Spectrum Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Spectrum’s plans offer flexible and affordable mobile service, starting at $15 per month when you get two lines.
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Spectrum Mobile’s unlimited data plans start at $15 a month per line, for two lines. Spectrum’s costs are low, but their speeds and coverage area are first-rate. That’s because Spectrum is a Verizon mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that runs on Verizon’s large 4G and 5G national network.
To get Spectrum Mobile, you’ll need to be a Spectrum Internet customer. You can mix and match plans with your Spectrum TV and Internet services for the best deals and rates. Spectrum offers a range of talk, text, and data options, making it a flexible provider for older Americans with different needs. If you’re in the market for a new provider, it’s worth checking out what Spectrum has to offer. In this review, we’ll share our experience testing Spectrum’s phone service so you can make an informed decision.
Pros About Spectrum
- Affordable talk, text, and data plans
- Flexible plans you can mix and match by the GB
- Nationwide 5G coverage for a better mobile experience
- Add a monthly plan to your phone with no contract, taxes, or extra fees
- Unlimited free international texts if you’re in the U.S.
- Unlimited Plus Plan includes free anytime upgrades for your phone
Cons About Spectrum
- Spectrum Internet account required, prior to purchase
- You’ll be charged an additional $10 a month per line if you don’t maintain your Spectrum Internet account
- No international roaming option
Is Spectrum Right for Me?
Spectrum phone plans make it very easy for older adults to call, text, and use data without entering a long-term contract. Many of the provider’s plans are adjustable based on your specific needs, while still providing nationwide 5G service. A major caveat is that you need to be a Spectrum internet customer to qualify for a Spectrum phone plan. If you’re not already a Spectrum customer or you simply want to see what else is available, check out the top-rated alternatives below.
The Buying Experience With Spectrum
Buying Spectrum Mobile or adding it to your existing plan is simple. You can sign up at a Spectrum store, through the My Spectrum app, on the Spectrum website, or by calling a Spectrum service member over the phone. We signed up for Spectrum and activated our iPhone in store. The process was smooth and quick.
Whenever we made calls to customer service or spoke to them in the store, we found most of the representatives were fast and efficient.
The app and website have intuitive platforms that are easy to navigate. You can get your mobile plan through the app by:
- Opening the My Spectrum app.
- Tapping “Services” at the bottom of the screen.
- Selecting “Add Mobile Service.”
- Browsing plans and selecting the policy that makes the most sense for you.
If you’re browsing through the company’s website, you can:
- Visit Spectrum.com.
- Make sure you’re on the residential page.
- Scroll down to “Switch to Spectrum Mobile for Incredible Savings.”
- Click on “Shop Now.”
- Click “Plans” to select your mobile plan and phone.
I wasn’t a current Spectrum customer, so I had to set up my Spectrum InternetⓇ and phone plan at the same time. I decided to call a Spectrum customer service member to set up my new account. After 20 minutes of going through the options, selecting my plan, and providing my payment information, my account was all set up. I found the setup process was very smooth. I bought the new iPhone 15 — everything worked the way it should right away.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to Spectrum Internet and want to learn more before purchasing, visit our list of the best Internet providers for seniors to see how it compares to other top providers.
You also have the option of visiting a Spectrum store in person to work directly with a representative.
Choosing a Cell Phone
You can choose from a variety of smartphones, flip phones, or “candy bar” phones (which are just phones that have a screen and keyboard with no cover) with Spectrum. Below we’ll compare some of our favorite phones for seniors that Spectrum offers.
| Phone | iPhone 13 | TCL Flip 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Phone type | Smartphone | Flip phone |
| Pricing | $17.49 per month over 36 months, or $629.99 when paid in full | $2.22 per month over 36 months, or $79.99 when it ships |
| Wi-Fi/data | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | Dual 12 MP cameras | None |
| Phone storage | Up to 512 GB | 16 GB |
| Touch/face ID to unlock your phone | Yes | No |
| Water-resistant | Yes, in depths of up to 20 feet for 30 minutes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
iPhone 13
If you’re looking for a high-tech option, the iPhone 13 is a great choice. Its large, bright screen is easy on older eyes, and it comes with several accessibility features. The iPhone 13’s high-quality cameras are perfect for photos of the grandkids, and you can FaceTime with family and friends who live far away. These advanced features come with a hefty price tag starting at $629.99, but the monthly installments make the cost more feasible.
Testing out the iPhone 13
Pro Tip: If you're considering an iPhone, read our breakdown of the best iPhones for seniors.
TCL Flip 3
On the other hand, if you want something simple and affordable, you could try the TCL Flip 3. This straightforward, easy-to-use phone has large keys, plus an external display screen that shows alerts and lets you know who is calling. The internal screen can be adjusted for size and brightness, so it's easy on the eyes. It doesn’t have a camera, but it does provide internet access.
TCL Flip
If you want to check out more phone options, visit our list of the best cell phones for seniors.
