Budgeting for a smartphone is an expensive undertaking. Do you fork out and grab one of the best phones around, or do you opt for something more affordable? There’s a lot to weigh up, but something that isn’t always considered alongside new hardware is the carrier plan. Whether you’re paying off your handset monthly or leaning on those voice minutes or high-speed 5G data, every modern user and handset needs a plan.

We’re spoiled for choice of phone plans in 2024, but one thing’s certain: no one wants to spend more than they really need. With that in mind, we want to know how much you spend monthly on your personal phone plan. We’re only interested in personal plans for a single user, not those covering multiple users or families. How much do you spend per month? Be sure to let us know by voting in our poll below.

We’re well aware that many of the feature-filled plans are priced above the $15 mark. Limited data and other cons often hamstring those paying less. After all, not all of us can afford unlimited plans. Moving to a postpaid plan is often a more attractive arrangement, especially if you don’t require a new handset. There are several plans at or below this price point worth your consideration, as detailed in our best prepaid deals for $15 or less guide.

When we last ran this poll in 2022, most users were paying $40 or more, with the $10 to $19.99 mark also proving quite popular. Importantly, we didn’t exclude family plans from that particular poll, but it’ll be interesting to see how inflation and other financial trends have changed users’ willingness or ability to spend.

Of course, our comments are always open. Be sure to include more details about your particular plan in the comments, including carrier, data, and other limits, and how it has treated you.

It’s no secret that I’m a strong proponent of prepaid services and I believe that postpaid carriers could learn a few things by paying attention to what some of their prepaid competition is doing. Of course, I will also freely admit that not everyone will find the prepaid experience good enough to meet their needs. The truth is there are still advantages to postpaid services that users might not want to give up, including prioritized data, better roaming coverage, phone selection, and perks. Nonetheless, there are at least four major aspects that I feel many prepaid networks are doing things better than the big three.

The TCL NXTPAPER 10 5GB is an Android tablet with mid-range specs including a MediaTek octa-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. But its stand-out feature is the 10.4 inch, 90 Hz, 2000 x 1200 pixel display that uses TCL’s NXTPAPER 3.0 technology to offer a glare-free viewing experience. First unveiled in January, the TCL […]

The post TCL Tab 10 NXTPAPER 5G tablet now available from Verizon for $240 appeared first on Liliputing.

We’re hearing reports on social media that Verizon had a noticeable outage in many parts of the US. Many users have been spotted complaining on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Reddit that their Verizon phones did not have service, while some who did had fallen down to LTE with no 5G.

From what I can see on DownDetector, there was a large spike in Verizon outage reports a few hours ago, though that spike has now died down. Verizon’s support handle has confirmed the outage in replies to customers, but has not put out a standalone post informing the public at large about the outage.

T-Mobile isn’t the only carrier thinking about satellite connectivity; Verizon is also getting in on the game. Instead of following T-Mobile’s lead by partnering with SpaceX, however, Verizon is partnering with AST SpaceMobile.

Today, Verizon and AST SpaceMobile announced they are entering into a strategic partnership with a $100 million commitment from Verizon. The result of which will provide Verizon customers with direct-to-cellular satellite service from AST SpaceMobile when they need it.

If you’re unfamiliar with AST SpaceMobile, it is a Midland, TX-based company that offers satellite cellular broadband. The company currently partners with over 45 mobile network providers from around the world who “collectively serve 2.8 billion existing subscribers.”

AST’s network uses an 850MHz spectrum, which it claims on its website is designed to provide connectivity at 4G and 5G speeds. As Verizon also uses an 850MHz spectrum for some of its 4G LTE and 5G connectivity, you won’t likely have to upgrade your phone to take advantage of this benefit, if the phone is new enough.

AST SpaceMobile CEO Abel Avellan claims that the partnership will allow it to “target 100% coverage of the continental United States.” Meanwhile, Verizon SVP Srini Kalapala states:

By entering into this agreement with AST, we will now be able to use our spectrum in conjunction with AST’s satellite network to provide essential connectivity in remote corners of the U.S. where cellular signals are unreachable through traditional land-based infrastructure.

