The Ultimate Cell Phone Plans Comparison
On Friday, Verizon Wireless announced pricing plan restructuring that would reduce the cost of voice usage. AT&T Wireless quickly followed suit and unveiled their updated cell phone plans as well. Today is the day that those changes go into effect.
While both carriers announced these changes as efforts to simplify plans, the real truth behind the story is that the profits are in the data: Verizon’s revenue is now up 24% (they reported $15.8 billion in Q309), with 17% coming from data services.
I think that there is still a long way to go before it gets to a point where picking a cell phone plan is simple, even after these various many attempts by the carriers in 2009. There are still way too many plan combination.
This is our best attempt to simplify all of the plan combination and it was painful, but here it is, The Ultimate Cell Phone Plans Comparison:
Click Image to Enlarge
BillShrink can help you find cell phone plans that save you money and fit your needs, without sifting through the madness!
Check out previous graphics comparing:
Nexus One vs Droid vs iPhone vs Palm Pre
Droid vs. iPhone vs. Palm Pre vs. MyTouch 3G
Do you think carriers are doing a good job simplifying rate plan combinations, or, are we still in a dizzying mess?
Is at&t the only plan with rollover minutes? I don’t see that indicated in the chart and have heard them advertising it as such. For me, this is a big plus.
Comment by Claire — January 18, 2010 @ 3:50 pm
The graphic seems to indicate that the T-Mobile plans are cheaper with no contract. Is that correct?
Comment by Cliff — January 18, 2010 @ 4:44 pm
Rollover minutes and cheap plans are nothing if you have no signal. I’m not one to root for the big guy, but I’ve been through Mr A and Mr S, and nothing compares to the coverage of Mr V.
Comment by DRJ — January 18, 2010 @ 4:54 pm
Rollover minutes and cheap plans are nothing if you have no signal. I’m not one to root for the big guy, but I’ve been through Mr. A and Mr. S, and nothing compares to the coverage of Mr. V.
Comment by DRJ — January 18, 2010 @ 4:55 pm
You must buy a cellphone at full price to the the no-contract deals. BB Curve = 400 dollar down payment to T-Mobile
Comment by Nelson — January 18, 2010 @ 4:58 pm
where is cricket, boost and straight talk in this comparison?
Comment by mike — January 18, 2010 @ 5:15 pm
Wow, while that is a great list, it is also an example of the lack of competition in this market. Verizon and AT&T are nearly identical. So frustrating but what can be done?
Comment by Brad — January 18, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
Sprint blows this clows away! Rollover minutes are nice, but calling any cellphone on ANY network for free kills that.
Comment by Drorez — January 18, 2010 @ 5:26 pm
T-mobile lets you put the 400$ phone into 20 payments making it 20$ down payment plus no contract. Since the Unlimited talk no contract is 20$ cheaper than everyone else you can pretty much get it for free.
Comment by Mrs T — January 18, 2010 @ 5:27 pm
Wow, still no comparison to Sprint. Sprint has better value and better prices. Verizon and At&t try to add on for too much. I can get unlimited calling to cell phones unlimited data and unlimited texting for 69.99 at Sprint. Verizon or At&t is gonna cost a lot more than that (and offer a lot less!)
Comment by Joe — January 18, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
“where is cricket, boost and straight talk in this comparison?”
Comment by mike — January 18, 2010 @ 5:15 pm
are you kidding?
Everyone is aware that there are only 4 major carriers.
While were at it, where are Unicell, US Cellular, Tracfone, and Calling Cards?
Comment by James — January 18, 2010 @ 5:38 pm
How about prices with data and without text messaging? Smartphone users have lots of alternatives to pricey text messaging plans these days.
Comment by sally — January 18, 2010 @ 5:42 pm
“How about prices with data and without text messaging? Smartphone users have lots of alternatives to pricey text messaging plans these days.”
Sally, thanks for the feedback! In a future graph, we’ll be sure to address that…
Comment by BillShrink Team — January 18, 2010 @ 5:55 pm
@ Nelson
You don’t have to buy T-Mobile phones for the no contract pricing. Unlocked phones work just as well, without issue. In this case, Craigslist can be a savior, especially for smartphones (Blackberry Storm for ~$200, if you like the Storm). I’m using a Blackberry Pearl 8110 (paid $70 for a lightly used one, unlocked) on the Everything Plus 500 minutes, unlimited text and web for $59.99. When tax day comes around, I’ll be getting an N1, Cliq, N900, or something to that effect.
