Looking for an affordable unlimited cell phone plan with nationwide availability? AT&T fits the bill.
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As the world's largest telecommunications company1, AT&T is embracing our senior generation by making cell phones that are easier to use and offering special plans that better fit older adults' needs. We recently reviewed AT&T's Unlimited 55+ plan and found it ideal for older adults who want unlimited talk, text, and data, with costs starting at $40 per line for two lines. One important caveat: This plan is only available to Florida residents.
Unlike T-Mobile, which offers contract-free options with their senior plans, most AT&T plans do require a contract. However, if you're an existing AT&T customer or you're looking for a reasonably priced unlimited plan, AT&T might be the right fit. Plus, AT&T offers other plans with great features that aren't exclusively for older adults. Another advantage is that only the account holder must be over the age of 55, allowing you to share the plan with your children or grandchildren. Let's take a closer look at the pricing, overall value, and offerings from AT&T's phone plans so you can stay connected with your loved ones!
Keep in mind that AT&T offers additional plans; these are just our top picks for older adults.
AT&T plan | Monthly price (per line) | Features | Best for | Restrictions |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T Lifeline2 | Discount varies | Not a plan, but a special wireless phone discount available to low-income households | Those on a fixed income or government assistance | Eligibility based on income, but those living on SSI or who use Medicaid may be eligible |
AT&T Unlimited 55+ | $40 – $60 | Unlimited talk, text, and data in U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Free texting in 120+ countries Compatible with smartphones and basic phones Standard-definition streaming |
Technology-savvy seniors who live in Florida | Age 55+
Restricted to no more than two lines (wearables and hotspots not eligible) Restricted to Florida residents |
AT&T Unlimited Starter | $30 – $65 (depending on the number of lines) | Unlimited talk, text, and data
Compatible with smartphones and basic phones Standard-definition streaming |
Tech-savvy seniors who want to stay connected and maintain multiple phone lines (at least four) | Best price requires multiple phone lines |
With rates per line ranging from $40 to $60 per month, AT&T offers this unlimited plan for the 55-and-over crowd that comes with (you guessed it) unlimited talk, text, and data. So you can check in on Facebook, search for local businesses, and receive pictures of the grandkids while you're out and about. The AT&T Unlimited 55+ plan is an excellent choice for older adults who use their phones frequently throughout the day. The Unlimited 55+ plan also features unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico. Plus, you'll get free texting in over 120 countries, perfect for frequent travelers.
Buyer's Tip: AT&T offers perks like $250 in credits per line when you switch to AT&T and bring your own phone, up to $50 in savings on activation and upgrade fees, and 15 percent off accessories for AARP members.
While currently only available to Florida residents, we hope this plan will be expanded to other areas soon. Like other AT&T unlimited plans, consumers are rewarded for having multiple lines, so the more lines you have, the lower rates per line you'll pay.
Maybe the above plan sounds perfect, but there is just one little problem: You don't live in Florida. If you don't call the Sunshine State home, you can choose a basic unlimited plan and a senior-friendly smartphone. While this plan isn't senior-specific, it still offers unlimited talk, text, and data at a reasonable price. Plus, you can apply an extra discount on the plan price if you are an AARP member or a veteran.
Savings Tip: Enjoy an extra $10 off per line on up to two lines when you sign up for Autopay and paperless billing.
This plan is priced based on the number of lines on your account. For example, with five lines, you can get the AT&T Unlimited Starter plan for as low as $30 per month per line. Users will pay $65 per month for a single line before any discounts. Overall, this plan is best for seniors who use their phones frequently and want to share a phone plan with family and friends.
Looking for an affordable unlimited cell phone plan with nationwide availability? AT&T fits the bill.
We're all about getting the best deal, so let's take a look at how you can get the most out of your AT&T mobile plan.
Some older adults prefer the simplicity of a flip phone, while others enjoy the convenience and accessibility of a smartphone. Either way, you're in luck with AT&T. They offer over 40 phones to choose from. We've selected two senior-friendly phones below that we recommend.
This phone is as basic as they come these days. The keypad and toggle menu are clearly labeled and prominently located inside the flip phone, making it ideal for those with poor vision. One of our favorite features about this phone is that it comes with built-in Google Voice Assistant. With this feature, you can navigate the phone using your voice. You can say goodbye to the frustration of trying to navigate tiny buttons! The Cingular Flip IV costs just $62.99, which is pretty affordable compared to other entry-level flip phones on the market.
Cingular Flip IV
Benefits for older adults
Head to our list of the best flip phones for seniors to check out some of our other favorite flip phones.
For older adults who are looking for a little more connectivity, the iPhone 11 is a great entry point into a smartphone. The iPhone 11 has a large, clear display; no small icons and hard-to-read text here! It is also equipped with an easy-to-use camera for taking high-quality pictures of your grandbabies or family vacations, featuring 64 GB of storage space. Plus, Apple products are popular in the world of smartphones, and this model is by far the most affordable at only $13.89 a month, and it's the easiest to use. That's why the Apple iPhone made it onto this year's best cell phones for seniors list.
Apple iPhone 11
Benefits for older adults
One important thing to note: Smartphones are usually priced in installments and added as an additional cost to your monthly bill. Be careful when choosing your plan, and make sure to find out if you are buying or renting the phone and how many installments are required. To learn more about iPhones, visit our list of the best iPhones for seniors.
AT&T's Unlimited 55+ plan is competitive with other options on the market in terms of price and features. However, as we've mentioned, it's only available to Florida residents. If you're looking for an unlimited plan that isn't restricted by location, check out our T-Mobile review.
FYI: If you want to compare some of the top cell phone plans for seniors, check out our cell phone buyer's guide for a full rundown on the top phones and plans.
AT&T used to offer a Senior Nation plan, which was a talk-only plan for older adults who didn't want data, but it was discontinued in 2020. If you're looking for a call-only plan, consider Lively, another phone provider we’ve tested. This is one of the few carriers that still offers a call-only plan, and it costs just $14.99 per month. Keep in mind that their phones cost a bit more. Lively's lowest-priced flip phone is $100. With AT&T, you could purchase the Cingular Flip IV for $62.99.
AT&T offers solid options for seniors who want unlimited talk, text, and data, with the Unlimited 55+ plan starting at $40 per line for two lines (currently restricted to Florida residents). Those who want a smartphone and unlimited mobile data can also take advantage of an AARP discount. If you don't live in Florida, AT&T has plenty of other unlimited plans that might suit your needs. Keep in mind that AT&T's unlimited plans are priced based on the number of lines on the account, ranging anywhere from $30 to $85 per line. So the more lines you have, the more you'll save. All in all, AT&T is a great option, as they offer a diverse range of cell phones and mobile plans for older adults to choose from.
AT&T doesn’t offer an official senior discount, but AARP members can receive 10 percent off their plan, and veterans could receive 25 percent off their monthly bill.
Though they aren’t specifically designed for seniors, AT&T has several phones that would work well for seniors. They offer flip phones, beginner-friendly smartphones, and high-tech devices for seniors who are great with technology.
Yes. AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan is available to seniors residing in Florida.
Forbes. (2019). The World's Largest Telecom Companies 2019: AT&T, Verizon Hold On To Top Spots Amid 5G Buzz.
FCC. (2020). Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers.