There are more than 93 million Americans in the U.S. over age 55, according to Census data, and 74 percent of them have a smartphone. In addition, Baby Boomers spend an average of 149 minutes a day on their smartphones — about as much as smartphone-obsessed Millennials at 171 minutes per day.
Despite these figures, and the fact that members of this generation were the inventors of the wireless industry, many mobile plans for the 55-plus crowd are still designed for a time before the Internet. They come with limited minutes and no data.
“Many senior plans offer limited services that only work with basic phones. This doesn’t make sense for most of today’s modern, mobile adults,†said John Legere, CEO and president of T-Mobile. “Many carriers treat these generations like they’re stuck in the past.â€
Here are some things to think about when choosing a plan:
- Virtually every wireless provider has a lower per-line cost for four lines instead of two. If you only need two lines, look for a plan that won’t penalize you for not having four.
- If you’re a frequent traveler, ensure your plan offers the perks you need to avoid sticker shock on your bills when you get home.
- Be honest with the number of minutes you spend making calls and the amount of data you use. Unlimited plans have become affordable and popular again. If you don’t want to worry about your data use, it may be time to take advantage of these deals and switch to an unlimited plan.