Comment by etrnldrk — January 18, 2010 @ 7:39 pm
Thanks, just saved 240/yr.
Comment by Joe — January 18, 2010 @ 8:29 pm
Looks like sprint pretty much kills every other plan out there…
Comment by Unknown — January 18, 2010 @ 9:10 pm
well at&t does offer basic data. their basic data is 10$ more a month with unlimited text. how people get these charts wrong is beyond me.
Comment by enkay — January 18, 2010 @ 9:40 pm
“where is cricket, boost and straight talk in this comparison?”
Comment by mike — January 18, 2010 @ 5:15 pm
are you kidding?
Everyone is aware that there are only 4 major carriers.
While were at it, where are Unicell, US Cellular, Tracfone, and Calling Cards?
Don’t forget payphones!!
Comment by Ryan — January 19, 2010 @ 3:13 am
Not sure how helpful an incorrect chart is. This one is has the pricing for Verizon & AT&T 450+text+smartphone data wrong at least…based upon plans I set up personally with both companies. Verizon was 75/month with a Droid and AT&T 80/month with an iPhone.
Also the text at the top of the chart dates it from 2009…so it’s possible they’re just reposting old shit.
Either way. Fail.
Comment by Lena — January 19, 2010 @ 3:33 am
Hi Lena!
Thanks for your feedback, the prices were taken from each of the four main carrier websites and took into account the new plans that were announced last Friday by Verizon and AT&T
The reason we put 2009 in the intro text at the top of the chart was to give some background into the major plan changes that occured in 2009.
We have made revisions to the chart since your comment, so, I hope that any errors were resolved.
Comment by BillShrink Team — January 19, 2010 @ 3:45 am
Had Verizon and did get good service at all. Switched to AT&T and have great service, though I wouldn’t say any of them are perfect. Sprint = dropped calls. I don’t care what their price is, if I repeatedly have recall a client because the signal dropped out. Not worth the headache.
Comment by Anonymous — January 19, 2010 @ 3:57 am
Local coverage matters more than price, IHMO.
I keep hearing how great the coverage for “Mr. V” is … everywhere else. In my area, they suck. If you travel to major cities and local coverage is good, “Mr. S” has to be considered for the call quality and value. I’ve worked for “Mr. A” and used company provided phones/data local and while traveling. At home, coverage was BEAUTIFUL and FAST. I used the data connection as a replacement to a very good cable modem connection for VPN. It was just as usable. While traveling in NC, coverage was spotty due to local conditions. The technology doesn’t work well in very hilly areas.
The most annoying thing is the GSM phones interfere with almost every other electronic device in your home or office. I still can’t believe the FCC gave GSM a license with all that interference.
Since leaving, I’ve been carrying a t-mobile dumb phone on a pay-as-you-go plan. For personal use, do you really need a $40/month plan? Seriously? For 10,000 years, humans didn’t have cell phones. I spent less than $80 last year on cell costs. If it is for work, that is completely different. Have work pay for it or don’t get one.
Comment by JohnP — January 19, 2010 @ 5:00 am
I was under the assumption that Sprint didn’t have texting plans, it just went by data usage, or do they charge for both?
Comment by Ricky — January 19, 2010 @ 6:08 am
Great list. I’d like to see an additional column showing any taxes. For example, in Florida the fees and taxes on a 450min + iPhone plan add up to close to $15 per month. Are these the same for all carriers within a given state?
AT&T Florida on 450min iPhone plane:
Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge $0.60
Federal Universal Service Charge $2.53
911 Service Fee $0.50
FL State Communications Tax $6.88
County Communications Tax $3.95
Total fees and taxes $14.46
Comment by Joe Sixgig — January 19, 2010 @ 6:23 am
“Great list. I’d really like to see an additional column showing any taxes. For example, in Florida the fees and taxes on a 450min + iPhone plan add up to close to $15 per month. Are these the same for all carriers within a given state?”
Joe, thanks for the feedback! That might be another good chart all together, we’ll definitely keep it in mind!
Comment by BillShrink Team — January 19, 2010 @ 6:32 am
I have 6 lines with sprint and have been very happy to save money each month, have good data coverage, and customer service seems to have improved over the past year. The Android phone I’m using now gives a good experience too.
Comment by Sean Caldwell — January 19, 2010 @ 6:34 am
I think I will stay with Pageplus after reading this. $39.95 including taxes and fees looks just fine for unlimited talk and text using the Verizon network!
Comment by Anonymous — January 19, 2010 @ 6:47 am
I don’t know about you, but even though there are monthly rates. My cell phone bill changes every month even thifht my usage is always the same.
