- Mix and match plans
- Shareable data for up to 10 lines
- Price lock guarantees
- Typically offers free lines for a year to new customers
- Only available in areas served by Spectrum TV/Cable
- Must also subscribe to Spectrum Internet or plans cost $10/month higher
- Base plan is more expensive compared to other providers on the market
Since 2013, I’ve been researching, reviewing, and writing about the wireless industry through BestMVNO with a focus on MVNOs.
In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about Spectrum Mobile before you subscribe. I’ll review each of their phone plans with you, and go over any gotchas that they might have. I want you to learn the ins and outs of Spectrum Mobile so that you can make an informed decision on if this is the best place for you to spend your money.
Postpaid Phone Plans
Spectrum Mobile Deals
Get a free unlimited plan for one year when you add a Spectrum Mobile unlimited phone plan to your Spectrum Internet. Includes 30GB of 5G high-speed data before throttling to 1Mbps download.
How Spectrum Mobile Plans Work
Spectrum Mobile launched in 2018 as a hybrid MVNO provider that uses WiFi and Verizon’s Wireless network to provide service to its subscribers. When a subscriber is near a Spectrum Wireless Hotspot, their Spectrum Mobile phone will automatically connect to the hotspot for data usage. This helps subscribers to save their allotted monthly high-speed data and reduces the amount of money Spectrum Mobile has to pay to Verizon to access Verizon’s network.
The service is only available to those who are also Spectrum Internet customers. Those who are Spectrum Internet customers who cancel their internet will have to pay an additional $10/month for their Spectrum Mobile unlimited wireless plan.
Spectrum Mobile will only initially allow new Spectrum Internet customers to signup a maximum of two lines under an account. After a waiting period of 30 days, additional lines may be added. A maximum of 10 lines is allowed per account.
Data Speeds
In early March of 2020, Spectrum Mobile launched 5G wireless access. All Spectrum Mobile subscribers with a compatible phone and living in an area with 5G coverage get 5G network access at no extra charge. Spectrum’s broadband disclosure states that its subscribers can expect 5G dowload data speeds to be in the range of 5 to 450Mbps with a latency of 30ms to 100ms. Upload speeds are said to be in a range of 2Mbp-50Mbps. 4G LTE data speeds can be expected to reach 5-12Mbps download and 2-5Mbps upload with a latency of under 100ms.
Spectrum Mobile Phone Plan Details And Fine Print
Those wishing to subscribe to Spectrum Mobile have two different types of plan options. There’s a “By-the-Gig” option where customers pay for data by the GB, and there are two unlimited data plans. Autopay billing is required for service on any plan. Subscribers can set up autopay with their credit or debit card. Subscribers are also charged $20 when they activate a line.
All Spectrum Mobile plans include mobile hotspot usage, WiFi calling and texting, unlimited international texting to over 200 countries, access to Spectrum WiFi hotspots, and 2,000 minutes a month of calling to Mexico and Canada. Taxes and fees are included in the price of every plan. Customers can also use their phones while traveling internationally but it does cost extra. Rates starting as low as $0.01 per megabyte in over 150 countries. International roaming rates can be found here.
“By the Gig” Plan Details
Spectrum’s By the Gig plans are considered shared billing data plans. Each line is billed at a rate of $19.99 and comes with 1GB of high-speed data before customers get billed for additional data. The additional data is shared between lines and priced at a rate of $5 per GB. All the data used collectively across each line is rounded up to the nearest GB and the primary account holder then gets billed for it. So if line 1 uses 1.3GB and line 2 uses 2.1GB that’s a total of 3.4GB used across all lines.
Spectrum automatically charges By the Gig subscribers $5 per GB of data consumed after the first 1GB per line is used. So in a scenario similar to the one just described, a customer whose single line account uses 3.4GB of data across all lines in a month will be billed for 4GB of data for a total of $34.99. But a customer with two lines in that scenario would pay $49.98. Two line customers start off by paying $39.98 to have each line with 1GB of data for a total of 2GB of data in the account. Adding 2GB more data to the account brings the cost to $49.98.
“By the Gig” Plan Limitations
A Spectrum customer can have up to 10 lines in their account. Each By the Gig line gets unlimited talk & text but a maximum of 5GB of data is available per line at high-speeds before throttling to 256kbps.
Video streaming is limited to DVD quality or a resolution of 480p.
Unlimited Data Plan Options
Spectrum Mobile offers 2 unlimited data plans. There is a Standard Unlimited Data plan that costs $29.99/line and an Unlimited Plus data plan billed at a rate of $39.99/line. The cheaper plan has been available priced at $15/line for 12 months for new customers whereas the more premium plan is $25/line for 12 months for new subscribers. The Unlimited Plus plan was launched in August of 2020. Both the standard and Unlimited Plus plans were improved in September 2023.
