Switch Phone Provider

Are you overpaying?

• Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile postpaid — typically $70-90 per line.
• "MVNO" prepaid (uses same towers) — $15-30 per line.
• Most seniors use 2-5 GB/month — postpaid plans waste data you don't use.
• If you're paying $80+ for one line, you almost certainly can save.

Best cheap plans (2025)

• Mint Mobile — $15/mo (5GB), $20 (15GB), $25 (20GB), $30 unlimited. T-Mobile network. Buy 12 months upfront.
• US Mobile — $10-50. Pick your network — Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T tower.
• Visible (by Verizon) — $25-45. Verizon network. Unlimited.
• Consumer Cellular — $20-55. AARP discount. Senior-focused.
• T-Mobile Connect — $15-25. T-Mobile network.
• Boost Mobile — $25-50. Multiple networks.
• Tello — $5-39. T-Mobile network. Cheap as it gets.

Switching steps (1 hour)

1. Pick new carrier. Check coverage map for your zip.
2. Most have 7-30 day money-back trials.
3. Get your "PIN" or "transfer number" from current carrier (call or app).
4. Sign up with new carrier. Provide phone number + PIN.
5. New SIM arrives in 2-5 days (or use eSIM, instant).
6. Insert SIM. Phone activates in 5-30 min. Number transfers in hours.
7. Cancel old service after confirming new one works.

Will my phone work?

• Most US phones bought after 2018 are "unlocked" or unlock-able.
• Search "[your phone model] compatible carriers" or use carrier's checker.
• If under contract — finish payments first OR get phone "unlocked" by old carrier.
• iPhones and recent Samsungs work on all major networks.

Senior plans + discounts

• Verizon 55+ plan — $40/line (FL only) or $62 unlimited.
• T-Mobile Essentials 55+ — $35/line for 2 lines (in select states).
• AT&T senior discount — limited, FL/NY only.
• Consumer Cellular AARP discount — 5% off + waived activation.
• Lifeline subsidy — up to $9.25/mo off for income-qualifying seniors.