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Are you itching to get a new phone? The minute a big brand releases a new model, folks start scrambling to see where to get it and whether or not to change providers. I’ll confess I also jumped on that bandwagon. I’m due for an upgrade with Verizon, but I’m not loyal to anyone (loyalty just means you pay more generally). So for the past few weeks I’ve been digging to see who has the best rates possible.
We are in a unique situation, my phone many times is my internet. We live in the boonies and could have dial-up, satellite or 4G. Since you can’t run a website off dial-up and couldn’t work if it was raining on satellite we opt for 4G. I guess you could say Southern Savers is currently powered by Verizon… What that really means is that I need as much data as they’ll give me for the cheapest price!
Today AT&T announced that they were doubling data for FREE on plans 15GB or higher for anyone that signs up for a new contract or existing customers that call customer service. You need to call/sign up before 10/31/14 to get the free bonus. The double data bonus will continue forever for your plan as long as you don’t change plans.
This new announcement made me continue my search again this morning… just exactly what plan is the best??
Smartphone Data Plan Prices
So to break down the table for those that want it spelled out.
- If you need only one line: Sprint wins. It’s true unlimited data (vs. the two prepaid companies that will reduce your speeds after you reach the limits noted in the chart.)
- If you need multiple lines AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint all come in with a plan at $100, but again Sprint’s is giving you more for that $100.
The real thing to realize is that no matter how you look at it… Verizon never wins. The problem though is service area. If you travel a ton you need to take into account what the network looks like for each provider. This is where Verizon usually wins, they know that and feel like price wise they don’t need to compete because of the strength of their network.
Want to take the leap and try out another plan?
Both T-Mobile and Sprint are offering to buy you of any any existing contract that you are in up to $350. You can get this in a Visa gift card or right off your next few bills. Note this is just for data plans and not for basic phones.
I would love to hear from folks on what plans you have and what you think about your network coverage etc.