Comment by Eric — January 19, 2010 @ 6:58 am
@enkay
I think the selection of phones allow for AT&T basic data is pretty limited and you wouldn’t want to use those phone to get online /web surfing anyway. Any “decent” online/surfing capable phone they stick into the smartphone rate
Comment by bit — January 19, 2010 @ 7:03 am
Well, I have been with ATT for many years, because when I worked deep inside a factory in Peabody, MA, on Army posts Ft Lee, VA, Ft Sill, OK, Ft Bliss, TX, all up and down the east coast, on a drive from Boston, MA to El Paso, TX, and even in Shannon Ireland, Kuwait City, and Northern Iraq, I have had the ability to make and receive phone calls and texts. And at every location, I have had someone come to me and ask what service I had, because they could not use -their- phone. Thank you, AT&T.
Comment by docsalt — January 19, 2010 @ 7:07 am
Phew, T-Mobile has everyone beat on plan prices, hands-down. I have T-Mobile and the only complaint I’ve had is they’re slow to get the iPhone-style phones, BUT that’s all changing now with the newest lines.
Gotta say, if you have the cash, shelling out the money for the nice new phone up front isn’t so bad for the money you’ll save with T-Mobile in the long run, especially if you want unlimited everything, no contract. Save $40 a month AND no cancellation fee? Done. (Even better? If you’re paying full-price for a phone, go get yourself a new unlocked phone and you can not only use it on any service, you can travel internationally and use any SIM that will fit in it for as long as it works.)
Comment by Anonymous — January 19, 2010 @ 7:15 am
You Sprint fanboys are delusional. TMo is cheaper by far, and all this talk of “any phone on any carrier” is a novel concept everyone else has been doing forever. Welcome to 1998, Sprint!
(Four phones, unlimited everything, two Google data plans, bill is $150 monthly. Maybe it’s just me …)
Comment by nik — January 19, 2010 @ 7:21 am
@claire – yes, AT&T is the only carrier to have Rollover minutes. They also have the ‘A-List’ which isn’t mentioned. (Unlimited airtime to/from up to 5 numbers, 10 if you’re on a family)
T-Mobile did away with MyFaves and their UMA Hotspot@Home services. THey got rid of the @Home VOIP setup too.
For a lot of people, A-List will take care of everything. It’s doing great for our family. We barely use any minutes, but we do a LOT of texting and lots of data. (iPhones)
Comment by Janey — January 19, 2010 @ 7:33 am
Sprint is the best all around for savings and quality. You can take any phone that is on any other network such as the BB Curve and use it to compare. I have and can speak living in an area where all 4 have excellent service Sprint rules the pack. Any Mobile, Anytime is the best since seriously think of i tthis way. WHO CALLS LANDLINES MUCH ANYMORE? Unlimited calls to cell phones is the way to go. ATT yea ya keep your minutes, but think of it this way… If you have a constant amount of rollover minutes that means you never use your plans minutes in full anyways so why concern yourself about rollovers you’ll never use and lose 12months later? Verizon 10 free numbers is the only other close to Sprint and it’s JUST 10???
All in all Sprint is winner of quality, price, bonus features & all around the Customtomer Service is NOW 10x better than the rest since a lot is back in the USA. Also they still have SERVICE CENTERS whereas ATT you have to ship phone off now… SPRINT RULES THE PACK and that’s why I will be going with them come JULY 2010!!!
Comment by Dustin — January 19, 2010 @ 7:46 am
You also need to ask yourself if you are in a good coverage area:
- AT&T is good in Philadelphia, Verizon is GREAT in Philadelphia and T-Mobile sucks.
- In NYC T-Mobile is GREAT and AT&T sucks.
Also need to take into consideration Customer Service. Sprint’s CS is horrible.
Comment by SLEZE — January 19, 2010 @ 8:00 am
How come when I import my bill you recommend the old plans that do not exist anymore? I was hoping to get a recommendation on the new plans! Booo.
Comment by TimberWolf — January 19, 2010 @ 8:06 am
“How come when I import my bill you recommend the old plans that do not exist anymore? I was hoping to get a recommendation on the new plans! Booo.” – TimberWolf
That should not be the case! We apologize! I have forwarded the feedback on to or support and team. But, in the meantime, if you have any other questions, feel free to email me: tony @ billshrink dot com
Comment by BillShrink Team — January 19, 2010 @ 8:12 am
fyi, the pricing you have for “basic data” with t-mobile for no contract is incorrect. if you have a dumbphone, it’s $10 cheaper a month. I’m currently paying $49.99/month for 500 minutes/unlimited text/unlimited data since i have a sony equinox.
