Apr 13, 2023
What You Need to Know...
about the best mobile phone plans on the market!
Reading time: 8 minutes
With so many unlimited cell phone plans and providers vying for your money, it’s difficult to tell which will give you the best cell phone plan for your needs. The best cell phone plans from the overpriced wireless companies all clamber, “Pick me!” with promises of low cost, unlimited cell phone plans. But do you really need an unlimited amount of data? PureTalk doesn't think so.
About data and today's cell phone plans
Most of the cheap cell phone plans and the best cell phone plans available today feature unlimited data plans. And the majority of cell phone plans that feature unlimited data all have what’s called as a deprioritization threshold (also known as a data cap).
This cap will temporarily slow data speeds at a certain point and, if you reach it, your activities like web browsing, watching videos on Facebook, etc., might be slower than you’re used to.
But honestly, it takes a lot to reach that cap!
The reality of data and today's best cell phone plans
The standard data deprioritization (data cap) threshold is 23GB, but most people use just 2-5GB per billing cycle. Even if you’re on the high end, at 5GB, that’s 18GB left on the table. The result is that you end up paying a hefty monthly cost for something you aren’t using.
And that’s a waste of your hard-earned money.
Just ask this PureTalk customer
One of PureTalk's new customers that switched to us from Verizon shared their cell phone bill with us. The customer had one of the unlimited data plans and the cell phone bill showed the account holder paying $70 a month for 8GB of data, plus an extra 6.128GB. That’s just over 14GB of data.
Now, on the bill under shared data the account holder had used just 3.7GB – across three devices – in the past month. (There's no way they'd ever hit the data cap!) With 14GB at their disposal that’s a lot of high speed data left unused for a cell phone plan that costs close to $100.
No wonder new customers are excited to switch over to PureTalk's cell phone plans! We offer unlimited talk and text and high speed data for a whole lot less. Because really, how much data do you really need?
The bottom line:
If you’re on a $70 a month plan which gives you up to 23GB of high speed data (remember that's the data cap), this means you’re paying $3.04 per GB of data. And if you’re using just under 4GB a month, you’re paying $57.40 per month for high speed data you’re not using. Ouch.
Are you thinking it's time to become one of PureTalk's new customers? We think so, too!
How to find out how much high speed data you’re really using on unlimited data plans
Check your paper bill
If you receive a paper bill from your cell phone plan provider, the data information is most likely on the second or third page of your invoice. If your cell phone plan provider doesn’t include it, you can call or go online to request a more detailed bill. You can also do the following:
Log into your account from your computer and check the Usage tab.
Download your provider’s app and check the Usage tab.
You can also call your provider from your wireless phone:
AT&T: Dial *3282#
T-Mobile: Dial #web#
Verizon: Dial #DATA
Reasons to love data
High speed data lets you check in on your college student or grandkids via Facetime and Facebook. It lets you send pictures of your dining room redo to your best friend and receive photos of your buddy’s new boat (and fishing poles!) via text messages.
Data allows you tune in to your favorite podcasts, stream your favorite music, and watch as many movies as you like. And of course, it lets you read and respond to email, shop online, and even shop IRL – in real life – by getting you to your destination using Google Maps.
High speed data is the secret sauce that fuels almost everything you love to do
Data is the secret sauce that fuels almost everything you love to do and because it does, you might think you need a lot of it.
Funnily enough, you don’t. (Really. You're never going to hit that data cap.)
Web Browsing:
If you spend a lot of time on the Internet shopping or doing research, reading, checking sports scores, or making travel reservations, it’s quite possible to believe these activities take up a lot of data.
But the fact is that they don’t.
In fact, even if you spent most of your time on photo-heavy websites, which use more data than those with lots of text, you still wouldn’t come close to the 23GB data threshold. And, more importantly, you wouldn’t even come close to going beyond the 2-5GB most people use per billing cycle. So do you really need an unlimited data plan?
Let's break web browsing down:
One hour of web browsing = 60MB of data
60MB of data = 0.06GB
Facebook:
Once again, it’s easy to assume that because you can easily get sucked into Facebook it uses a lot of high speed data. It really doesn’t.
