Consumer Cellular Phones
In addition to phones, Consumer Cellular also offers a caregiving device called the GrandPad. For $299, in addition to a $38 monthly service plan, the Grandpad is a great way for your loved one to make calls, browse the web, and stay connected with family members.
consumer cellular phones
Consumer Cellular offers a variety of different service plans. Unlike other cellular providers who require lengthy year-long contracts, each Consumer Cellular plan is subscribed to and paid for on a monthly basis with no long-term commitments. Talk-only plans start at only $15 per month, and unlimited plans can go up to $60 per month, which is comparable to T-Mobile plans for older adults. Additional phones can be added to any plan for only $15 per month, which is a great option for couples and families.
Whereas other cellular providers will charge you overage fees for minutes and data used beyond your plan, Consumer Cellular will automatically upgrade your allowance to the next service plan and charge you for that price. From there, you will automatically remain on the upgraded plan unless you call their customer service line and request a change.
Consumer Cellular offers a wide range of cellphones, from the most recent devices from Apple and Samsung to a selection of easy-to-use flip phones, which include large screens, backlit keypads, and a vibrating ringer that lets you know when you have a call or message.
FYI: For only $15 a month, you can add on one or more phones to any existing Consumer Cellular plan, making it both easy and affordable for couples and families to share a wireless plan.
Ultimately, I decided to test out three different phones from Consumer Cellular, the Doro 7050, the iPhone SE, and the Samsung Galaxy A12. Each of them had their own unique set of features, but more on that below.
Lively is another wireless service provider made for seniors. With Lively, there are no long-term contracts, and they have a selection of senior-friendly phones available that include features like an urgent response button and hearing aid compatibility. Lively provides several phone plans, starting with 250 minutes of talk for $14.99 a month.
AARP offers discounts for seniors to save money on cellular service. Anyone over the age of 50 can become an AARP member and enjoy AARP cell phone plan discounts or AARP cell phones for seniors. Below are two providers offering discounts through AARP:
Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
Most Verizon phones should work with Consumer Cellular. Ensure the device is unlocked and then you can bring your own phone to Consumer Cellular. You can use our IMEI checker to see if your phone is compatible.
Because almost all US-market phones will work on any of the big three carriers, we paid no attention to the phones each carrier or service sells on its own site and in its own stores. Nor did we factor in the promotions that wireless services throw out for each new iPhone.
If you travel internationally, Verizon can add up. Its TravelPass costs a reasonable $5 a day in Canada and Mexico for you to use voice, text, and data drawn from your domestic allowance, and a less reasonable $10 a day in much of the rest of the world. Since Verizon sells unlocked phones (although last June, carriers received permission from the Federal Communications Commission to lock them for 60 days after activation to thwart fraud), you can and should save money by using a local prepaid SIM when traveling internationally.
All the major cellphone carriers will shut down their older 3G networks in 2022. Currently the shutdown schedule is as follows. The dates below are for completing their 3G network shutdown. Carriers may begin retiring parts of their networks sooner. For more information and updated timeframes visit: FCC 3G cellular networks information
What happens to 3G phones after that date?Your phone will no longer be able to make phone calls. Apps and websites will not work over a cellular connection. You will not be able to dial 911. The phone will still be able to work over an in home WiFi connection, for certain tasks, if you have set your phone up to connect to your WiFi network.
For seniors, smartphones can seem intimidating due to tiny text, low earpiece volume, and complicated software and menus. The $200 Doro 824 SmartEasy is built with these concerns in mind. Available on Consumer Cellular, the 824 SmartEasy has large, highly visible apps and icons, a loud, but clear, earpiece for calls, and customized software that guides you through the basics of using apps. Throw in an Emergency Alert button, and the 824 becomes a great option for both seniors and first-time smartphone users alike, and our Editors' Choice for simple smartphones.
For first-time users and seniors, the Doro 824 SmartEasy on Consumer Cellular is an excellent option. Its physical controls, clearly labeled apps and icons with step-by-step explanations, and the My Doro Manager app make for an intuitive, comprehensive experience. It's a better bet than the Huawei Vision 3, which isn't quite as tailored to new users. And it's even simpler to use than the Jitterbug Smart on GreatCall, which also lacks an Emergency Alert button. That makes it easy to call the Doro 824 SmartEasy our new Editors' Choice for simple smartphones.
Ajay Kumar is PCMag's Analyst obsessed with all things mobile. Ajay reviews phones, tablets, accessories, and just about any other gadget that can be carried around with you. In his spare time he games on the rig he built himself, collects Nintendo amiibos, and tries his hand at publishing a novel. Follow Ajay on Twitter @Ajay_H_Kumar.
The S5 is global capable and Verizon phones are unlocked, however there are radio issues where you can not use the phone you have now and it features. Why not sell the phone you have and purchase one from ATT or Consumer Cellular. Good luck 041b061a72