What Is The Right Phone Plan For You?
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What Is The Right Phone Plan For You?
Are you a fan of savings? Unlimited data? Free international calling? Then Onboard Mobile might be the right plan for you.
We know that the US has dozens of options for phone plans, so it's important that you pick the plan that gets you the biggest bang for your buck. Here’s a quick guide to the largest providers in the US, how much plans cost, hidden fees, and how much you can save if you pick the right plan.
Note: If you are considering a family plan, take a look at our blog post Is A Family Plan Worth It? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Verizon
Verizon wireless operates throughout the US and has excellent network coverage. They are best known for their data speeds and value when purchasing multiple lines. Accordingly, Verizon is also one of the most expensive phone plans in the US for individual lines. On average, Verizon plans are $10-$15 more expensive than similar plans offered by other US carriers. 5G plans start at $70 per month and can cost up to $90 per month for unlimited data, premium network, 50 GB of hotspot, and other perks.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile is best known for their unlimited talk, text, and data plans on their 5G network (the largest in the US). T-Mobile offers no annual contracts, family benefits, and affordable options for students. However, unlike other carriers, once you reach your data limit each month you are completely out of data (other carriers simply allow you to operate on a slower speed after you reach the monthly limit). Their essentials plan starts at $60/month and their Magenta MAX plan costs up to $90 per month with unlimited premium data.
Note: T-Mobile also has a $45 basic plan with 20 GB of high-speed data and unlimited hotspot at 3G speeds
AT&T
AT&T is highly ranked as a mobile provider in the US due to their quick download speeds, coverage strength, family plan / special person discounts, and overnight device shipping. Their plans are rather expensive with plans ranging from $65 per month (Unlimited Starter) up to $85 per month (Unlimited Premium). In comparison to their competitors, AT&T has limited coverage, less data, and is more expensive.
Onboard Mobile
Onboard Mobile is a phone plan designed for international students going to the US with plans starting from $20 per month. With every Onboard Mobile plan, you’re connected to the largest 5G network in the US and enjoying premium wireless service with 5G high-speed data (if your device allows it). Onboard Mobile is designed to fit the unique requirements of international students in the US; every plan includes international calling, global connectivity with Wi-Fi calling, and flexible service pausing.
Onboard Mobile delivers your US SIM card internationally to your home country's address, for free! You can activate your plan and get your US number before you leave your home country, and stay connected from the second you land.
Note: Onboard Mobile delivers SIM cards to your home address in India in 2-4 days.
What you should look for in a phone plan:
With a high level of competition, price wars, and endless features, it's important to know what to look for in a phone plan. If you are an international student moving to the US, here is what to keep in mind:
Know how much data you need as a student
100% of university campuses have free campus wifi at every corner. International students often pay a premium for unlimited data plans and then only use 8GB-10GB of data per month. Moving to the US is expensive as it is, don’t pay for data you don’t need.
Keep an eye out for hidden fees!
Many carriers will excite you with one time offers, starter deals, and other perks but make sure to read the fine print to know what hidden fees, taxes, commitments, pausing allowances, and other details you’re signing up for.