Bills & subscriptions · Savings guide
How to Lower Your Phone and Internet Bills
Phone and internet plans are often bought once and never reviewed. Matching the plan to what you actually use, and asking your provider for a better rate, is where the savings usually are.
Reviewed · 1 official source
Know what you use
- Check your data use for the last few months in your account or phone settings. Many people pay for more than they use.
- Check your internet speed tier against what your household really needs.
- Look at the bill for extras: device insurance, add-ons, equipment rental fees.
Compare and ask
- Compare your current plan with your provider's newer plans, prepaid plans and other providers' plans in your area.
- Some carriers offer plans for customers 55 and over, or for families on one account. Compare them with standard plans.
- Call and ask for a better rate, especially when a promotional price ends. Ask what plans they offer to keep you as a customer.
- Buying your own modem or router can remove a monthly rental fee; check it is compatible first.
Lifeline: help for eligible households
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. The FCC's Lifeline page explains who qualifies and how to apply through the official National Verifier.
Official sources
Terms and amounts change. Check the current details here.