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1.5
Pros
Great price on unlimited data plan
Unlimited talk and text on both plans
Millions of hotspots nationwide to reduce data usage
Multi-line discount
Cons
Only available to Spectrum internet customers
Only two plans offered
$20 extra per month if you cancel Spectrum internet
Spectrum is a well-known provider of TV cable and internet. They're also a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, MVNO for short. This means they rent their network from the big guys like Verizon, then sell it back to you at a much better price.
You could save as much as $600 per year, per line by switching to a low-cost alternative like Spectrum Mobile.
Let's take a closer look at this carrier so you can decide if you're ready to make the switch.
First off, there are a few hoops to jump through before you can enjoy a cheaper cell phone plan from Spectrum Mobile. Plans are only available to customers who already have a Spectrum internet plan, sign up for autopay, and meet credit requirements.
Plan wise, there are two to choose from, both with attractive features. Unlimited talk and text as standard, and free international texting within the United States. International roaming in 200+ countries. Talk, text and data usage from abroad will cost you, but their rates are competitive.
They have a mobile app for you to manage your account, see how much data you're using and how much your bill will be. If you're looking for a family or multi-line plan you can add up to ten devices to a Spectrum Mobile plan.
Savings comparison
Verizon vs Spectrum Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage:Save $600 per year
Carrier
Network Coverage
4G/5G Data
Price
Annual Cost
Verizon
Verizon 4G & 5G
Unltd*
$80/mo
$960/yr
Spectrum Mobile
Verizon 4G & 5G
Unlimited
$30/mo
$360/yr
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB
Savings
$50/mo
$600/yr
Spectrum Mobile benefits
Same quality coverage: powered by Verizon's network, low-cost carriers like Spectrum Mobile provide you with the same quality coverage you can rely on.
Lower prices: a low-cost carrier plan typically costs between $10-$45 a month. With a traditional cell phone plan it's more like $80 a month.
Customize your plan: online-only carriers are super flexible. Most of their plans come with unlimited talk and text but you can choose the data to suit your needs. You can also adjust your plan as often as you like.
Spectrum Mobile coverage
Operating on Verizon's nationwide network, Spectrum Mobile gives you coverage you can rely on. Not sure how this carrier will work for you?
What networks does Spectrum Mobile use?
Spectrum Mobile piggybacks off Verizon's 4G LTE network. They also offer free WiFi hotspots around the US for their customers to use, so you can get online without burning through data.
If you have a compatible device, you can get 5G speeds on your phone with Spectrum Mobile. Where 5G isn't available, your inclusive data will be powered by 4G LTE, bringing broadband speeds to your phone.
Spectrum Mobile data plans
Spectrum Mobile 1GB plan
Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
Unlimited talk and text
1GB data
$14/mo
Spectrum Mobile unlimited data plan
Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
Unlimited talk and text
Unlimited data
$30/mo
With Spectrum Mobile you can either go by the gig, or opt for unlimited. Each additional GB comes at a price, and you can manage your data allowance in-app. Once you've run out, you'll notice your phone slows down.
Spectrum Mobile features
Carrier Features
Spectrum Mobile
Networks
Verizon
Data Speed
5G & 4G LTE
3G Network
CDMA
Mobile Hotspot
Bring Your Phone
Keep Your Number
Contract
No - prepaid
Credit Check
Customer Service
24/7
Money Back Guarantee
Carrier Features
Spectrum Mobile
5G
Taxes/fees included
VoLTE
WiFi Calling
Visual Voicemail
Multi-line Discounts
Multi-month Discounts
International Calls
International Roaming
International roaming
International calls to Canada and Mexico are included, other calls will be charged at competitive rates and you can view charges to your account. International roaming is supported on both plans, but you will need to contact customer support to activate this.
5G coverage
Where available, customers with 5G compatible devices can enjoy this speedy new network.
Family phone plans
Add up to 10 lines to your Spectrum Mobile plan, and manage these in their app, or online.
Visual voicemail
You'll need to reach out to customer support to activate this feature, but then you can enjoy visual voicemail with your plan.
Spectrum Mobile Family plans
Plan
1 line
2 lines
3 lines
4 lines
Spectrum Mobile 1GB
$14
$28$14/line
$42$14/line
$56$14/line
Spectrum Mobile Unlimited
$30
$60$30/line
$90$30/line
$120$30/line
Spectrum Mobile phone deals
Spectrum Mobile have a wide range of devices, including Apple, Samsung, Google, and LG. You can choose a device, trade your old one or bring your own phone with you. It's entirely up to you. Use our IMEI checker to see which carriers your current device is compatible with.
The comparison table below shows how Spectrum Mobile user ratings compare to the big guys.
CARRIER
TRUSTPILOT USER RATING
Spectrum Mobile
1.1
T-Mobile
1.5
Verizon
1.3
AT&T
1.2
This carrier hasn't outscored the big guys for customer satisfaction. At the time of writing, 1GB of data costs a hefty $14, and there are just two plan types to choose from. Not ideal, but compare theirs to a plan direct from Verizon and you'll see you still stand to save money.
Switching to Spectrum Mobile is super simple. You can do it in three easy steps.
Choose a plan with Spectrum Mobile. Pick a plan to suit your cell phone usage.
Prepare to make the switch. Pay all old bills and if you're bringing your phone, make sure it's unlocked.
Set up your new plan. If you're keeping your number, wait till it's ported over. Once your new plan is active, cancel your old one. Opted for one of their snazzy new devices? It should come ready to go. Bringing your own phone? Follow the instructions that come with your Spectrum Mobile SIM card.
Spectrum Mobile FAQs
What network does Spectrum Mobile use?
Piggybacking off the Verizon network, you'll get nationwide 4G LTE coverage at half the price.
Does Spectrum Mobile have 5G?
Yes. Spectrum Mobile now offers nationwide 5G coverage.
Can I keep my number if I switch to Spectrum Mobile?
You can switch over hassle-free and keep your phone number when moving to Spectrum Mobile.
Recap
To get a cell phone plan with Spectrum Mobile, you need Spectrum Internet service, sign up for autopay, and meet certain credit requirements. Once you jump through these hoops though, you can get one of two cheaper plans from this alternative carrier.
Powered by Verizon's national network, you get the same coverage at a fraction of the cost but they have too many customer complaints for our liking, check out the Spectrum Mobile customer reviews.
There are loads of low-cost carriers available that offer cheap cell phone plans and much stronger customer service, so we suggest looking elsewhere.