An hour scrolling through posts from your high school friends, neighbors you used to live next door to, far flung family members (or those you wish were far flung!), and community groups, uses about 80MB of high speed data. That’s more than shopping online or doing research, but only because Facebook has so many photos on it.
And an hour on Facebook watching cat videos, clips of Dancing with the Stars, and footage of puppies so cute you could cry, uses just 160MB of high speed data.
That's not a lot of data consumption which tell us that you don't really need the expense of an unlimited data plan.
One hour browsing on Facebook = 80MB of data
80MB of data = 0.08GB
One hour watching videos on Facebook = 160MB
160MB = 0.16GB
FaceTime:
FaceTime is great for dozens of activities. Keeping up with your kids, viewing prospective vacation properties from afar, and staying in touch with family and friends. And, like web browsing, it doesn’t use a lot of high speed data.
One hour FaceTime call = 85MB of data
85MB of data = 0.085GB
Listening to Podcasts:
The typical podcast uses about 1MB of high speed data per minute. So, if you’re listening to a 60-minute show, you’ll use about 60MB of data. That’s so little data, you might as well listen to several episodes in a row!
One hour podcast = 60MB of data
60MB of data = 0.06GB
Let’s tally it up:
60MB for 1-hour of web browsing + 80MB for 1-hour of Facebook browsing + 160MB for 1-hour watching videos on Facebook + 85MB for 1-hour on FaceTime + 60MB to listen to a 1-hour podcast = 445MB or 0.445GB
That’s not even half a gigabyte.
And it’s nowhere near the 1,000MB that equals 1GB.
The best cell phone plan is the one that respects what you really need
There’s a reason most people use only 2-5GB of data per billing cycle. And that’s because you’d have to spend every waking moment, 24-hours a day, seven days a week, online to exceed that amount.
The average consumer doesn’t spend 24-hours, seven days a week online.
That’s why the average consumer doesn’t need a $50, $60, or $70 a month unlimited high speed data cell phone plan. Save money and switch to PureTalk. Ours are among the best cell phone plans of 2023.
Why PureTalk?
We respect our customers
At PureTalk we don’t think you should pay for data you don’t need and aren’t going to use. That’s why we’re proud to offer all our new and existing customers affordable plans starting as low as $25 a month for unlimited talk and text and 2GB of data. You get the service you need and save money, too.
We're flexible
Even better, all our affordable plans are flexible. If you need more data one month, you can simply go into your account portal and add more. When next month rolls around, if you need less data, you can go right back into your portal and reduce it. Simply log onto PureTalk.com and:
click on My Account
select Manage My Data
Make your changes, save them, and log out. It’s that simple.
You get the same 5G network at half the cost
Just as importantly, PureTalk is on the same 5G network – the most reliable network in the country – as the pricey wireless companies. The 5G network provides significantly greater speed and is more flexible, reliable, and secure than any network before it.
What does this mean to you? It means not having to worry about whether or not you’ll miss your favorite podcast – you won’t - or connect with your college student before he or she takes off on spring break – you will.
Save with our family cell phone plans
Speaking of kids, families of four who switch to our mix and match family cell phone plans save $75 a month for an average of $900 a year. That’s a lot of money; money that can certainly go toward better things than your cell phone bill.
We've got great plans for seniors
Did you know that most seniors use less than 2GB of data per month? PureTalk offers the best cell phone plan for seniors that lets you pay only for what you – and they – actually want – and nothing you don’t.
And with PureTalk you get the same great service and blazing fast coverage while saving money each month.
At PureTalk, we don’t think you should pay for data you don’t need and aren’t going to use. Switch today and receive great service and blazing-fast coverage while saving money each month.
Choose from PureTalk’s most popular plans:
$25/month: Unlimited Talk & Text; 4GB Data
$30/month: Unlimited Talk & Text; 6GB Data
Our values align with yours
When you choose PureTalk, you’re choosing to support a company whose values align with your own. You’re choosing to support a company whose CEO is a U.S. veteran and a company that supports our veterans. And you’re also choosing to support American jobs: 100% of our customer service is based right here in the United States.