As Kalapala alludes to in his statement, the goal of this partnership is to eliminate dead zones. Verizon wants to have the ability to continue providing coverage for its customers even in remote areas where cellular service is traditionally difficult to obtain.

Shortly after the announcement was made, it appears that AST’s stock skyrocketed. According to CNBC, the firm’s stock went up by more than 57% compared to where it closed previously.

With Verizon and T-Mobile taking two different approaches to satellite connectivity, we want to know what you think. Who would you trust more with your satellite connectivity needs: T-Mobile and SpaceX or Verizon and AST SpaceMobile?

Yesterday, T-Mobile announced its plans to acquire most of US Cellular’s wireless operations and select spectrum assets for $4.4 billion. T-Mobile’s move is the latest business transaction that further consolidates the US market, leaving consumers with no option but to majorly bank on the big three carriers for their telephony needs. This consolidation may be good for the carrier and will also be marketed as good for the consumer. However, as consumers, we will get the short end of the stick sooner or later.

Consumers in the US have largely stuck to four carriers: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Some outliers have flocked to smaller carriers like Dish Wireless and US Cellular, and a few consumers also prefer MVNOs based on the top carriers.

However, with T-Mobile’s acquisition of Sprint in 2018, the top four carriers consolidated into the top three. With T-Mobile’s acquisition of US Cellular, the original top six carriers in the US are down to just the top four. The carriers are also on a spree to acquire MVNOs, like T-Mobile’s acquisition of Mint Mobile in 2023 and Verizon’s acquisition of TracFone Wireless in 2020, which have shrunk the available options to American consumers.

If you are in the market for a new phone line right now, chances are that your choices are limited to AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile only or on MVNOs based on them.

The carriers are aware of this oligopoly and have also begun resorting to price increases, even on legacy plans. We’re also seeing changes to price lock promises, watering them down from an actual price lock to a less effective walk-out clause with waivers. If you have a grandfathered plan, you should be mentally prepared to be no longer honored for it.

Needless to say, this is terrible news for consumers. A competitive telecom market is necessary for spurring innovation and keeping prices affordable and realistic. The recent wave of consolidation is moving the telecom market in the opposite direction.

An oligopoly, where only a couple of providers exist to serve millions of customers, is detrimental to consumer interest, especially if the carriers reach an unwritten understanding of keeping prices high for the perpetual benefit of their bottom line. When more consolidation goes through, the dominant carriers can make absurd promises and not follow through, and they wouldn’t have competitors left in the market that would react to such absurdity. Carriers in an oligopoly can raise prices of plans citing higher operational costs, and then two weeks later, announce another acquisition (yes, that does sound familiar).

So, are you happy with the state of the US telecom market right now? Are you pleased with the current choices of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon? What do you like, or what do you dislike the most? Are you satisfied with your carrier’s coverage, speed, and plans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

For decades now, U.S. wireless carriers have sold consumers “unlimited data” plans that actually have all manner of sometimes hidden throttling, caps, and restrictions. And every few years a regulator comes out with a wrist slap against wireless carriers for misleading consumers, for whatever good it does.

Back in 2007, for example, then NY AG Andrew Cuomo fined Verizon a tiny $150,000 for selling “unlimited” plans that were very limited (Verizon kept doing it anyway). In 2019, the FTC fined AT&T $60 million for selling “unlimited” plans that were very limited, then repeatedly lying to consumers about it (impacted consumers saw refunds of around $22 each).

Similar state and federal fines and lawsuits have also been levied against these companies prepaid wireless brands over the years. This never-ending game of patty cake over the term “unlimited” also happens in Canada fairly routinely.

Last week, NY AG Leticia James that T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T will pay a combined $10.2 million settlement for — you guessed it — selling “unlimited” plans that were very limited:

“A multistate investigation found that the companies made false claims in advertisements in New York and across the nation, including misrepresentations about “unlimited” data plans that were in fact limited and had reduced quality and speed after a certain limit was reached by the user. The companies will pay $520,000 to New York and are required to change their advertising to ensure that wireless service plans are accurately and fairly explained.”

