In today’s world, having a cell phone is far more than a luxury; it is a necessity. Cell phones give us the freedom to keep in touch with family and friends without the added expense of long-distance.
Plus, they provide a sense of security. Whether you are out for a drive and have car issues or if you have an accident at home, your cell phone is often within easy reach, allowing you to call for assistance.
However, cell phones aren’t just for emergencies; they also offer a variety of conveniences, such as:
- Internet, to search or shop for whatever you need
- Map with GPS, so you never get lost, especially if you’re traveling
- Face-Time, so you can have face to face conversations with loved ones regardless of where you happen to be
- Email and text messaging, to communicate with others easily
- Entertainment, whether its to read a book, watch a movie, or just listen to music
Though cell phones offer much in the way of safety and convenience, they aren’t always cheap. The new technology isn’t the only thing being added to our phones. We also face the additional costs for the added conveniences. All of these services come at a price.
Thankfully, for seniors, there are options for discounted plans. Some of the plans listed below allow for discounts based on your age, whereas others require a free AARP membership. The programs listed below vary in cost as well as size.
When choosing the right cell phone plan, there are more things to consider than just the price, like:
- Your phone usage
- Your data usage
- Your service area
Once you have defined your cellular needs, then you are set to choose the right cell plan. Keep in mind that if you are not under contract, it is always worth shopping around to find the best deals available.
Cell Phone Plan Discounts for Seniors
- Sprint
- T-Mobile
- Verizon
- AT&T
- Consumer Cellular
Sprint
Sprint Corporation’s headquarters are located in Overland Park, Kansas. Sprint is one of the largest wireless service companies in the country. Sprint’s history goes back to 1899 when it was initially known as Brown Telephone. Brown provided phone service to the local midwest area.
In 1983, Brown was purchased by GTE and renamed GTE Sprint Communications. Sprint continued to expand, offering not just local but also added long-distance service in 1986. Finally, in 1992 the company was renamed Sprint Corporation.
Today Sprint offers a variety of technology services to both the business and residential communities. They are best known for their wireless services and extensive network available nationwide. They offer a variety of wireless options, including their LTE Advanced, which doubles the of their former Sprint 4G.
Sprint’s Unlimited 55+ costs $70 a month for two lines, and the plan includes:
- Unlimited talk, data, and text
- Free texting and basic data at more than 200 global locations
- High-quality video streaming
- Unlimited mobile hotspot
This plan only requires you to meet the minimum age requirement.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile has been in business since 1990 and was not originally an American based company. T-Mobile International was founded in Germany but eventually expanded to other countries. However, today T-Mobile International no longer exists, and T-Mobile US is now considered a US company.
In 2018, a proposal to merge T-Mobile and Sprint was announced. Unfortunately, several states opposed the initial merger, and it wasn’t until February 2020 that it was finally approved at the federal level.
Although the merger was approved, several things still need to be determined before the deal fully closes. In the meantime, each corporation will continue to function as separate entities.
T-Mobile’s 55+ plan costs $40/month plus a $30 upfront fee per line. The plan includes:
- Unlimited data, talk, and text
- No contract
- Includes Mexico and Canada, up to 2G data
- Unlimited texting in more than 210 countries
- Unlimited DVD and Video streaming
- 3GB of 3G Hotspot Data
To be eligible for this plan, you must be at least 55 years old.
Verizon
Verizon‘s history started in June of 2000 when Bell Atlantic Corp and GTE Corp merged. The merger was one of the largest in US history at that time. Today, Verizon is a globally recognized communications company.
Since the merger, Verizon has grown in the world of technology, and in April of 2019, they became the first company to provide a 5G network. At first, it was only available in Minneapolis and Chicago but soon expanded to other cities.
Verizon has one of the largest networks in the nation, so when you sign up with them, you know they have you covered. The Verizon 55+ plan costs $80 per month for two lines. What you can expect from your program is:
- Unlimited data, talk, and text
- High-Quality streaming
- Unlimited hotspot
- Service is available in Canada and Mexico at no additional charge
Eligibility is limited to customers in Florida who meet the 55+ age requirement.
AT&T
AT&T has a long history in the communication industry. It first began back in 1867 with the inventor, Alexander Graham Bell. The Bell company would later become AT&T. Since the beginning, AT&T transitioned many times through acquisitions as well as a significant divestment in 1984.
AT&T has done business in every telecommunications sector, from local to long-distance, and now they are an industry leader in the wireless communication world. Amongst their expansions, they have delved into the prepaid cellular market as well as international communications in Mexico.
But its biggest accomplishment since the invention of the phone was the launch of mobile internet service.
AT&T Signature Program is an AARP discounted plan that allows you to save up to $10 per line per month. Additionally, the program waives activation and upgrade fees, which can be as high as $45.
Plus, members will receive a 15% discount on specific cellphone accessories. The discount can be applied to up to five lines in the same household.
The plan also includes:
- Free HBO service
- Unlimited talk, text, and data services
- High def streaming
- 30GB hotspot data
Those interested in enrolling in the program can do so either online or in-store.
Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular, founded in October 1995, by John Marick and Greg Pryor, is a postpaid mobile virtual network company. The headquarters is located in Portland, Oregon, but provides wireless service nationwide using both the AT&T and T-Mobile networks.
In 2011 Consumer Cellular entered the retail world through Sears, and by 2014 they could also be found at Target. Finally, in 2018, they were introduced to the market through Best Buy.
Consumer Cellular offers both smartphones and flip phones. However, if you are happy with the cell phone you have, you can just transfer your service without needing to buy a handset.
Consumer Cellular offers a variety of cellular services, but one of their primary focus is providing service for those 50+. In 2008, they became the preferred wireless company for AARP.
Today, Consumer Cellular still offers special pricing for AARP members. The AARP program includes:
- 5% off of monthly services on any Consumer Cellular plan
- 30% discount on accessories
- No contract requirements
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