15 guides
Phone and internet bill guides
Plain-English guides to paying less for phone and internet. Plans and prices change often. We don't earn commissions from any carrier or provider.
Cell phone plans
Data, prepaid, family plans and buying a phone.
- How much data do you really use?
Check before you pay for unlimited.
- Prepaid plans
Often the same networks, for less.
- Family and shared plans
Cheaper per line, if everyone fits.
- Buying a phone
Unlocked, refurbished or financed?
Home internet
Speed, equipment, promo prices and bundles.
- The internet speed you need
Most homes need less than they pay for.
- Own your modem and router
Rental fees add up.
- When a promotional price ends
Mark the date. Call before it ends.
- Bundles: deal or not?
Price each service separately.
Help and programs
Lifeline, low-income plans and free Wi-Fi.
- Lifeline
A federal discount on phone or internet.
- Low-income internet plans
Many providers offer one.
- Free Wi-Fi and library hotspots
Connectivity without a big bill.
Bills and traps
Fees, cramming, SIM swaps and early termination.
- Read your phone bill
Fees, surcharges and taxes.
- Cramming: charges you didn't order
Small charges that add up.
- SIM swap and port-out scams
Protect your number.
- Early termination and device balances
Know what you owe before you switch.