Will wireless carriers actually change their marketing tactics? Probably not! Will consumers see refunds? Probably not! Do the carriers have to admit any legal wrongdoing? Nope! Are the penalties stiff enough to deter future abuses? No way.

In this case, the settlement — which involved every U.S. state but DeSantistan Florida — was built on an investigation that started nine years ago but was effectively slow walked by industry lawyers. The investigation found that not only do wireless carriers (and their prepaid subsidiaries) routinely sell “unlimited” data plans with limits, but they also promote “free” phones that aren’t free.

If telecom industry history is any indication, the $10.2 million in fines will likely be watered down after another year or two of legal wrangling. And you’ll probably be right back here a few years from now reading about another wrist slap levied against an industry seemingly obsessed with abusing consumer trust — and the dictionary definition of very basic terminology.

Industry giants T-Mobile and Verizon are in discussions to purchase separate portions of regional carrier US Cellular, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report.

Sources close to the negotiations state that T-Mobile is already nearing the finalization of a $2 billion deal for a significant part of US Cellular. Simultaneously, Verizon is considering a purchase of the remaining assets, although discussions remain less advanced.

Industry giants T-Mobile and Verizon are in discussions to purchase separate portions of regional carrier US Cellular, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report.

Sources close to the negotiations state that T-Mobile is already nearing the finalization of a $2 billion deal for a significant part of US Cellular. Simultaneously, Verizon is considering a purchase of the remaining assets, although discussions remain less advanced.

The Big Three US mobile carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are constantly at odds with each other, trying to outmaneuver and undercut their rivals with attractive pricing and promos. Although these brands spend big on marketing dollars, sometimes they can go a little overboard with their promises. A multistate investigation between 50 state attorneys general has now found that all three carriers practiced deceptive advertising to lure customers.

Industry giants T-Mobile and Verizon are in discussions to purchase separate portions of regional carrier US Cellular, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report.

Sources close to the negotiations state that T-Mobile is already nearing the finalization of a $2 billion deal for a significant part of US Cellular. Simultaneously, Verizon is considering a purchase of the remaining assets, although discussions remain less advanced.

Enlarge (credit: Verizon)

T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T will pay a combined $10.2 million in a settlement with US states that alleged the carriers falsely advertised wireless plans as "unlimited" and phones as "free." The deal was announced yesterday by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

"A multistate investigation found that the companies made false claims in advertisements in New York and across the nation, including misrepresentations about 'unlimited' data plans that were in fact limited and had reduced quality and speed after a certain limit was reached by the user," the announcement said.

T-Mobile and Verizon agreed to pay $4.1 million each while AT&T agreed to pay a little over $2 million. The settlement includes AT&T subsidiary Cricket Wireless and Verizon subsidiary TracFone.

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Enlarge (credit: Getty Images | SOPA Images )

T-Mobile is reportedly close to buying a portion of the regional carrier US Cellular, while Verizon has also held talks about buying some of US Cellular's assets. "T-Mobile is closing in on a deal to buy a chunk of the regional carrier for more than $2 billion, taking over some operations and wireless spectrum licenses, according to people familiar with the matter," The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday.

When contacted by Ars today, T-Mobile said it doesn't "comment on rumors and speculation." US Cellular also said it doesn't "comment on rumors or speculation."

T-Mobile is one of just three major nationwide carriers. There were four until T-Mobile bought Sprint in 2020. T-Mobile also completed an acquisition of prepaid carrier Mint Mobile less than two weeks ago.

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Visible, the value-oriented wireless carrier, today announced the addition of annual payment plans for its Visible and Visible Plus service tiers. This expansion gives customers increased flexibility in how they pay for their cell phone service, with the potential for significant savings — particularly on the Visible Plus plan.