There are a few significant differences between the Standard Unlimited Data and Unlimited Plus data plans. They are highlighted in this comparison chart.
Standard Unlimited Data Plan
- 30GB premium data
- DVD (480p) quality video streaming
- Up to 5GB full speed mobile hotspot usage, then unlimited at 600Kbps
Unlimited Plus Data Plan
- 50GB premium data
- HD (1080p) quality video streaming
- Up to 10GB full speed mobile hotspot usage, then unlimited at 600Kbps
- 5GB of monthly full speed data roaming in Mexico and Canada, then unlimited at 256Kbps
Unlimited Data Plan Limitations
Both plans include priority data. Priority data is data that doesn’t slow down relative to other customers on the network when the network is congested. However, customers who hit their plan’s premium data threshold will have their data de-prioritized and speeds will also be reduced to 1Mbps download and 512Kbps upload.
Spectrum One
In October of 2022, Charter Communications launched Spectrum One. Spectrum One bundles Spectrum’s 300Mbps home internet service with Spectrum Mobile’s $29.99 base unlimited plan for a total bundle price of $49.99/month for 12 months.
Family Plans: Mix And Match “By The Gig” And Unlimited Data Plans
Spectrum Mobile subscribers can mix and match plans on their account. As an example, a customer with 5 lines could have 3 of them on a By the Gig plan, one on the Standard Unlimited Data plan, and the other on the Unlimited Plus plan. There are no additional discounts available for this type of setup. So in this example, the primary account holder would have to pay a minimum of $129.95/month for their plan with pricing broken down as follows:
- 3 lines of By the Gig * $19.99/line minimum charge = $59.97
- 1 line of Standard Unlimited charged $29.99
- 1 line of Unlimited Plus charged $39.99
Supported Phones And BYOD Devices
In December of 2018, Spectrum Mobile launched support for bring your own iPhone. Limited support for bring your own Android was launched in April of 2019. Bring your own device is available in stores and online. If you plan to bring your own Android phone, it must have Android 9.0 or higher installed. Spectrum Mobile does sell a limited number of phones. When Spectrum initially launched in mid-summer of 2018, most available phones were high-end premium models from Apple and Samsung. Only one device under $200 was available, the LG K30.
But Spectrum Mobile does now offer many more affordable phones sometimes at a big discount.
Where To Buy Service Plans And SIM Cards
Service plans and SIM cards are available directly through the Spectrum Mobile website and in Spectrum Mobile stores. Some independent wireless dealers also sell Spectrum Mobile services.
Year Founded: 2018
Spectrum Mobile Contact Information
Website: https://mobile.spectrum.com/Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.
Phone Unlock Policy
Spectrum Mobile will unlock your phone as long as it has been paid off in full and you have used it with their service for a minimum of 60 days. The account the phone is attached to must also be in good standing and active at the time of the unlock request.
I was told by spectrum, if I dropped my internet from them, I would still have mobile service. I have by the gig, so there would not be any other service fee
we couldnt get the service due to our area even though they said we could then changed it an said they coulndnt do our area, i had orederd phones an had return them, an they have been taking money out of our account for a phone bill we didnt have an never haved. contacted our bank bvut they are still trying to do it, THIS IS THE WORST COMPANY EVER PEOPLE DONT USE THEM THEY WILL TRY TO GET YOUR MONEY AN U WONT HAVE ANY SERVICE, IM GOONA SUE THE HECK OUT OF THEM IF THEY COUNTUE TO TRY AN GET PASS OUR BLOCK WE HAVE FROM OUR BANK . CUST, SERVICE WONT OR CANT HELP EVEN THE MANGERS KEEP SAYING THEY DONT KNOW WHY, HAS ANYONE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THEM NEED ADVICE.
Worst service I have ever had in my life!!!
It just took me 8 minutes to post this 2 minute review. Disconnected 3 times
If you buy a cell, and you need to return it, they charge you with restocking fees $50.00, just because you open the box. How did you know if the phone is good, if you don’t open the box.
Wow! Thanks for your input.
we have 2 phones SO much Data being used within the 1st week of billing cycle, almost 20GB no way to see what time of day its being sucked up. no details, no help, been through our iPhone’s to see our app usage. not sure if what’s being used is legit, no way to tell without detailed usage from spectrum
I live in both Florida and Canada for 6 months each year and last fall when I arrived here in Florida I subscribed to Spectrum mobility plan at $ 14.00 per Month. Can I use this plan in Canada for talk and text and long distince service to the US. If so, what will it cost per month?
