Consumer Cellular, based in Portland, Oregon, has over 4 million customers, focusing on those aged 50 and up. It provides special discounts on wireless plans to AARP members. The business is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), which means it leases service from another carrier.
AT&T and T-Mobile are the carriers for Consumer Cellular. It provides unlimited talk and text in all of its plans and data plans ranging from 1 gigabyte (GB) to unlimited data for $20 to $55 per month. This guide will provide all details on the best Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan.
Consumer Cellular is an excellent option if you want to cut costs but don’t want to make too many sacrifices in terms of perks or unwanted allowance caps. For $55, you get an all-inclusive unlimited data plan that uses T-Mobile or AT&T’s 5G network, unlimited mobile hot-spotting, no hidden data caps, and no hidden upcharges. The simple, straightforward plan will begin at $55 for one line, with discounts for each additional line.
We can’t find much to criticize about Consumer Cellular plan, though there are a few things to keep in mind before you sign up. Because you’re using a smaller prepaid carrier, your speeds may be limited if you’re in a high-traffic area. This is due to T-Mobile or AT&T prioritizing its own customer service over those who use the network through a third party, in this case, Consumer Cellular.
The Best Consumer Cellular connect unlimited data plan details
Consumer Cellular’s Connect unlimited data plan is an excellent no-contract option and one of our top recommendations for Consumer Cellular customers. This unlimited data plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data. After 50GB of data usage, data speeds may be reduced. 5G connectivity is available in select areas for compatible devices.
AARP members can get up to a 5% discount on their Connect plan! When you add multiple phone lines to your unlimited data plan, you can save even more money. The Connect plan is more than just discounts. Conference calling, call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID, voicemail, and direct international dial are all included in this plan.
Depending on your usage, you can change your plan anytime for free. You can upgrade or downgrade your Connect at the end of any billing cycle if you need more monthly data or minutes. If you change your plan, Consumer Cellular will not bill you!
What’s included in the Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan
As the name implies, Consumer Cellular’s unlimited data phone plan includes unlimited texting, calling, and data, with multi-line accounts of up to three phone lines available.
Multiple-line accounts share the data plan. Any mobile hotspot use counts against your monthly data allowance, and 5G data is included where it is available. After 50GB of use on an unlimited data plan, access to high-speed data may be limited, and you may experience sluggish speeds for the remainder of your billing cycle.
This plan includes unlimited free calls to Mexico and Canada. While traveling outside the United States, international rates may vary from $0.10 – $0.50 per talk minute, $0.10 – $0.30 per message sent or received, and $0.10 – $0.40 per MB of data usage. Some Consumer Cellular networks may charge more, and rates are subject to change.
Other features included in the Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan are as follows:
- Caller ID
- Call Forwarding
- Call Waiting
- 3-Way Calling
- Voicemail
- International Direct Dial
- 100% US-Based Customer Support
Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan cost
| Plan | 1 lines | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines | 5 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer cellular unlimited data plan | $55 | $75 | $90 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
For a single line, unlimited data cell phone plans from Consumer Cellular start at $20 per month. A second line costs an extra $20 per month, and a third line costs an extra $15 per month. There is no contract, and the prices include a $5 savings for paperless billing and AutoPay. AARP members receive a 5% discount on their monthly service charge.
Is a Consumer Cellular Unlimited data phone plan really unlimited
While many offers claim to provide unlimited data, this is not always the case. After a certain amount of data has been used, specific networks, including Mint Mobile and even household names like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, will slow down your connection. This is the case with Consumer Cellular. You get access to high-speed data with Consumer Cellular Unlimited data plan. Still, it may be reduced after 50GB of use, and you may experience slower speeds for the remainder of your billing cycle.
If you live or visit a congested area, your speeds may be limited to make room for a higher-paying T-Mobile or AT&T client on the same network. This is a common occurrence with prepaid contracts and is unavoidable. However, because your mileage will vary greatly depending on where you live, it may be a worthwhile trade-off.
How does the Consumer Cellular Unlimited data plan stack up against the competition
Consumer Cellular is an excellent value for an unlimited data plan. In comparison, Verizon unlimited data plan costs $70 per month for one line. AT&T’s unlimited plan costs $65 per month for a single line. Compared to Verizon and AT&T, Consumer Cellular’s unlimited plan costs $55 per month, saving you $120 to $180 per year. Furthermore, these well-known providers typically charge an activation fee, whereas Consumer Cellular does not. Talk about cost-cutting!
Mint Mobile’s most affordable three-month plan includes 4 GB of data, unlimited talk time, and texting for $45, while its 10 GB plan costs $60. A 15 GB plan costs $75, and three months of unlimited data costs $90. When comparing monthly costs, you will pay less with Mint Mobile than with any Consumer Cellular plan over time.
Bottom line
Consumer Cellular specializes in low-internet cell phone plans that are flexible. Although its website features happy, older adult couples, Consumer Cellular could be a good deal for anyone who doesn’t use much data to stream YouTube or play online games. However, its prices are neither the cheapest nor the most expensive, and if you want an unlimited data plan, we recommend looking elsewhere. Providers such as US Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Twigby offer cheaper phone plans with unlimited data.