What Our Customers Are Saying
“First of all. This is a great veteran owned company and a company that loves America. The service was great the staff was wonderful. I wish every company was like this. I think PureTalk is one of the best cell phone providers around.” Vinson Johnson, 5-star review via Trustpilot
We offer a 30-day money back guarantee*
We all know how frustrating it can be to make a big purchase and then realize you made the wrong choice. What a hassle.
If you ordered something online, you need to pack it up and send it back.
If you purchased something from a store like Target, for instance, well you’re most likely stuck with it because nobody makes it back before the refund window closes. Ok, maybe you do. But most mortals don’t. There just isn’t enough time in the day and, honestly, who can remember where they put the receipt?
At PureTalk, we get it. We know that choosing a wireless provider is a big purchase. That’s why we make it easy to change your mind with just a phone call to our customer service team.
Really. In addition to all the things PureTalk offers – great savings, blazing fast data, and freedom from contracts – we give you 30 days to see if we’re the right fit for you.
Switch without breaking a sweat
You have until your next bill date, or until you’ve used 500 minutes or 500 MB of data usage, (whichever comes first), to contact customer service and request a refund. We mean it when we say, “Love our service or your money back.”
Refunds in two simple steps
1.) Call us at 877-820-7873
2.) Cancel your service and request your refund
You can bring your own phone and keep your phone number
Using a device you love? Bring your own phone with you! And keep your phone number too, if you like. PureTalk makes it easy! Of course, if you'd like a new phone, we have a wonderful selection!
What Our Customers Are Saying
“When I called the company, they were so helpful and easy to understand. When I purchased a new phone and needed to activate the eSim, it only took a few minutes. Customer service and tech support were so considerate in assisting this non-techy person.” Brenda Novodvorsky, 5-star review via Trustpilot
Our referral program is unrivaled
Other wireless providers have referral programs, but none come close to PureTalk’s. At PureTalk, when you refer your friends, you reward yourself.
It's all about your unique referral link
When you join PureTalk, you’re given a unique referral link you can share with friends and family. For each friend who signs up through your unique link, you receive a $20 credit applied to your account, and your friend receives a $20 credit applied to their account.
Best of all, there are no limits. You can refer as many friends as you want, and you will get a $20 credit for every single one of them.
Everything you need to know about the PureTalk Customer Referral Program:
1. Each customer has a unique referral link to share with friends. For each friend who signs up through your unique link, you will receive a $20 bill credit applied to your account, and your friend will receive a $20 credit applied to their account.
2. There are no limits to how many friends you can refer with PureTalk's Customer Referral Program. Refer all of your friends and get a $20 credit for every single one of them.
3. Your $20 credit will post to your account after your friend completes their second active month of service.
4. To see which of your friends you have referred to PureTalk, log in to MY ACCOUNT and click the "Referrals" tab at the top of the page. You will see all of your referrals listed in the "Referral Credits" table at the bottom of the page.
5. You can post your referral link anywhere you want. On your social media channels, your blog, in emails, etc. You can grab your unique referral link by logging in to My Account and clicking the Referrals tab. And don't forget to remind your friends that at PureTalk you're welcome to bring your own phone!
6. There are two ways you can earn referral credits. Your friend can use your unique referral link or enter your phone number at checkout when asked if a friend referred him.
Don’t forget: Remind those you are referring to PureTalk to enter your phone number at checkout IF they’ve forgotten to sign up through your referral link.
With the PureTalk referral program you can earn as many credits as you have friends and save even more on the plan of your choice!
What Our Customers Are Saying
“We switched from AT&T and we have not noticed any difference in coverage. We have not needed to contact customer support often. When we do, it’s great that we can quickly talk to a live representative!” Tiffany M. 5-star review via Trustpilot
“Pure Talk may not be for technophiles, but it serves my needs perfectly at a terrific price. What I really love about them is how helpful and delightful their support people are.” Michael R. 5-star review via TrustPilot
“I am so glad I switched to PureTalk. The customer service is fantastic which is so rare these days and I love that you can bring your own phone. But most of all I live in a small apartment and I have my own internet and it didn’t matter where I was in the room, calls dropped constantly. But I have not had any problems since I switched to PureTalk. The cell phone service is excellent.” Jennifer Hersh 5-star review via TrustPilot
We make trading in your cell phone easy
Trading in your cell phone is a great way to save money on the purchase of a new one. And if you’ve had your old phone for two years or so, it’s likely you’ll get twenty-five percent of its value. Considering how expensive new cell phones can be, that’s not a bad chunk of change to be able to put toward a new one. So how do you trade in your old phone?