Comment by brandon — January 19, 2010 @ 8:15 am
Where is US Cellular on this matrix? Great coverage, great prices, unlimited FREE INCOMING CALLS! Also, they have lots of additional customer focused services like battey swap (where for no charge you can come in and swap your bad or dead battery for a fully charged one), overage protection (where you can be alerted when near your max amount of minute usage) and much more! Not to mention the in store experience is awesome as they are soooo friendly!
Comment by USCCFAN — January 19, 2010 @ 8:20 am
For the unlimited section, you failed to mention that Sprint also offers a plan for $69.99. It’s their Everything Data Plan with Any Mobile Anytime. It comes with data, text.
Also, you may want to consider a different graphic to illustrate family plan comparisons.
Comment by Naqeeb — January 19, 2010 @ 8:21 am
I’d happily pay extra for Verizon – had both T-Mobile and AT&T, and service was awful. You think you’d get better signal strength in New York City and Long Island, of all places.
Comment by Amanda — January 19, 2010 @ 8:33 am
Not a very good rate comparison at all. With everything you get with Sprint’s plan you have to pay extra for on Verizon and AT$T.
With T-Mobile in order to get what I get with Sprint they wanted to place me on the Unlimited family plan at $179.
Comment by Ed — January 19, 2010 @ 8:45 am
When I last shopped Sprint, many of their plans included roaming… Sprint phones roam on the Verizon network, so you get the best of both worlds.
Comment by Taurean — January 19, 2010 @ 8:48 am
Sprint may be cheaper, but there’s a reason. Their network is horrendous. I’ll pay a tad more for Verizon with awesome network and coverage.
Comment by bskohler — January 19, 2010 @ 8:58 am
Way too confusing. The wireless and cable companies need a reboot.
Comment by goofydg1 — January 19, 2010 @ 9:03 am
“Way too confusing. The wireless and cable companies need a reboot.” – goofydg1
We Agree! That’s why we wanted to highlight just how confusing the plans can be! Our goal at BillShrink is to simplify the information for you in our app!
Comment by BillShrink Team — January 19, 2010 @ 9:03 am
I really love Sprint – enough that I’ve recommended it to friends which is an odd thing to do for me. I’ve been very pleased with the pricing, coverage and network speed. And then they gave us free calls to any cellphone out of nowhere and I loved them even more.
Comment by Brad — January 19, 2010 @ 9:04 am
AT&T may have identical rates to Verizon but AT&Ts service is lously – drops calls all the time – I’ll stick with Verizon
Comment by Barbara Lemaire — January 19, 2010 @ 9:23 am
The chart shows the Sprint family plan of unlimited voice, text and smartphone data at $189, but it’s much lower at $129.
Comment by mgiven — January 19, 2010 @ 9:24 am
“where is cricket, boost and straight talk in this comparison?”
Comment by mike — January 18, 2010 @ 5:15 pm
are you kidding?
Everyone is aware that there are only 4 major carriers.
While were at it, where are Unicell, US Cellular, Tracfone, and Calling Cards?
Comment by James — January 18, 2010 @ 5:38 pm
Agreed, for it to be “the ultimate comparison” (no capitalization), it really should have these other carriers. For it to be “The Ultimate Comparison” (with capitalization) it should also have links to carrier reception quality (e.g., http://www.signalmap.com/).
Yes, I’m sorta being an @55; but these are necessary for an honest comparison. (And I have to admit, when I followed the link here, I really was expecting a comparison of a broader range of carriers.)
Comment by Picky — January 19, 2010 @ 9:58 am
Sprint and AT&T’s service level, both in terms of network coverage and customer service, are miles below the levels of service offered by T-Mobile and Verizon. I have Verizon and love it, even though it costs a little more, I’ve never had a problem. Ready this article about AT&T: http://bit.ly/91eX6c
Comment by Nick — January 19, 2010 @ 10:04 am
I use my smartphone for data, not for calling. We just don’t call each other anymore. It’s like, “shoot me an email, dood, how am I supposed to keep all that information if you keep calling me?”
The only thing a phone’s for is calling AAA.
Comment by V — January 19, 2010 @ 10:11 am
How can anyone say that Sprint kills every other plan out there…T-Mobile is obviously on top when it comes to getting more for your money…most of the time the plans are cheaper and you get more minutes. My wife and I have T-mobile and our coverage is perfect everywhere we go!! T-Mobile’s 3G is really fast too!!
