monthly for Xfinity Mobile, you will also pay:
- Setup/activation fee: You’ll pay a one-time $25 fee for every new line you add.
- International calls: People on the Unlimited plan will get unlimited talk, text, and data with Canada and Mexico. It’s the same for people on the Unlimited Plus plan, but they will also get 5GB of premium data, as well. By the Gig customers can buy a pass to call and text these countries for an additional $10 per month. For calling and roaming in more than 200 countries, you have three options, with prices varying based on country. Let’s pretend we have a trip to China planned and see how much it’ll cost.
- Global Travel Pass: If you’re traveling in another country, you can pay a flat rate of $10 a day for all call, text, and data usage, with no limit.
- Pay as you go: The other option while abroad is to pay only for the texts, calls, and data that you make/use. In China, calls are $0.60 a minute, SMS texts are $0.10 each, and data is $0.30 per MB.
- International calling rates: Finally, for calling from the U.S. to other countries, free texting is included, while talking on the phone costs $0.10 a minute.
- Late payment fees: If you miss a payment, Xfinity will charge you a late fee, which will vary. The company’s customer agreement states that “these costs will be difficult to calculate or to predict when we set such fees, charges, and assessments.” Additionally, Xfinity may suspend your service and make you pay the $25 activation fee all over again, in addition to the late fee. Your best bet is to enroll in autopay to avoid these fees altogether.
However, you will not pay any early termination charges or data overage fees; all contracts are monthly, and with the By the Gig plan, you’ll just pay for the data you use. There are also no fees for a SIM card when you bring your own phone.
FYI: Xfinity not available in your area? Then check out our updated list of the top internet providers for seniors.
Xfinity Mobile Network Coverage
Xfinity piggybacks off of Verizon’s service towers, giving customers direct access to the nation’s largest LTE network as well as its 5G network. Xfinity also operates millions of Wi-Fi hotspots that are available to subscribers at no extra charge.
Since Xfinity Mobile requires an internet subscription, the service is technically available in 41 states; however, availability will vary slightly by region within each state.
Data Speeds
Just how fast is Xfinity Mobile? Download speeds range from 34 to 702Mbps, while upload speeds range from 14 to 75Mbps. Latency ranges from 37 to 56ms. Compare these speeds to Xfinity’s “parent network” Verizon, which are download, upload, and latency speeds of 11 to 643Mbps, 1 to 53Mbps, and 49 to 64ms, respectively. You can see that Xfinity is potentially faster in terms of download and upload speeds, with less latency, as well. Still, either network will let you do most activities on your phone — from streaming movies to video chatting with friends and family.
Xfinity Mobile vs. T-Mobile
Xfinity Mobile’s unlimited plans begin at $40 a month for a single line and $30 per line when you purchase two lines. T-Mobile’s senior plans, however, start at $45 for one line, or $30 per line when you purchase two lines.
For people ages 55 and older who want one line of data, T-Mobile is not cheaper. But, it offers more data before your speeds are slowed. You’ll get premium data for your first 50GB of data, while that number with Xfinity Unlimited is only 30GB.
| Xfinity Unlimited | T-Mobile Essentials 55+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $40 | $45 |
| Price Increases | When the month ends, potentially | When the month ends, potentially |
| 5G Access | Yes | Yes |
| Long-Term Contracts | None | None |
| Age Requirement | None | Must be 55+ |
Bottom Line
While it is only available to Xfinity customers, Xfinity Mobile offers high-quality cellular service for very competitive prices. Though speeds are significantly slowed after passing allotted data limits, Xfinity’s network of millions of Wi-Fi hotspots across the U.S. make it easy to stay connected without paying extra.
If you are in need of new internet and mobile service and want to keep your phone, Xfinity is one of the best for your buck.
To learn more about Xfinity and our favorite mobile providers, read our helpful guides:
Xfinity Mobile Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Xfinity have a cellular plan?
Xfinity offers mobile service. However, it is only available to current Xfinity internet subscribers.
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Do I have to have Xfinity Internet to use Xfinity Mobile?
You must have Xfinity Internet to use Xfinity Mobile; however, new internet subscribers can access this service as well as existing ones.
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What are the downsides of Xfinity Mobile?
These are the main downsides of Xfinity mobile:
- You’ll only get 30 to 50GB of premium data per month with the unlimited data plans.
- Xfinity does not have a discount program for seniors, unlike T-Mobile.
- Xfinity charges activation fees and late fees.
- You must be an Xfinity internet customer to sign up for Xfinity mobile. Even if you cancel your internet, you’ll still have to pay $25 a month in addition to what you pay for Xfinity mobile.