U.S. Cellular customers think it’s the best — the carrier has won readers’ choice accolades as the top cell phone provider in several of the cities in which it operates.
The regional provider offers three data plans with nationwide coverage. But you need to live in a U.S. Cellular licensed market to get service with the carrier.
AT A Glance
- Plans start at $55 for 2GB
- Notables: Strong network in home area, but data is slowed when roaming
U.S. Cellular cell phone plans
U.S. Cellular has simplified its plan structure with the launch of its new Total Plans. These plans include unlimited minutes and text messages, plus a bank of high-speed data. There are no separate device connection fees, so you pay the advertised price, plus taxes, fees and add-ons like insurance.
- 2GB: $55
- 6GB: $60
- Unlimited: $70
You can save $10 per month per account if you opt for automatic payments and paperless billing.
» COMPARE: Best unlimited data plans
U.S. Cellular family plans
U.S. Cellular allows up to 10 lines on one account, but they don’t share data. Instead, you pick the amount of data you want for each line — 2GB, 6GB or unlimited — and get a discount for the additional lines.
U.S. Cellular prepaid plans
U.S. Cellular has four options under its prepaid cell phone plan umbrella. You can learn more about them here.
U.S. Cellular unlimited data plan: How it compares on price
The pricing below doesn’t include taxes, fees or autopay discounts.
Monthly price comparison 1 line 2 lines 3 lines 4 lines
*Restricted LTE data download speeds.
T-Mobile $75 $130 $155 $180
Sprint $65 $110 $145 $180
AT&T* $65 $125 $145 $165
Verizon $80 $140 $165 $180
U.S. Cellular $70 $125 $170 $210
Boost $50 $80 $110 $140
MetroPCS $50 $80 $90 $100
Cricket* $55 $100 $135 $170
Kelsey Sheehy is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: ksheehy@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @KelseyLSheehy.
Updated November 8, 2017.