Comment by Chris — January 19, 2010 @ 10:31 am
@Claire Rollover minutes are a scam. If you change your plan you lose the banked minutes. Ex. Let’s say you talk about 500 min per month. You are on a 900 month per month plan. Each month you carry over about 400 minutes. So after 5 months you have banked about 2000 minutes. Well you decide that the banked minutes are not going to get used and you could save $20/month by dropping to the 450 minute plan (remember you have 2000 minutes banked) and lower your plan. Well, you just lost your rollover minutes. If you are carrying over that many minutes, you are probably on the wrong plan. I know this because it just happened to me. This is just another marketing ploy that AT&T pulls. Just like their 3G coverage…
Comment by Davie199 — January 19, 2010 @ 10:59 am
Looks like TMo kills all of the other plans.
Comment by Mark S — January 19, 2010 @ 11:07 am
Nice, but it is not by any means ‘ultimate’.
What it doesn’t detail is the ‘additional charges” they all tack on to ‘recover costs’. Eg. Sprint adds a charge (among others) for ‘administrative costs’ that is not part of the initial price they quote to be ‘competitive’.
How would it be if you bought a hamburger at McDonald’s and they added on 45cents for ‘administrative costs’?
Comment by Mike Berrow — January 19, 2010 @ 12:47 pm
What about Data-only plans?
Comment by halibuthero — January 19, 2010 @ 1:25 pm
I got a Nexus One without a contract and then got the Even More + which is 500 mins and unlimited text, data, nights+weekends, mobile2mobile, etc. for $59/month with no contract. Add a AAA discount and I’m paying a flat $60 after taxes, etc., or in other words only $20 more than I did at AT&T to get unlimited text and data.
Buh-bye, AT&T.
Comment by n00b — January 19, 2010 @ 1:27 pm
it would be nice if this chart was also broken down without text… I only use voice and data.
And I’m glad someone (T-Mobile) is now offering a contract-free plan. That’s a much-needed change in the market.
Comment by Tom W — January 19, 2010 @ 1:49 pm
You have to take in the fact that the Sprint numbers are actually MUCH higher than what is listed here. For one, the average consumer makes calls to a mobile phone 70% of the time. The minutes listed here are just for land lines (only 30% of calls made). Secondly, Sprint’s nights and weekends start at 7 vs. 9 for everyone else, so you have to factor that in as well. Both those make Sprint the best deal when it comes to minutes and pricing.
Comment by Brandt — January 19, 2010 @ 2:05 pm
GPS navigation is also included in the Simply Everything plan from Sprint. I think it beats everybody on price.
Comment by Pete — January 19, 2010 @ 3:34 pm
I don’t understand what the numbers are supposed to mean for “Texting Individual” & “Texting Family”. Is it the prices or the quantity?
These plans are all ridiculously expensive. I pay a comparatively low rate on T-Mo and still cringe every time I pay the bill. And text messaging should be free, esp if you have a data plan.
Comment by pinecone — January 19, 2010 @ 5:34 pm
Nice, but it is not by any means ‘ultimate’.
What it doesn’t detail is the ‘additional charges” they all tack on to ‘recover costs’. Eg. Sprint adds a charge (among others) for ‘administrative costs’ that is not part of the initial price they quote to be ‘competitive’.
How would it be if you bought a hamburger at McDonald’s and they added on 45cents for ‘administrative costs’?
**********************
Reply
I pay Sprint 68.00 month total including tax, insurance & 20% discount. I have same coverage as VZ, unlimited everything…..450 mins for land lines, that I rarely call maybe a Dr’s office. I will gladly give Sprint .45 cents for “Administrative Costs”. Better than paying VZ 1.99 if I mistakenly hit the data button. VZ will screw you any way they can….. I work for them. Would never ever have their service…. they offerd me Free Droid, 30% discount, and “free” web. Still more than sprint.
Comment by Peter — January 19, 2010 @ 5:57 pm
Standard contract pricing is far higher than you need to pay. Wait until you are off-contract with your existing carrier, then call their retention/cancellation department. You’ll be amazed at their offers to keep your business — especially if you continue negotiating rather than accept the first discount.
For example, I use Sprint. 2500 minutes/month with unlimited text & unlimited data on a family plan with 3 phones. $90/month.
Another trick — work the plan first then upgrade your phone later. Most carriers still offer discounts as long as you extend your existing contract.