Both the Visible and Visible Plus annual plans offer cost benefits for those willing to prepay for a year. The Visible Plus annual plan is priced at $395, a $145 (26%) discount compared to the monthly rate of $45. The Visible annual plan is priced at $275, delivering a $25 savings over 12 months. New customers can sign up starting on April 17th, while existing customers will have the option to switch in May.

It’s clear that Visible is incentivizing customers to consider its Visible Plus plan with these new annual options. The higher-tier plan boasts unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot capability while leveraging Verizon‘s 5G network. It also includes access to super-fast 5G Ultra Wideband (UWB) and a premium network experience. The standard Visible plan offers the same unlimited core features on Verizon’s 5G network, minus the UWB access.

Prepaying for a year of service might be a worthy consideration for Visible’s longstanding customers looking to switch to the Visible Plus plan or those confident they’re seeking an affordable long-term service provider.

While it’s not the case for everyone, a fair number of people rely on a second phone number. The reasons can range anywhere from keeping work and personal life separate to having a number to replace a landline. Although this often leads to needing a second phone, Verizon is introducing a plan to keep your phone numbers on a single device.

Today, Verizon announced it is introducing a plan called Second Number. This new plan will let customers add a second phone number to their phone.

Verizon has a sweet deal on offer for first-time subscribers of its home internet plans. To celebrate Mario Day on March 10, the carrier is giving away free Nintendo Switch units to those who sign up for a new 5G Home Internet Plus plan.

Moreover, the company is also offering an extra “on us” promotion that lets subscribers choose between a $200 Target gift card or a Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go. These will be available in addition to the free Nintendo Switch Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con.

To redeem the offer, you’ll need to activate and maintain eligible 5G Home Plus services in good standing for 65 days. The plan costs $45 per month and gives you high-speed downloads, 4K streaming, a router and Whole-Home Wi-Fi kit, unlimited Verizon cloud storage for up to five users, and a five-year price guarantee.

Moreover, Verizon will also cover any early termination fees up to $500 when you leave your current provider.

Once you subscribe to Verizon’s 5G Home Plus plan, you’ll need to redeem the Nintendo Switch offer within 60 days or by no later than August 31, 2024.

The OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R, for example, have full band support for all three major US carriers. However, the OnePlus 12 apparently has allowlist status with Verizon, while the 12R does not appear to enjoy that same status, as we’re learning today. This would mean that, for now, the OnePlus 12R will not work on the Verizon network, even though it has the proper band support.

We discovered this through a user on the XDA-Developer forums. This user bought some OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R phones for family members and was miffed to find the OnePlus 12s worked fine on Verizon, but the 12Rs didn’t. According to this user’s investigation, a Verizon “VP” confirmed to them that the 12 is allowlisted on the network, but the 12R isn’t. We reached out to OnePlus to find out the scoop, and sure enough, the company confirmed that the 12R is facing connection issues at Verizon. It didn’t confirm or deny the allowlist theory, but something is definitely broken.

Thankfully, OnePlus is currently working with Verizon to rectify this. Here’s a statement from OnePlus, per a company spokesperson:

The OnePlus 12R is able to work with all major carriers and on all major 5G networks in the US, including Verizon. We are currently investigating unexpected cases that users may be having with Verizon’s network, and are working with the carrier to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, the company didn’t give us any specifics on how long this might take. Theoretically, Verizon just needs to “switch on” support for the 12R, which isn’t too tricky. When this might happen, though, is anyone’s guess.

For now, if you are a Verizon subscriber and looking at the 12R, we’d advise you to wait or buy the OnePlus 12 ( ) instead, as that will work with Big Red straight out of the box.

Also, for the record, this connectivity issue shouldn’t affect using the 12R on T-Mobile or AT&T. This is a Verizon-specific problem.

The OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R, for example, have full band support for all three major US carriers. However, the OnePlus 12 apparently has allowlist status with Verizon, while the 12R does not appear to enjoy that same status, as we’re learning today. This would mean that, for now, the OnePlus 12R will not work on the Verizon network, even though it has the proper band support.