During the purchase of a new cell phone, you can choose to trade in your current cell phone. Once you create and confirm your trade, PureTalk sends you a shipping kit containing all the necessary materials for the safe transit of your old cell phone to Phobio, our trusted trade-in partner.
Once Phobio receives your cell phone and inspects it, we credit the payment method used when purchasing your new device.
Get all the details about trading in your cell phone here!
Take a moment to review your cell phone plan
Take a moment to review your current cell phone plan. If the cost of your current cell phone plan doesn’t align with how much data you’re actually using, look into a cell phone plan with PureTalk.
Unlike those overpriced major carriers, a PureTalk cell phone plan is based in reality.
And the reality is that you’re highly unlikely to ever use more than 2-5GB of data during a billing cycle and you shouldn’t be paying for data you don’t need, don’t use, and that – along with your money – is simply going to waste. Don’t spend more than you need to on your cell phone plan.
Keep it in your pocket with the right cell phone plan for you from PureTalk.
Get started here.
*Money Back Guarantee Frequently Asked Questions
Is PureTalk’s 30-day Money Back Guarantee for real?
It is. We have great faith in our product and our people to deliver on PureTalk’s promise of excellent cell phone service and customer service. But we understand that sometimes things just don’t work out. So, if you’re not totally satisfied with your PureTalk service within the first 30-days of using it, until you’ve used 500 minutes, or 500 MB of data, (whichever comes first) just call us at 877-820-7873 to cancel your service and request your refund.
If I activate my service today, how long do I have to cancel?
You have until your next bill date, or until you’ve used 500 minutes or 500 MB of data usage, (whichever comes first), to contact customer service and request a refund.
If I call and cancel my service, will I automatically be refunded?
No, when you call and speak with a PureTalk customer service representative to cancel your service you must specifically request your refund in order to begin the process.
Where can I find the date of my next bill?
The date of your next bill is available online in your account portal. Don’t feel like logging in? Simply call 611 for the information.
What if I purchased your service but never activated it?
Not a problem. If a line is never activated, you still have up to 30 days from the date of delivery to request a refund.
How do I get my refund and how long does it take?
Refunds are issued in accordance with your original form of payment so, if you used your credit or debit card, you’ll see the refund as a credit on your statement.
As for timing, refunds are typically processed within just 2 weeks.
Does the Money Back Guarantee apply to the phone I purchased from PureTalk?
No, it does not. Devices are not included in our Money Back Guarantee. You can see our full device policy here.
What if I decide to cancel after 30 days?
Unfortunately, the limit for refund is within the first 30 days of service, or the first 500 minutes of talk, or 500MB of data used, whichever comes first, but we’re confident that it will be long enough to realize PureTalk is perfect for your needs. Once the Money Back Guarantee period ends, no refunds are issued, however you are still able to cancel your service at any time.
Get your money back in two simple steps
1.) Call us at 877-820-7873
2.) Cancel your service and request your refund
Terms & Conditions
Device purchases are not covered under the Money Back Guarantee. Please see full device policy here.
Customer has until their next bill date, or 500 minutes or 500 MB of data (whichever comes first) to contact customer service to request a refund.
Your next bill date is viewable online by logging into the customer portal or by dialing 611 from your PureTalk™ phone.
Customer’s monthly service plan, SIM card, and any applicable taxes are eligible for a refund.
If a line is never activated, customer has up to 30 days from the date of delivery to request a refund.
Refunds will be issued in accordance with the original form of payment.
Please allow up to 2 weeks for refund processing.
PureTalk™ does not charge an early termination fee.
Device purchases are not covered under this policy.
After your Money Back Guarantee trial period ends, no refunds will be issued for any portion of unused monthly service plan.
However, customer will not be billed on their next billing date.
Ready to save on service on America's most dependable network?
Switch to PureTalk today!
Posted 1 year ago