How to Cut Your Cell Phone Bill (Without Giving up Your iPhone)

Q: How can I lower my phone bill without switching phones?

Switch to a budget carrier or a lower-tier plan that runs on major networks. Many MVNOs offer reliable coverage at a fraction of major carrier prices, letting you keep your current iPhone.

Q: Will cheaper carriers support my iPhone model?

Most budget carriers use the same major networks (AT&T, Verizon, T‑Mobile) and support unlocked iPhones. Check compatibility and bring-your-own-device policies before switching.

Q: Are there risks to moving to a discount provider?

Discount providers may have slower peak speeds or different customer service experiences, but network coverage is usually comparable if they operate on the big carriers’ networks.

Q: How much could I realistically save per year?

Savings vary, but moving from a premium carrier to a budget plan can shave $50–$70 or more per month—potentially $600–$840 annually depending on your current plan.

Q: Can I keep features like unlimited text and talk on a cheaper plan?

Yes. Many affordable plans include unlimited talk and text and reasonable data allotments. Compare plans to find one that matches the features you need while lowering cost.

Published by

Clara

Feb 7

Save on Service Without Giving Up iPhone

Throughout quarantine, my smartphone has become my MVP — my Most Valuable Possession.

It’s obvious we’re ridiculously attached to our phones. Still, it seems we have conflicting feelings about these slick devices and the steep price tags that come with them.

A recent nationwide poll from WalletHub uncovered two seemingly opposing patterns:

Roughly 36% of Americans intend to reduce their cell phone expenses because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Even with the worrying financial picture overall, one in three people in the U.S. are planning to buy a new iPhone within the next year.

What do these mixed signals add up to? Basically, we crave those shiny new iPhones with all the bells and whistles, yet we don’t want to foot the bill.

And let’s be honest — they’re pricey! A brand-new iPhone 12 Pro can cost you around a thousand dollars.

But what if there’s another route to cut costs on your phone? What if you trimmed down your monthly service bill instead?

The major carriers — Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile/Sprint — charge premium rates for their plans. But there are numerous budget carriers that’ll charge only a small fraction of those fees.

For example, did you know you can get reputable cell service for as little as $20 per month? A provider called Pure TalkUSA runs on the AT&T network, so you’ll get reliable, well-known coverage without the steep price. Monthly plans begin at $20 per line and include unlimited talk and text.

Switching to a plan like this could shave off at least $70 from your monthly outlay… that’s $840 over the course of a year. (Use the savings calculator to estimate how much you could trim from your bill.)

Best of all, you’re not locked into long-term contracts signed in blood. Plus, if you aren’t satisfied within the first 30 days, you can ask for your money back.

Right now, Pure TalkUSA is offering new subscribers 50% off their first bill. Enrollment takes only a few minutes.

So even if you can’t resist the urge to buy that $999 iPhone 12 Pro with its next-level night-mode portrait capabilities, you can at least reduce your recurring phone expenses.