We discovered this through a user on the XDA-Developer forums. This user bought some OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R phones for family members and was miffed to find the OnePlus 12s worked fine on Verizon, but the 12Rs didn’t. According to this user’s investigation, a Verizon “VP” confirmed to them that the 12 is allowlisted on the network, but the 12R isn’t. We reached out to OnePlus to find out the scoop, and sure enough, the company confirmed that the 12R is facing connection issues at Verizon. It didn’t confirm or deny the allowlist theory, but something is definitely broken.

Thankfully, OnePlus is currently working with Verizon to rectify this. Here’s a statement from OnePlus, per a company spokesperson:

The OnePlus 12R is able to work with all major carriers and on all major 5G networks in the US, including Verizon. We are currently investigating unexpected cases that users may be having with Verizon’s network, and are working with the carrier to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, the company didn’t give us any specifics on how long this might take. Theoretically, Verizon just needs to “switch on” support for the 12R, which isn’t too tricky. When this might happen, though, is anyone’s guess.

For now, if you are a Verizon subscriber and looking at the 12R, we’d advise you to wait or buy the OnePlus 12 ( ) instead, as that will work with Big Red straight out of the box.

Also, for the record, this connectivity issue shouldn’t affect using the 12R on T-Mobile or AT&T. This is a Verizon-specific problem.

We’ve all been there: You found a phone plan that you’re reasonably happy with, and then suddenly your carrier changes it all up with new offerings. The good news is that carriers typically don’t force consumers to change phone plans every time they update their options. There are a few reasons for this. The most obvious reason is customer retention. A carrier would rather you stay with an older plan than jump ship entirely. There are also legal reasons why your older plan may be protected.

Unfortunately, in the current economy, carriers are doing whatever they can to encourage users to move to another 5G plan. In this guide, we explain what a grandfathered phone plan is and how each carrier currently handles its legacy plans. Beyond this, we’ll also take a look at which carrier does the best job here and if there are any worthwhile alternatives to explore.

What is a grandfathered cell phone plan?

The concept of grandfathering traces its roots back to post-Civil War America, where many lawmakers enacted voting restrictions on former Confederates. However, exceptions were made for those whose grandfathers had full voting rights before the war. Upon further investigation, I found that while there are legal arguments for the concept of grandfathering in the United States, it’s not necessarily endorsed by the FTC or any other government body.

There are provisions in place to prevent a company from abruptly altering any agreed-upon promises made to a consumer. This is precisely why carriers require you to sign their terms of agreement. This legal document not only details what the plan offers but typically includes a clause stating that the carrier can modify terms on legacy plans no longer offered by the company. The exact wording, of course, may vary.

The bottom line is carriers aren’t legally obligated to keep legacy plans the same as they were when you signed up, as long as the terms and conditions clearly state the carrier has the right to make changes over time. That said, making frequent changes to plans could potentially anger consumers and might even lead to class-action lawsuits for bad business practices.

Ultimately, grandfathered plans allow carriers to provide you with time to adjust, but you shouldn’t assume that you will always have access to these legacy plans without modifications, such as price increases or changes to the network, including the phasing out of older technologies like 3G. This is precisely what we’re observing from carriers now, as they increase prices or attempt to move consumers to newer plans without their express consent. Let’s take a closer look at how each carrier is currently managing its legacy unlimited phone plans.

Verizon

Verizon won’t force you to change your grandfathered phone plan anytime soon, but it clearly wants to encourage you to switch voluntarily by driving up the prices. Historically, Verizon has raised grandfathered pricing before, though it is usually a rare move. Not so much anymore. In 2023 alone, Verizon increased the pricing of legacy plans twice: first, by adding a $2 per month ‘Plan Rate Adjustment’ fee to older plans in June, and then again with a $3 to $5 increase, depending on the plan, in August.

Unsurprisingly, legacy Verizon subscribers did not take well to the price hikes. To make matters worse, Verizon revealed in early 2024 that it wasn’t done raising prices yet. Starting March 1, 2024, customers on select older unlimited mobile plans will see an increase of $4 per line.