They’ll unlock your phone (after you ask at least twice and you also have to ask for your phone number to be released), but you CANNOT use it with another carrier even after you paid it off and even if the new carrier uses Verizon too. It’s a total rip off.
Don’t get Spectrum mobile unless you want too get ripped off. I got thanked for being a loyal customer and they wanted to keep my business and would lower my bill, but then told even though I had only used 1 week of their service and they charged us for a whole month they wouldn’t pro rate it. That’s not business I want to support. Made our choice to switch service a solid one!!
Spectrum GalaxyA01
How can i unlock my iphone in vietnam?
Hi will you be doing smart watches for Samsung?
When is Apple Watch support available?
I paid off my device with Spectrum & attempted to change providers but Spectrum locked my phone & there is a 3-5 days waiting period so I currently am unable to make or receive calls. I am seeking legal counsel.
18315241213
Hey folks, Just moved to Texas area. I would want an internet at reasonable cost. Would Spectrum be worth the buck?
Are the phones from Spectrum Unlocked ? if not, are we allowed to unlock it so that we can use it in the countries?
Be careful about signing up. Signed up for service and new Galaxy S10 the day pre orders started for the new phone. Was sent email confirmation of my order that day. Didn’t hear anything else so decided to call on the 5th to be sure order was in before the free ear bud promotion ended on the 8th. Was told (after 30 minutes of searching) that I had an order, no problem. Called again on the 7th and after 40 minutes of searching for the order, was told phone would ship the next day. Nothing the next day so went to my local Spectrum office where they called and were told the phone would ship that day. Called today (the 9th) and was told something happened with the order and they would be happy to place the order again and start my new service. As for the free $130 earbuds for pre ordering? Sorry, they can’t do anything about that. The time for that offer has expired. Spectrum acknowledged the error but will not consider working that out with me. Needless to say, I will not be moving to Spectrum Mobile. Cheap deals sometimes just aren’t worth it.
The unlimited plan not so unlimited, They say your data will become slower after certain amount which is a lie .you end up with no data
at all. 84dollars a month.
Is there a discount for veterans?
So after you use up your 20 gigabytes how much does it slow down… Like say by percentage?
How much monthly for note 8 I have internet already
Do not order cell phone service from Spectrum…..ordered phones they were sent to New York City and turned on…Someone at Spectrum changed shipping address to New York City….So, they refuse to get my money back for purchase of phone and I have a 24 month contract with them…So this will cost me about 3000 dollars…FRAUD the address changed happened in Jamestown NY
I have 3 phones unlimited everything on all 3 verizon network and i pay the tax of 6.18 per month only. Thank you
Consumer Cellular is much, much less expensive. you can choose either the AT&T network or teh T-Mobile network.
We’ve had it for about three months. We love it. Got two phones. Everything works like before when we had Verizon. We cut our bill by almost $100 a month. It uses Verizon when you’re not on wifi so there is no difference in coverage. People who try to say it uses a different Verizon system are just clueless. Service in the store and on the phone was great.
please don’t change your plan to spectrum cell service. first of all they uses Verizon rundown version so, not a good signals..
second thing is they try to use wi-fi connection you can do crap with that. please don’t waist your money stay where you are.
Does Spectrum Mobile support ringback tones?
i have a question i have an iwatch 4 that goes with my iphone x i am seriously thinking about switching to spectrum we just use internet but i am sick of paying Verizon’s terrible prices i just want my iwatch 4 to work the same has anyone have an iwatch 4 and give me some advice?? d
what a joke of a company, not gonna last, So the customer service gentlemen when I called said I have to buy phone, But they can sell me one for $7, then just take sim out and put in your I-phone 8plus, which worked fine, It turns our phone actually 180 and 7 per month. I called and asked to return the phone that I wont use and lady went and spoke to supervisor and said I am committing fraud by using an alternate phone and I need to put the card back in provided phone. I said send me return label. WORD OF ADVISE, DONT PORT YOUR NUMBER UNTIL YOU VERIFY SERVICE. I AM GLAD I DIDNT SHUT OFF T-MOBILE YET OR LET THESE IDIOTS PORT MY NUMBER.
don’t think they will be in business long. what a joke
I attempted to sign up for mobile service and bring over my number from Verizon (on Saturday). I was told I would receive my phone on Monday. About 6 hrs later, I received an email asking for my driver’s license and bill showing my residence. This made no sense as I am a spectrum customer already. I called and had to answer several questions in regards to prior employers, astrological sign, home mortgages, and veteran status. After answering all these questions, i was told the order will not be processed until they recieve a copy of my driver’s license. I attempted to explain I am a customer of spectrum and it’s already in the system but she wouldn’t listen. When I asked to cancel the order, I was asked for my driver’s license number to verify my identity. What is wrong with this company and why can’t they get their stuff together? I have since cancelled all spectrum services and will not be going back. 6 of my friends heard the story and have also left due to my experience.
