For many people, the monthly phone bill is one of those annoying charges we begrudgingly pay. Our smartphones and unlimited data have become indispensable, so most of us keep covering the cost.
A recent survey conducted byWhistleOut, in collaboration with Mint Mobile, finds that the typical American shells out roughly $157 each month for a plan from a major provider like AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon.Those big three carriers have also raised their rates since early 2023. About 40% of customers with those firms saw their bills climb over the past year. Consumers have noticed — one in four Americans say they “can’t comfortably afford” their monthly phone payment, and 39% of customers with the largest carriers admit they’re paying too much.
But the figures suggest Americans are reconsidering major-carrier plans. This year’s research indicates 53% of people are on AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile — down from 62% in last year’s report. And while 76% of users choose unlimited plans, that might not be the most economical choice. The average person consumes around 10–15 GB of mobile data per month. Part of the issue is that many users don’t truly know their usage — 30% of cell users can’t even check how much data they’ve used.
How To Stop Overpaying
One thing is obvious: ditching our phones and plans isn’t the answer. Nearly one in four Americans lacks another way to access the internet without their phone. Fifty-one percent of people say losing their phone would be “harmful to their livelihood or wellbeing.” That figure is higher among younger folks — about 70% of Gen Z say they need their phone for work. That’s not surprising given roughly 35% of that group don’t have a personal computer.
So what’s the fix for the Americans who, according to WhistleOut, are overspending roughly $211 billion a year on phone service? One practical option is switching to an MVNO plan — a mobile virtual network operator.
What’s an MVNO — and How Much Could You Save?
MVNOs are unique because they don’t operate their own cellular towers, per WhistleOut. Instead, they lease network access from major carriers, which can mean slower speeds and fewer plan options. You might also have to handle support online or by phone rather than visiting a retail outlet.
What these providers might lack in convenience, they often make up for in cost. The typical MVNO plan runs about $30 per month, a substantial drop from the $157 average Americans currently pay. Moving from a big carrier to an MVNO could save you over $1,500 annually, according to WhistleOut. Many consumers have already made the switch — nearly 47% of phone users are now on an MVNO plan.
What’s the Difference Between MVNOs and Traditional Carriers?
MVNOs operate as third-party sellers: they purchase minutes and data from standard carriers at wholesale prices,WhistleOut explains, and resell them to customers at reduced rates. The main advantage is clear: lower costs for the user.
However, there are trade-offs. For one, it can be harderto bundlea phone purchase with a service plan as major carriers do. A bigger concern is that your data trafficmay be deprioritizedon carrier networks during peak times, so in crowded areas your speeds could be lower on an MVNO. Some MVNOs partner with multiple carriers, which can give you more options — though those carriers will still give precedence to their direct customers.
Choose Your MVNO
Mint Mobile
How it works:Mint Mobile lets you, perits website, “pick the data amount that fits you.” It operates on the T-Mobile 5G network.Enter your ZIP code hereto check network compatibility and phone number transferability. After joining, you’ll get a SIM card with activation steps. To keep your current number, you’ll need details from your prior carrier like account number, PIN and billing ZIP.
Each month Mint emails you a summary of your data usage. You can add data on demand — $10 per GB or $20 for 3 GB — and upgrade plans anytime online.
How much it costs:Plans varyby monthly data needs, but they start at $15/month with a $45 upfront charge for the first three months. Options include 5, 15 and 20 GB or unlimited. Plans come in three-, six- and 12-month lengths and require full prepayment. Taxes and fees apply.
Visible Wireless
How it works:Visible is backed by Verizon, so you get the reliability of a major carrier. Its networkreaches 99%of the population, so coverage is likely strong wherever you are. Enter your ZIP codehereto confirm service in your area.
You canpurchase a phonefrom Visible or bring your own device. If bringing your own, verifycompatibility here. If compatible, activation can be done via eSIM immediately or with a physical SIM later. Visible also offers selectphones at discounted rates.
How much it costs:Visible hasmonthly and annual plans. For $20/month you get unlimited data, talk and text on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE, plus unlimited hotspot and unlimited calls/text to Mexico and Canada. For $35/month you receive unlimited premium data on Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband with faster hotspot speeds and a broader international package. Paying annually saves you $25 on the cheaper plan ($275) and $145 on the pricier plan ($395).
US Mobile
How it works:US Mobile offers a30-day free trialand supports eSIM,per their materials. Rather than rely on a single carrier, US Mobile partners with multiple networks, and its app makes tracking data and switching plans simple.
How much it costs:US Mobile provides bothmonthly and yearly options. Monthly plans begin at $25 for unlimited data, talk and text with 10 GB hotspot and optional international calling for $3/month. Unlimited premium at $44/month gives unlimited data, talk/text, 50 GB hotspot and up to 10 GB international data. Annual pricing is $270 for the cheaper plan (saving about $2.50/month) and $390 for the pricier plan (saving about $11.50/month). There’s also a third annual flex plan with unlimited service, 10 GB premium data, 5 GB hotspot and international calling/texting for $210/year.
Twigby
How it works: At Twigby, you can bring your own device or buy one through the site. If using an existing phone, verify compatibility with theIMEI checker. Twigby doesn’t explicitly state its carrier partner,but calls it “the nation’s largest and most reliable network.”
How much it costs:Twigby’splansare tiered by high-speed data from 2 GB to 20 GB. Prices start at $5/month for minimal data and go up to $25/month for the highest tier. After the initial three months, rates range roughly $15–$35. All plans include unlimited talk, text and data, but speeds drop to 2G once your cap is reached, which “does not support streaming or high data usage applications,” per Twigby.
Google Fi
How it works:Google Fi uses 4G LTE, nationwide 5G and hotspot tethering, though 5G coverage isn’t universal. Checkyour area hereto see availability. Like other MVNOs, Google Fi taps multiple carriers for connectivity and includes coverage in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. You can also add service for a smartwatch. A major benefit: Google Fi claims it’s “not subject to data traffic deprioritization,” so you’re less likely to face speed slowdowns. It also works in over 200 countries, useful for frequent travelers.
How much it costs:For individuals, Google Fioffers three plans: $50/month for unlimited, $65 for Unlimited Plus, and a Flexible plan at $20 plus $10 per gigabyte. The basic unlimited plan includes 5 GB of hotspot tethering and coverage in Canada and Mexico; Unlimited Plus adds unlimited hotspot tethering, data in 200+ destinations, shareable data for tablets and 100 GB of Google One storage. The Flexible plan charges $10 per GB used but includes hotspot tethering and international data in 200+ destinations. Google Fi also has a seven-day free trial.
Writer Sarah Novak is a contributor to Savinly, often covering tips for selling items online through social platforms. Her work has appeared in Teen Vogue, Smithsonian Magazine and the Tampa Bay Times.