Did You Know? New research from the Pew Center shows that between 2012 and 2021, the rate of smartphone ownership among Americans 65 years or older increased from 13 percent to 65 percent.1 Today, 85 percent of seniors own a cell phone.2
Nationwide Coverage
Spectrum mobile plans are covered by Verizon’s network, which means you’re gaining access to one of the largest and fastest providers in the nation. We’ve found our coverage is almost as consistent and reliable as AT&T and other large carriers. Verizon is available in over 150 countries. According to Speedtest Intelligence, Verizon is the second fastest mobile provider in the country.3
FYI: Spectrum customer service is available 24/7 to help you troubleshoot any problems or answer questions regarding your Spectrum account. For Spectrum Mobile questions, call 833-224-6603.
Verizon provides nationwide 5G coverage. Its 5G Ultra Wideband, which is the fastest 5G option, is available in over 1,700 cities in the U.S., including Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, Phoenix, and Denver. 4G coverage is also available throughout the country.
Contracts and Warranty
Contracts
One of the best features of a Spectrum Mobile plan is that you don’t need a contract to sign up, which means you can take a break from your phone or switch providers at any time with no hassle or commitments.
Warranty
Spectrum offers a warranty plan to protect your phone. Some of the main features of the warranty package include:
- A 12-month warranty period from the date you purchased your phone.
- If you want to change your phone, the warranty from your original device will automatically transfer.
- To qualify for a Spectrum warranty with an existing phone, you have to make sure your device was not previously repaired or tampered with. It basically has to be “like new” to qualify with an existing phone.
Spectrum Phone Plans at a Glance
Spectrum offers three cell phone plans. Below is a breakdown of each plan’s main features.
| Plan name | Price | Talk and text | Data | Extra features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited | $15 per month per line | Unlimited talk and text | Unlimited data | 5G access at no extra cost |
| Unlimited Plus | $25 per month per line | Unlimited talk and text | Unlimited data | HD-quality streaming |
| By the Gig | $19.99 for the first GB, $5 per GB after that per month | Unlimited talk and text | 1 GB or more of data for each line on the account | Share data with up to 10 lines; 5G access at no extra cost |
Money Saving: The price per line for the Unlimited and Unlimited Plus plans will go down if you have two or more lines on your account. If you’re able to share an account with a spouse, friend, or family member, you can save money for up to 10 lines.
A Closer Look at Spectrum Plans and Pricing
Spectrum Unlimited for All-Around Use
Cost
Spectrum’s unlimited plan is a great option for all-around use. Monthly charges start at $15 a line, when you get two lines. That’s affordable compared to many other popular unlimited plans. Additional lines cost $29.99 a month each.
What you see is what you get with Spectrum’s pricing. There are no senior discounts or deals, but you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or taxes either. All of it is included in the price. It’s also important to note that this specific plan is prepaid, so you have to pay first to gain access to mobile service.
Plan Features
Spectrum Unlimited is a solid all-around plan for seniors who are actively texting, calling, and using the Internet on their phones. Because Spectrum has partnered with Verizon for its mobile coverage, you get speeds nearly as fast as Verizon’s. But Spectrum is a mobile virtual network provider, meaning it doesn’t provide its own service, so you may experience slower Internet speeds during peak phone usage times.
Other features and perks you get with Spectrum Unlimited include:
- Up to 5 GB of mobile hotspot at high speeds, and then reduced rates after that.
- Connect to any of Spectrum’s free Wi-Fi points across the country and enjoy unlimited Wi-Fi on the go.
- 2,000 free minutes to Mexico and Canada.
- Unlimited free international texts when texting from the U.S.
- 20 GB of premium data, after which you may experience slow-downs in your data speed.
Spectrum Unlimited Plus for Better Streaming
Cost
Spectrum Unlimited Plus has everything you love about the Unlimited plan with some extra perks for streaming videos and surfing the web, starting at $25 a month per line. Additional lines cost $29.99 a month each. The Unlimited Plus plan includes all the features of the Unlimited plan, plus two
Plan Features
Spectrum Unlimited Plus is all about streaming, video quality, and extra-high-speed data for seniors who enjoy surfing the web or watching videos on their phones. Whether you’re watching videos with your grandkids or catching up on your latest show from the comfort of your phone, Unlimited Plus is the way to go if you stream regularly. It’s also a great plan if you use a lot of data-heavy applications on your phone.
With Unlimited Plus, you get:
- All the perks and benefits that come with Spectrum Unlimited.
- HD streaming for the best-quality videos.
- 50 GB of premium data for extra usage.
- Free anytime phone upgrade.
- Free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
Did You Know? Most streaming services offer mobile apps through the Apple and Google app stores. That means you can stream your favorite Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and other streaming video services directly from your phone!
By the Gig Monthly Data Plan
Cost
Spectrum’s By the Gig plan is the cheapest and most flexible Spectrum mobile plan. It is slightly more expensive than its competitors’ by-the-gig options, including Verizon and AT&T, but it’s still a budget-friendly option for older Americans looking to lower costs.
Plan Features
The By the Gig plan is a good choice for older Americans who want access to the Internet but don’t think they will use much data. Streaming, videos, and apps use up the most data, so this is probably the best option if you don’t think you need those kinds of services. Just know that your speeds will be reduced if you use more than 5 GB of data per month on this plan.
