How to get unlimited data plans for less 

Smartphones allow you to check your email, scroll through social media sites, watch a movie, check your bank account, and make phone calls. Most of these things need data… And a lot of it! Unlimited data plans can get pricey, but there might be a way to spend less for unlimited data and still stay up to date on your social media feeds. 

How much data do I need on my cell phone?

You might hear about a lot of unlimited data plans, but it is important to consider how much data you actually need. Smartphones are popular. In fact, they’re the most common phone that people want, but do you truly need unlimited data to operate your smartphone? Sometimes a different, less expensive plan can still provide you with everything that you need. 

Can I get a discount on my unlimited data plan?

Most carriers offer discounts on unlimited plans. Verizon Wireless, for example, offers a discount when you sign up for autopay and paperless billing. There are also some carriers that offer discounts for active military, veterans, and students. Check with your carrier for more details because you might qualify for other discounts, too. 

Average single line unlimited data plans

So, what does a single line unlimited data plan look like? Here are the prices from some of the more popular carriers. 

Carrier	Average Data Plan Cost	Data Plan Limit
T-Mobile	$70	50GB
Sprint	$73	50GB
AT&T	$75	22GB
Verizon Wireless	$85	Varies from 22GB to no limit

Is unlimited data really unlimited?

It is important to note that unlimited data is not really unlimited. It’s possible that if you use too much of your unlimited data, your speeds might be slowed. Confirm with your carrier about how much data you can use before your speeds slow down. 

Your carrier might be willing to negotiate and provide exceptions for your plan as well. Keep in mind that most carriers will slow down your speed around about 22GB. While this is still a large amount of data, it can get used up rather quickly, depending on how you use your phone. 

6 tips for getting unlimited data for less

If you determine that you still need unlimited data, there are a few ways to get what you need without breaking the bank. 

Prepaid

Prepaid unlimited plans are a great way to get unlimited data at cheaper prices. Prepaid plans require you to pay upfront for your plan, and you essentially renew your plan every month. There are no obligations, unlike standard cell phone plans. Need to skip a month? You can simply choose to go without service that month. There may be certain requirements you must adhere to in order to keep your phone number active so make sure you check with your provider. 

Family plans

Family plans are a great way to get the best cell phone service at a lower rate. Typically, the more people on the plan, the lower your rate. Keep in mind that family and friends can join the plan to help reduce your total cost. 

Look for promotions

Your cell phone provider might have promotions that are available yet not being advertised to the public. Call your carrier to see what promotions they have. They might offer promotions based on your account history, or there might be some special, limited promotions. Sometimes these promotions only last for a few months, which gives you another opportunity to call for updated promos when the current ones expire. 

Contact your carrier

When contacting your carrier, you can also inquire about your plan and make sure it is the best one for you. Plans can change frequently, and it can be hard to keep up, but you can always request an account review to make sure you are on the cheapest unlimited data plan. This is a chance to reassess your usage and make sure your discounts are up to date. 

Switch carriers

There are a lot of phone carriers, meaning there are a lot of opportunities to find the best deal. Sometimes, in order to get the cheapest unlimited data plan, you need to switch carriers. You might even get a chance to take advantage of new customer promotions when switching. Look at all of the details of a phone plan before making the switch to make sure you are making the best move. 

Alternative carriers

As mentioned, there are a lot of phone carriers, and some might be more alternative than the others. Those carriers will sometimes offer the best cell phone plans despite being a little less popular. These carriers are still established, and they can offer you a way to get unlimited data for less. 

Is it worth it?

Unlimited data seems to be the standard with most carriers, but figure out if you really need that much data. If so, shop around. There are a lot of options when it comes to getting unlimited data plans for less. Explore other carriers or make sure you are taking advantage of all the discounts that your current carrier provides.

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