Are Verizon legacy plans still worth it over the current tier?

Are these grandfathered plans still worth keeping in 2024? It depends on the specific legacy plan in question.

Currently, when signing up for a new Verizon plan, you can choose from three different MyPlan options, with prices ranging from $65 to $90 per line. Discounts are available for multi-user accounts. These plans offer similar access to LTE and 5G networks as the legacy More plans, but they include virtually no perks. However, you have the option to purchase perks, often bundled, for $10 each. The bundles include Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN+, Netflix/Max, an Apple One perk, and many more. You can learn more about the perks and plans in our Verizon plans guide.

Considering the vast array of legacy plans, and given that most Verizon legacy subscribers are on an older More plan, let’s compare the most basic and most expensive MyPlan options to their similar legacy counterparts. Please note that the pricing for the legacy plans reflects the upcoming March increase:

The Start Unlimited plan had few perks, making its increased price of $79 per line difficult to justify, especially when the Unlimited Welcome plan is only $65 per line. However, opting for the newer plan would mean losing out on hotspot access, though you can add 100GB for just $10. Therefore, if you’re on an entry-level plan, the price hike might mean you’d be better off switching to something newer. The situation is quite different for Verizon’s higher-end plans.

MyPlan Unlimited Welcome starts at $90 per line, compared to $111 for the Get More Unlimited plan, but the latter includes numerous extras, such as the Hulu/Disney Bundle, Google Play Pass, Apple Music, one Travel Pass each month, and 600GB of Verizon Cloud data. The My Plan option doesn’t include any perks by default, but you can pile up the equivalent perks for an additional $50 a month, increasing the price to between $140 and $102 per line. Despite these increases, the older legacy plan remains considerably cheaper overall and is the better option, even though the newer plan may offer better promotional deals when it’s time to upgrade your device.

AT&T

Just like Verizon, AT&T won’t force you to change your plan but it isn’t above raising the price. AT&T increased its legacy plans back in August of 2023. The exact increase varied significantly depending on the legacy plan. Despite a lot of digging around, it was hard to get exact numbers for every legacy plan but it looks like most of them increased by at least $5-10 in 2023.

Specifically, hotspot/laptop users on the Unlimited Plus, Choice, and Choice II plans were targeted with a $10 per month increase. The original Unlimited Elite plan also experienced an increase of $2.50 per month per line. Beyond these, many other plans saw increases, although it’s more difficult to determine the exact amounts.

Unfortunately, AT&T isn’t stopping there with its price hikes. It recently announced plans to raise the cost of grandfathered phone plans by as much as $12 for family plans and $6 for single-line users. This latest increase will apply to all legacy plans, including those that already saw increases last year.

Are AT&T legacy plans still worth it over the current tier?

For those with a mobile hotspot or laptop connected to an older Unlimited Choice plan, this plan remains hard to beat even with increases of $10 or more per month. However, justifying it might become more challenging with the next round of price increases. Still, you benefit from truly unlimited data on the go, which is perfect for full-time RVers and those living in rural areas reliant on 4G for internet access. It’s important to note, though, that the original Choice plan was limited to 3Mbps speeds, making it a significantly better deal primarily for Choice II subscribers.

As for the rest of AT&T’s legacy plans, their value will depend on your specific needs and plan details. Since 2018, AT&T has offered three main plans, although their structure, pricing, and naming conventions have evolved. Currently, the cost ranges from $66 to $86 per line, with prices decreasing for family plans. Frankly, the original Starter plan offered a no-frills experience, and the new Starter SL isn’t much different—just a few dollars more expensive with a few minor changes. For most, there’s nothing particularly special about the older Starter plan, so it might not be worth keeping as price increases will lead to a similar overall experience.

