Tired of sharing your phone with your kids? Are they finally ready for their own cell phone? It may be time for you to change your wireless plan to a family cell phone plan so everyone can have their own cell phone. But before you take the plunge, here’s some helpful information about family plans that can help you make the right decision for your family.
What are the best family cell phone plan features?
The different wireless carriers offer a variety of plans to choose from , but not all are created equal. And which plan is the best will depend on what you and your family need in a wireless plan. Some plans allow you to choose how much data you get every month, while others allow for calling, texting, and data usage internationally while abroad.
And what if mobile security is really important to you?. Do you have a mobile security app you like, or would you prefer your new family plan offer security that can help keep your family’s phones protected? Before you go shopping for a family phone plan, make sure you have a wish list of all the things you think you’ll need for your family and their phones.
Understand the basics of a family cell phone plan
As you’re considering your family wireless plan needs, here’s some recommended options you should be looking for:
Full-speed data: Whether you and yours are streaming lots of movies and music or playing online games, these activities gobble up a lot of data. Having the fastest data speeds available ensure everyone can enjoy their favorite smart phone activities with little to no interruption.
Unlimited talk, text and data: An unlimited plan is literally that—there’s no limit to how much you can talk, text, stream, surf, and game. And if you have family always on their phones, tablets or other data devices, this may be the best option to ensure everyone has the data they need.
International calls, texts, and data: Service options vary widely from carrier to carrier on this one. Some plans include calls and texts to certain countries, while others add the option of calling back to the U.S. when you’re traveling. A few include data use while you’re abroad, too.
If you get your wireless service through AT&T, you can take advantage of features and services such as International Day Pass, which lets you use your phone like you do at home for $10 per day in over 210 destinations. You can also add AT&T Cruise packages for usage on over 175 cruise ships for talk, text, and data usage at sea that isn’t already covered by land-based service.
Hotspot data: Most providers know you might need to work on the go, and have wireless plans that include hotspot data that allows you to turn your phone into a secure internet connection. That way if you’re on the go while you’re on a deadline, it’s easy to break out your laptop, connect it to your phone’s wireless connection so you can get Internet access, and get the job done.
Look for added value
The simplest way to compare plans is by data and price. But if that’s all you look at, you’re missing the real features that make the best cell phone plan providers stand out. The best mobile plans give you more choices. For example, if you need new phones for your new family plan, AT&T offers plenty of options to help you get your phone your way. You can order directly from AT&T online and enjoy benefits like free shipping and returns. You may even be able to get free delivery and optional expert setup through AT&T Right To You.
Your provider should also protect your personal data. A built-in phone security app indicates the company is concerned about your safety. For example, AT&T customers have exclusive access to the free AT&T ActiveArmor mobile security app, which is designed to help you strengthen your mobile security. When you activate ActiveArmor on your phone, you can block spam calls, manage and block unknown callers, find out when your information has been found on the dark web (available on the paid version of the app) be alerted to company data breaches, and more.
But that’s just the beginning. Some companies offer a whole suite of apps and services to help protect and assist your family.
What’s the right family cell phone plan for you?
The answer depends on your family’s priorities. Which is most important to you: data, price, or something in between?
- If your family needs a lot of data, get an unlimited plan: AT&T unlimited plans include unlimited talk, text & data in and between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. You will never pay overage fees. Plus, getting an AT&T unlimited plan* gives you access to fast, reliable, and secure AT&T 5G for no additional cost. Plus, all AT&T unlimited plans include AT&T ActiveArmor mobile security to help enhance your protection while you’re online.
*AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.
Choosing the best wireless plan for your family takes research to help you find the plan that works best for you. It’s also important to understand how you use your data. No matter which provider you choose, remember that what makes a cell phone plan a family plan comes down to more than just the data or the price—you want to make sure your family can call, text, and browse online safely and securely. To learn more and ask questions about AT&T phone plans go to the AT&T Community Forums.
This article is AT&T sponsored content written by Carly Milne, a TechBuzz contributor. The statements in this article are her own and don’t necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of AT&T.