Way to help your customer service department spectrum.
Stay with Verizon at least they don’t ask 15 minutes of questions to repeat what is in an email.
Do they have family plans
I have no complaints at all, signal always strong, internet speed is amazing, mobile hotspot works like a charm, I have unlimited data on a Samsung Note 9 512GB, I’ve tried all the carriers and I was always paying a lot, I just want to say that Spectrum is doing a great job so far, and Verizon the best mobile network got their back, trust me I’m good.
Would like to now what kind of phones you have like smartphones
Come on Spectrum. Let us Android users bring our phones in. I will NEVER us an Apple product so Samsung is my choice. My wife and I have late model S phones and Notes. These phones are fairly new to us but eventually we will get new phones and you can sell us the phones if we have your mobile service. For now we will stay with Verizon wireless and Spectrum for our TV, internet and landline.
ANDROID, NOW!!!
Beware of Spectrum Cell Service Sales! They quoted me low price then after I authorized credit card payment they raised the credit card charge and monthly bill. I can’t get a reason from Customer Service. Nor a response from management as requested. They have ignored my request for explanation on price change
Can anyone confirm whether Verizon’s domestic roaming is included in this (or any Verizon MVNO)? I’m talking about all those little mom and pop networks in rural areas that Verizon post-paid customers can use, or is the MVNO service limited to just Verizon towers?
Thw data speed it’s really fast but if you use your phone alot its not the service for you. Maybe senior citizens not for bug internet users
One of the worst experiences with a company I’ve ever had. Signing up to move to Spectrum turned into a series of blunders on THEIR part that unfolded over three days. I wouldn’t touch anything Spectrum with a ten-foot-pole. We are moving our internet to AT&T.
Nothing on Spectrum’s site indicates that you can bring your own iPhone.
I love Tmobile and have unlimited GB. Spectrum mobile is a joke. Why do they force you to get internet before mobile? I cancelled their internet but sadly have their cable & home phone. Wish another cable co would apprar? Spectrum is a monopoly.
This Sprectrum deal is total BS; They use the Verizon network and we have an iPhone and an iPad on Verizon now, but cannot migrate our devices to spectrum. It wouldn’t save us money, it would actually cost us more money! Bad deal.
How bout da I phone x.. Is dat available..
Can I use my Spectrum phone as a hot spot for my I-pads?
I have had Spectrum Mobile since October 2018. I am a Spectrum customer who pays her internet every month and so I tried their mobile internet! Guys, I love it! I got the king of the beast Samsung note 9 512gb storage,8 GB ram….and I only $109.00 a month, that’s its! It also comes in with protection. I e never experienced a problem with customer service, infact they always remind me that if i have experienced a problem, they will gladly send me another phone. In the beginning, I payed about $189.00, at first I thought it was a lot, but then I didn’t make my first payment till Dec.28. So, no other wasn’t a bad deal at all! I love their service and I’m a Spectrum customer for life.
I still have yet to receive my iPhone 8 Plus in the mail after purchasing it. My phone still has yet to come and I haven’t even gotten an email regarding it! Customer service didn’t help whatsoever either . One person told me it ships by 2 days another told me it would take a week. It’s been almost a week and I still have not heard a single thing about my phone after I dropped a lot of cash just to get it . Definitely won’t be doing this again .
Careful with the automatic payment system. If something goes wrong. The personal and the supervisor dont know how to fix it. Your life is in computers hands basically and if you skip a payment due to emergency issues. There won’t be any ways to go around unless the automatic payment do what they want. Its Verizon Wireless network by the way.
If i get spectrum interenet can i get spectrum mobile do u carry the note 9 phone
yes go with unlimited plain thought i was using house hot spot and 200 overge charge did no about
I can’t why they allow you to bring your iPhone, but not an android device, such as my Pixel which can operate on the Verizon network. No this isn’t a technological issue!
Can you keep your phone number
I have Spectrum internet. If I get Spectrum mobile will I be able to stream or get WIFI on my laptop in Florida?
Spectrum mobile has horrible tech support. They obviously are not properly trained. Twice when I called they tried to find an answer to my question by reading the manual I received, and then they tried googling the answer.
I now have AT&T if I change over to Spectrum mobile do I have to keep my land line because it came with my package deal