For Elite users, the situation differs. Let’s take a closer look:

As you can see in the chart, although Premium is technically cheaper even with price increases, the difference is not that substantial. The two plans are quite similar, but a significant distinction is that Premium offers much more hotspot data and eliminates Max. Let’s be honest, most of us don’t use nearly as much hotspot access, so we’re losing more than we’re gaining. If you’re currently using Max and wish to retain it, single-line subscribers will find themselves paying close to $106 per month in total if they switch to Premium. If Max isn’t a priority, then a newer plan might be a more suitable option.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile spent many years building up its image as the cool kid who breaks all the rules and cares for its customers, making its recent approach towards legacy customers all the more disappointing. Late last year, many T-Mobile customers voiced their outrage upon discovering that T-Mobile was preparing a limited test to automatically transition customers from older plans to newer ones. This affected not only older tiers like Select Choice and T-Mobile One but also relatively newer retired plans like Magenta. While T-Mobile made it clear that consumers could opt out, this assurance did little to mitigate the backlash. Eventually, T-Mobile retracted this plan.

Will T-Mobile raise its prices for legacy customers now that it knows its migration plan isn’t going to work? It’s a bit complicated, truth be told. During his tenure with T-Mobile, John Legere’s numerous promises complicate any rapid policy reversals. T-Mobile was likely aware of this and attempted to be sneaky here, but that clearly didn’t work either. Since then T-Mobile has announced that its Price Lock promise will no longer apply to new customers but legacy customers shouldn’t see any change.

Are T-Mobile legacy plans still worth it over the current tier?

Given that T-Mobile’s grandfathered plans have not seen any price increases, these plans are still the best option for most legacy customers. They are not only more affordable but also offer better perks than newer T-Mobile plans. It’s also worth noting these legacy T-Mobile plans are both cheaper and better than current and grandfathered plans on Verizon and AT&T.

Which of the big three carriers handles legacy plans the best?

None of the US carriers have done a great job with handling their legacy customers recently. T-Mobile’s initial plans to change customer plans without direct intervention came as an unwelcome surprise. Although it’s commendable that T-Mobile listened and reversed course, the situation still cast the carrier in a negative light. Meanwhile, Verizon and AT&T may not be overtly forcing their users onto more expensive plans, but the effect is essentially the same due to price increases.

Currently, T-Mobile manages its legacy plans the best, having not introduced steep increases like its competitors. However, this approach seems less about genuinely wanting to assist consumers and more about managing perception and optics.

If you’re contemplating switching carriers due to price hikes and are looking for a carrier that won’t unexpectedly raise rates or migrate you without consent, the decision is challenging. Of course, T-Mobile will likely continue its current course of avoiding price increases just so it doesn’t end up with a class-action lawsuit on its hands. Still, the same won’t apply to new customers going forward. Similarly, we can’t trust AT&T and Verizon won’t continue to push consumers to switch by progressively devaluing their old plans. For those seeking greater flexibility from their carrier, a prepaid option might be worth considering.

Why prepaid might be a better option for many US consumers

In America, we’re accustomed to obtaining service directly from network providers, but this isn’t necessarily the case elsewhere. In much of Europe, smaller MVNOs, typically offering prepaid services, are favored. Postpaid carrier plans are more commonly used for enterprise and business purposes in many European countries. MVNOs not only promote deeper competition and price reductions but also operate on the same networks as the larger carriers. If you’re tired of price hikes and are looking for an option that’s easier to switch when necessary, prepaid services are hard to beat.

While some MVNOs might offer a less-than-optimal experience due to congestion and throttling, other prepaid carriers, such as the Verizon-owned Visible and Google Fi Wireless, provide exceptional service that rivals that of the major carriers. For instance, Google Fi offers extremely competitive pricing, starting at just $20 per line for 6 lines, including data usage in Canada and Mexico, and 5GB of hotspot access. The Unlimited Plus Fi plan, at $40 per line for 6 lines, offers even more impressive perks than those currently available from US carriers, including calls from the US to over 50+ destinations, unlimited data in over 200 countries, 100GB of Google One storage, and even a full year of YouTube Premium for new subscribers. While throttling is a possibility, my years of experience with Google Fi have been largely trouble-free.

For more insights, check out our guide to the best prepaid phone plans to discover even more options.