I purchased a Treo Centro for $80 and basic Sanyo flip phones for $30 each. Radio Shack offered the best deal because they offer a discounted cash price rather than wonky mail-in-rebate or discounts off your next two bills.
Comment by IT Builders LLC — January 19, 2010 @ 6:18 pm
so many different options!
Comment by Camnio Media — January 19, 2010 @ 6:24 pm
How about all inclusive INTERNATIONAL data plans ? Travel 6 months a year WorldWide.
My T-Mob bill each month is horrendous, I hear AT&T is WW inclusive …
time to switch ??
Comment by Eric — January 19, 2010 @ 10:35 pm
Where did you get the $189 price for the Sprint unlimited anything family plan (two lines). The real price for the 1500 minute, nights starting at 7PM, free mobile to ANY mobile, unlimited voice, unlimited text, unlimited smartphone data (and unlimited GPS) is only $129. That number can also be reduced by many corporate discounts. How was this chart off by a whopping $60.
Comment by mgiven — January 20, 2010 @ 12:47 pm
Sprint? Are you kidding? They have got to be the WORST of the bunch. Dropped calls, no service, strange charges and piss-poor customer service.
Comment by Randy — January 20, 2010 @ 2:28 pm
I agree that SPRINT has it folks. And i wonder all the time why everyone i know has verizon. To reiterate what others have said. I pay $69.99 For unlimited everything, text, picture mail, internet, data, GPS, tv,- EVERYTHING except calls to landlines…LANDLINES! -How long do you talk to people on landlines! lol! And for when I do call my grandma, I have 450 peak minutes and unlimited nights and weekends starting at 7pm! Seriously, I love this plan!
I admit that there is that one spot that I drop calls driving here on the backroads in Pennsylvania, but that’s it. -Other than that, I can’t remember the last time I’ve dropped a call.
And Sprint hasn’t always had the best phones, but they are definitely getting better there too. I love my phone. HTC for two years.
Idiots at customer service pretending that they are tech support I can do without, but I haven’t had to do this often either. Yes, customer service could be better, but what company can’t say that?
Switch. You can’t beat it.
Comment by Jellicle — January 20, 2010 @ 8:30 pm
I use MetroPCS.
I guess it doesn’t count when comparing the “cool” phones.
Comment by JLF — January 21, 2010 @ 8:53 am
@ Pete – Yes, the Sprint plans include the GPS navigation for free. Verizon wants an additional $9.99 per month for that service.
Comment by William — January 21, 2010 @ 9:47 am
Sprint wins all! Some people say their CS is horrible but I have nothing but good things to say about them. It probably varies with personal experience.
I live in Denver and travel to NY, Boston, Chicago and Miami. Sprint has excellent coverage in all areas. And now, I know I am getting the best value for my $$$.
Comment by Scuba71 — January 21, 2010 @ 11:02 am
Sprint has the cheapest and best plans hands down. Coverage? Probably not as good as Verizon but it definitely has a decent amount of coverage.
Google…..
“PCWorld Sprint Most Reliable 3G Network”
and
http://newsreleases.sprint.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=127149&p=irol-newsArticle_newsroom&ID=1376630&highlight=
I’ve had AT&T and TMO, and IMHO I would either go with Sprint then Verizon, then TMO. AT&T has the worst service here in NYC, I’ve used for iPhone for about a year and paid the ETF because the plans cost me an arm and leg, plus the service was crap “3G” my ass.
Comment by WilliamNY — January 21, 2010 @ 12:11 pm
I like how this “article” doesn’t even mention how Sprint is clearly offering the lowest prices in the industry. In fact the word Sprint isn’t even in the “article.”
Comment by Dan Hesse — January 21, 2010 @ 12:41 pm
Dan, thanks for the feedback. We highlighted Verizon and AT&T because they were the two that made changes to their plans last Friday, but, fully understand your point.
We don’t really announce who is the cheapest because we are an unbiased source and we like to provide the data and recommendations, so that individuals, like yourself can make informed decisions.
Comment by BillShrink Team — January 21, 2010 @ 1:31 pm
I had Nextel several years ago and had no problem until Sprint took over the company. First they made me change my phone number then I was on the phone every time I got a bill. I was being overcharged every month. I paid the $200. just to get out of the contract and went to Verizon. I have been very satisfied with the call only 450 minutes.
Comment by Bonnie — January 21, 2010 @ 2:36 pm
Has does “Boost” compare with these? Has anyone heard/used them? It appears that might be cheaper, but do they really cover the country?
