Spectrum Mobile is a MVNO launched in 2018. Plans start at just $14 per month. Spectrum Mobile uses a combination of their Spectrum’s WiFi hotspots and Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G network to provide coverage.
Spectrum Mobile offers two types of plans: 1) by the gigabyte and 2) unlimited. The by the gigabyte plans are $14 per GB, and the cellular data can be shared with up to 5 lines. The unlimited plan is $45 per line and supports 5G access.
These prices are for Spectrum Internet customers. If you cancel your Spectrum Internet service, or you are not a Spectrum Internet customer, an additional charge of $20 per line will apply to your account.
Here is the current price break-down of Spectrum Mobile’s plans for Spectrum Internet customers:
- 1GB for $14/month
- 2GB for $28/month
- 3GB for $42/month
- Unlimited data for $45/month
Spectrum Mobile’s plans can be mixed and matched and even shared between lines. You can even switch plans mid-month. If you switch from the by the gigabyte plan to the unlimited plan, the change will take place immediately. If you switch from the unlimited plan to the by the gigabyte plan, the change will take effect the next billing cycle.
Unfortunately, data speeds will be slowed on Spectrum Mobile if your usage exceeds certain limits. Data speeds are reduced to 256Kbps after 5GB of usage on the by the gigabyte plans, and the unlimited plan will have speeds reduced to 1Mbps download and 512Kbps upload after 20GB of usage.
Spectrum mobile offers a total of 27 smartphones to choose from, including popular iPhones and Android phones. However, we recommend you purchase an unlocked smartphone from the manufacturer or another site and bring it to Spectrum Mobile to avoid being locked into an agreement. We think this will help you have the best experience, and Spectrum Mobile offers free SIM kits for anyone who brings their own device.
You can find great deals on unlocked smartphones on a site like Swappa, with whom we have an affiliate partnership. We feel Swappa can help you save money on your new smartphone, offering discounts between 20% and 50% off.
Ultimately, Spectrum Mobile offers surprisingly affordable cell phone plans for current Spectrum Internet customers. Their plans are flexible for low-data users and high-data users, and being able to mix-and-match their plans allows for great flexibility for families. Unfortunately, Spectrum Mobile reviews have generally been quite poor, as they have amassed 460 one-star reviews on the site MoneySavingPro.
Considering Visible offers unlimited data for as low as $25 per month with Party Pay and offers coverage on the Verizon network, it is tough to tell if Spectrum Mobile is worth it. Again, you’ll likely have the best experience if you bring your own device, but we suggest keeping your expectations low.
Spectrum Mobile Discounts
With Spectrum Mobile, you can share cellular data with up to 5 lines on the “by the gigabyte” plan for decent group savings. This discount is best for low-data usage individuals.
Spectrum Mobile Coverage
Interestingly, Spectrum Mobile uses a combination of Spectrum WiFi hotspots and Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G networks to provide coverage. Verizon uses the following LTE and 5G bands for coverage:
- Verizon 4G LTE bands: 2, 4, 5, 13, 66
- Verizon 5G bands: n261
Spectrum Mobile Features
- Visual voicemail
- MMS (multimedia messaging service)
- HD Voice / VoLTE
- Wi-Fi calling
- 5GB high-speed hotspot data (reduced to 600Kbps on unlimited plan, reduced to 256Kbps on “by the gigabyte” plan)
- 480p video streaming
- Domestic roaming
- Stateside international calling
- International data roaming (pay per use rates)
- 5G coverage (only available with the unlimited plan)
Stateside International Calling
International calling and texting from the United States to other countries is supported by Spectrum Mobile. Each line includes 2,000 minutes to Canada and Mexico and free international texting. Making calls to other countries are available at pay-per-use rates.
International Data Roaming
International data roaming is available at pay-per-use rates. Unfortunately, many of the rates can end up being quite expensive, charging between $0.05 and $8 per MB (or $50 to $8,000 per GB).
Hidden Fees
Spectrum Mobile adds standard taxes and regulatory fees to the cost of their cell phone plans. They also charge a one-time activation fee of $10 per line. If you are not a Spectrum customer or discontinue your Spectrum Internet service, an additional charge of $20 per line will apply to your account.
Spectrum Mobile Customer Service
You can reach Spectrum Mobile customer service by calling them at (833) 224-6603.