Spectrum’s By the Gig plan comes with all the perks and benefits of the Unlimited plan, including:
- Shareable data for up to 10 lines.
- Pay only for the data you use, 1 GB at a time.
- Flexibility to switch to Unlimited at any time for more data.
How Does Spectrum Compare to Other Phone Carriers?
It’s important to compare your options before signing up for a cell phone plan. Below is a breakdown of how Spectrum’s Unlimited plan stacks up to the competition.
| Plan | Spectrum Unlimited | Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | AT&T Unlimited Starter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single line | $15 per month per line for two lines (single line option not available) | $65 per month | $65.99 per month |
| 2 lines | $30 per month | $30 per month | $121.98 per month |
| More than 2 lines | $29.99 per line | $65 per line | $137.97 for three lines; $143.96 for four lines |
Spectrum’s entry-level Unlimited plan is significantly cheaper than both Verizon’s and AT&T’s comparable alternatives, which makes it a great option if you’re looking for an affordable plan. Spectrum doesn’t have its own cellular towers like Verizon and AT&T do, however, which means you may experience slower speeds.
Now let’s take a look at how Spectrum’s By the Gig plans compare.
| Plan | Spectrum By the Gig | Verizon My Gig (Only Available for Alaska and Hawaii residents) | AT&T 4GB plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB plan | $19.99 for the first GB, followed by $5 per each additional GB | $10 per GB | Up to $40 for the first 4 GB, per line; $10 for each additional 2 GB per |
Spectrum’s rates for by-the-gig plans are competitive, but they are slightly more expensive than other major providers. Unless you plan to use only one or two gigs per month, we recommend upgrading to one of Spectrum’s unlimited plans since you’ll get more bang for your buck.
FYI: Compare the top providers with our guide of the best cell phone plans for seniors.
The Bottom Line on Spectrum
Even with no senior discounts available, Spectrum has some of the most affordable plans with competitive Internet speeds. With no hidden fees or taxes, you know exactly what you’re paying for with Spectrum.
If you’ve already signed up with Spectrum for its TV or Internet services, it may be a solid choice as your mobile provider. With the By the Gig plan, you can get as much or as little data as you need. Unless you’ll be streaming heavily or watching videos from your phone, Spectrum’s Unlimited plan has pretty much everything you’ll need from a phone plan.
If you’re still unsure about whether Spectrum is right for you, check out our cell phone for seniors buyer’s guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spectrum
-
How many lines can I add to my Spectrum mobile plans?
You can add up to 10 lines on any Spectrum mobile account.
-
Can I keep my number if I switch to Spectrum Mobile?
Yes. You can keep your number when you switch to Spectrum Mobile. Spectrum accepts phone numbers from all carriers.
-
What if I don’t have a Spectrum account already?
Spectrum Mobile is available only to existing Spectrum customers. If you don’t have Spectrum cable TV or Spectrum Internet service already, you can sign up for Mobile and either TV or Internet when you set up your account.
-
Can I get a Spectrum Mobile plan added to my own phone?
Spectrum has a list of compatible devices for its mobile plans. You can find out if your current device is compatible here.
Our Methodology
Our tech team tested and compared Spectrum’s cell phone plans to other cell phone carriers, including Verizon and AT&T. We spent 50 hours testing the carrier’s service over a week-long period.
We also reached out to users of Spectrum and other services to determine if our testing correlated to the real-life experiences of customers in various locations within the U.S.
Here’s what our testing process looked like:
- We started by researching Spectrum’s phone plans online. We connected with customer service via phone calls, in brick-and-mortar stores, and online through Spectrum’s chat feature.
- We reviewed Spectrum’s plans and cell phones to assess which would be best for seniors. Based on that research, we purchased phones and Spectrum plans to try for ourselves.
- Our team tested Spectrum’s service for a week. We assessed important attributes that older adults care about like useful features, coverage, speed, and multi-line availability and discounts. We traveled around to various rural and urban locations to assess the consistency of Spectrum’s coverage area.
- We compared Spectrum to other carriers we use in our own lives, or that we became familiar with through the same level of rigorous testing.
We broke down our experience with Spectrum into several important areas that are meaningful for seniors:
- Pricing: Costs have increased significantly over the past few years. Spectrum provides cost-effective options that may be attractive to older adults on a fixed, or semi-fixed, income. We considered plan costs, any extra fees, and seasonal discounts.
- Coverage: Spectrum runs on the Verizon network but is much less expensive. We analyzed Spectrum’s coverage area versus Verizon’s, to determine how similar they are to each other.
- Technology: Simplicity is still welcome, despite the burgeoning use of cell phones and other electronic devices by seniors. We checked out all of Spectrum’s phone choices, to see if there are easy-to-use options, along with state-of-the-art phones for techy users.
- Customer service: It’s important that a carrier’s customer service team is helpful and easy to get ahold of. We contacted customer service multiple times to assess their patience, helpfulness, and efficiency.
Pew Research. (2022). Share of those 65 and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade.
Broadbandnow. (2022). Smartphone Usage Stats.
Verizon. (2022). Verizon fact sheet.
SPEEDTEST. (2022). United States' Mobile and Fixed Broadband Internet Speeds.