Comment by Judy — January 21, 2010 @ 4:48 pm
When it comes to who’s the cheapest it really depends on how you use the phone. For example: I use sprint 450 min with unlimited mobile to mobile to any cell phone including nights starting at 7pm which also gives me unlimited data (also some TV stations) for 69.99. Now with all that! I find out I only use around 40 min a month in land line calls. This is the cheapest plan for me in the New York metro area why I mention the area because price plans are different in some markets but in NYC sprint offers more for your money since most people here don’t use land lines. It really work’s out for me.
Comment by sheldon718 — January 21, 2010 @ 6:15 pm
Sprint is the cheapest and best by far. Don’t be fooled by Verizon’s claims of superior network. I had Verizon for work, drove all over towns as a sales guy and my coverage was horrible. I had a personal Sprint cellphone and that always had good coverage.
Can you hear me now? yea only if you’re using Sprint!
Comment by Fred — January 21, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
I don’t think this is an accurate representation of absolute value. Sprint, for example, offers a TRUE unlimited data plan at an excellent price: unlimited mobile-to-mobile, pics and video messaging, free turn-by-turn navigation service, sprint TV, etc….What is the additional, and total cost of the plan if these features where added to ATT and Verizon?
If one is to use this chart to make an informed decision when purchasing a smart phone, then all additional chargers should be listed.
Comment by Edgar — January 21, 2010 @ 10:18 pm
Edgar, thanks for the feedback, we appreciate it!
We wanted to focus on the main plans, but as we mentioned towards the bottom of the infographic, there are approx. 10,000,000 combinations because of all the features, charges, etc.
That said, our main service helps the consumer make informed decisions based on recommendations we make given your wireless usage. Would love to hear if you sign up, feel free to get in touch with me: tony @ billshrink dot com
Comment by BillShrink Team — January 21, 2010 @ 11:42 pm
I love the site but you guys must please, please do us all a huge favor and put some spotlight on prepaid plans. Almost any cell user can actually save money with some of the prepaid plans out there. Take for example the prepaid I’m currently using: it’s called Straight Talk and it costs $45 for unlimited everything! No hidden charges so it is actually cheaper than anything in the comparison table. Even the $39.99 plans all go over this amount with the hidden charges added. That is simply mind blowing! Why sign a contract at all?
Comment by Simon — January 22, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
The best cell plan is Straight Talk, by far. It’s $45 a month for the unlimited plan that includes nationwide service, unlimited calls, unlimited texting, and unlimited calls to any number on any service. Speaking of service, the service is amazing because it is carried on the Verizon network.
Comment by Sean — January 22, 2010 @ 5:09 pm
Is it me or does it seem there are a lot of sprint employees on these comments?
I’ve had att and cingular for the last decade and I can now feel comfortable switching to tmo with no contract. And btw I live in Philly and the coverage is fine. Also, to all those asking billshrink to add in the cost of turn by turn directions need more help then this chart can give. Get a smart phone and download google maps, it isn’t difficult.
BillShrink, thank you. N1, here I come.
Comment by Ric — January 23, 2010 @ 11:32 am
@Davie199 I just posted on twitter yesterday how AT&T rollover minutes are a joke and wasn’t even aware that you lost them if you change plans. How funny. So the chances of it saving someone any money at all are probably less than 1%.
All this time, I thought you could build them up and then drop to a lower plan for a month or two. What a joke. ATT tries to use this in commercials to divert attention away from the map. Not working fellas.
Stick with the “calling while surfing the web on your phone” dramatizations. That’s really hitting home with those who have noticed and the people without wifi. It looks to me like ATT is about to get more Sprint-like in their pricing as soon as the iphone breaks loose.
Comment by bstr — January 23, 2010 @ 11:35 pm
The reason why those smaller carriers are not on this list like cricket, metro pcs or cellular one is because they are not major, they are only in certain areas or in metropolitan regions or prepaid service and not national.
Comment by Nick — January 23, 2010 @ 11:37 pm
What they should do is allow a person to carry a phone for 30 days on their network for a fee and see how the service and coverage works out in your calling area.
This is where Sprint could possibly steal business from the larger A and V….
Comment by Aaron — January 25, 2010 @ 7:43 pm
AT&T Rollover rules aren’t a joke. If they let you do anything, then what’s stopping someone for signing up for 1500 minutes one month and then going down to 450 the next month and banking an east 1200 minutes or so? How fair is that?
