AT&T Cell Phone Plans: Which One Is Right for You?

Adam Fendelman is a syndicated technology writer and senior web designer whose focus was on web analytics and web design among other things.

AT&T cell phone plans fall into a few different categories. With the new Unlimited Your Way program, you can choose different plans for each family member. Whether you’re new to AT&T or want to switch smartphone plans, here are your currently available options.

The AT&T Mobile Share Plus plan is no longer available to new customers. If you currently have this plan, you can upgrade to an Unlimited plan.

A Phone Plan for Everyone: AT&T Unlimited Starter

• Unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
• Unlimited texting from the U.S. to 120 countries.
• Includes 5G access.

• Standard-definition streaming.
• Throttles speeds when network is busy.
• Limited mobile security features (spam call blocking).

AT&T's basic plan is pretty comprehensive. It offers unlimited calls, texts, and internet access anywhere in North America. While 5G is supported, connection speeds largely depend on how busy the network is, and video streaming is only in standard-definition. If you watch movies or play a lot of online games while on the go, you'll probably want a more robust plan.

Mobile Hotspots and Premium Data: AT&T Unlimited Extra

• 50GB of premium data.
• 15GB hotspot data per line.
• Advanced security features (spam call blocking, safe browsing, identity monitoring).

• Standard-definition streaming.
• Throttles speeds after 50GB when network is busy.

The Unlimited Extra plan includes everything in the Starter plan in addition to 50GB of premium data, which means you get near-instant access to the web until you reach your data cap. With the Extra plan, you can also use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot and share internet access with other devices. The only downside is the lack of support for HD streaming.

HD Streaming and More: AT&T Unlimited Elite

• No throttling based on data use.
• 40GB hotspot data per line.
• Advanced security features (spam call blocking, safe browsing, identity monitoring).
• 4K HD streaming.
• HBO (formerly HBO Max) included.

• The price might not be worth it if you don't use all of the features.

Unlimited Elite is the wireless provider's most complete plan. It features everything in the other plans, including the option to launch a personal hotspot. Not only does it support 4K Ultra HD video streaming, but it comes with a subscription to Max. Best of all, your connection never slows based on how much data you use. AT&T also has a Signature Program for businesses, which offers employees discounts up to $10 per month on each line, so check with your work to see if you qualify.

Pay for What You Need: AT&T Prepaid Plans

• Data rollover for the 1 GB and 8 GB plans.
• Unlimited texting to more than 100 countries in all prepaid plans.

• Throttles speeds after you reach your data allowance.
• On unlimited plans, may throttle data speeds to 1.5 Mbps of SD quality.
• The 1 GB plan talk, text, and data charges to and in Mexico and Canada are per-use.

If you don't want to be tied to a monthly plan or aren't sure you'll use everything included in a plan, consider a prepaid phone plan instead. AT&T offers multiple prepaid options, including plans available through national retail outlets. These plans are ideal if you know exactly what you need, or if your needs change on a regular basis.

Call Anywhere in the World: AT&T International Plans

• Unlimited calling from the U.S. to landlines in 70 countries.
• Unlimited calling to wireless numbers in 36 countries.
• Discounted calling to 155 countries.

• Rates vary by country.
• Throttles speeds when network is busy.

AT&T international plans allow customers to call almost anywhere in the world. The World Connect Advantage plan is by far the most comprehensive. Rates differ depending on which country you want to call, so read the fine print carefully. AT&T also offers short-term international plans that allow you to use your current phone while abroad.

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