Comment by Derek — January 26, 2010 @ 12:46 pm
To Judy who asked about Boost- I looked up Boost Mobile earlier today because a friend has it and gets everything for about $50 per month. The Boost website says it is a subsidiary of Sprint. My confusion about the best plan is increased by looking at Sprint’s coverage map. It appears to be very limited nationwide but comments on this site indicate huge satisfaction with Sprint. Are Sprint fans traveling the country or calling people out of their geographic area? My husband and I are struggling to understand all this because we need to change from the very expensive data plan that we now have with Verizon. Can you keep your phone number if you sign up with Straight Talk or other pre-paid plans?
Comment by Cassie — January 26, 2010 @ 1:06 pm
“banking an east 1200 minutes or so? How fair is that?”
I wish I knew what “banking an east” meant.
Comment by expatinasia — January 26, 2010 @ 5:15 pm
I agree with a lot of other people about Sprint. Customer service has drastically improved. Less dropped calls. Cheaper plan than AT&T (who I was with for 4.5 years) and all my support phone calls were answered within minutes. I’ve had to wait on the phone with AT&T for 4-5 hours multiple times. Not to mention AT&T will charge ETF’s for new lines (even if you own phone already). Customer support between AT&T and Sprint stores were like night and day (both in Michigan and in Virginia). You won’t find me walking into an AT&T store ever again.
Comment by slashdotcomma — January 30, 2010 @ 10:09 am
I have Straight Talk on the Verizon network. Bought it at Walmart and it’s an amazing deal. The Samsung Finesse is a very cool smartphone and paying only $45 a month for unlimited everything is the best deal going!
Who needs an iPhone? LOL!!
Comment by Pat Yoe — January 30, 2010 @ 5:11 pm
I have to agree with a previous comment – prepaid cell phones, particularly Straight Talk, are the way to go. I left behind confusing bills and contracts because Straight Talk’s deal is just that great. I’m paying $45 a month for unlimited service (nearly $50 less than my previous carrier) and I don’t worry about going over my minutes or texts. The phone selection is varied and afforable, Straight Talk even has a Smart Phone that is less than the IPhone and doesn’t require a seperate plan or contract. Best of all, I am now on the Verizon Network so I don’t drop calls and my coverage area is huge. Straight Talk will be saving me $600 a year and I have the peace of mind knowing I am getting exactly what I’m paying for.
Comment by Kimberly — January 30, 2010 @ 9:18 pm
Some of the prepaid plans are really the way to go if you’re fed up with a contract based carrier. I switched to Walmart’s Straight Talk line from AT&T and I’ve seen the differnece right away. I only pay $45 a month ($50 less than I used to) and I have unlimited texting, calling, and data with no worry about going over. Straight Talk is on the Verizon network so I have th benefit of a strong and dependable network without committing to a contract. The phones are well priced – I purchased the Samsung Finesse and I’m so happy to finally have a Smart Phone. Best of all, I love that Straight Talk is so simple – no more pages and pages of fees. It’s a great bargain!
Comment by Kim — January 31, 2010 @ 9:09 am
@Joe Sixgig
@BillShrink Team
If you’d like to see the different state tax rates on wireless services, go to http://www.mywireless.org/ and click on a state in the map, then scroll down to ‘Wireless Tax Rate’, et voilà!
For a possibly dated article on how your wireless provider decides WHICH state to tax you in [if you've moved but kept your number, for example], see this Forbes article: http://www.forbes.com/2005/06/06/cz_sw_0606cellphone.html . Oh and it’s titled How To Duck Cell Phone Taxes.
Comment by campeachy — February 2, 2010 @ 3:13 pm
The amount I pay for a 500min plan in the US can give me unlimited minutes and data at home in Hong Kong…. Not to mention we have the latest mobile phones, and no carrier is stupid enough to lock phones. HK’s free market is in every way superior to USA – and I’m like a caveman now.
Comment by Antonio Cheung — February 8, 2010 @ 1:14 am
People dont get it on here. Yes it is about the price of the plan and yeah its about phones and all that stuff. But i really havent seen 1 comment about someone asking for the service. you know the reason your buying a cell phone. People stop over thinking this. Verizon by far is the best. Only thing that AT&T has over them is a faster 3G network. I cant think of anything else that would put AT&T over Verizon.
Comment by Dunner — February 9, 2010 @ 5:55 pm
What can the major companies do for those of us that do not use more than 150 minutes monthly,use text for receiving videos from family, do not use internet services and need 2 lines?
Comment by Linda — February 28, 2010 @ 2:32 pm
Does any of the plans offer free incoming calls?
Comment by AJ — February 28, 2010 @ 4:50 pm