by George Heymann
techeadlines@gmail.com
I started researching cell phone options for seniors after Arthur, my 81-year-old father-in-law, mentioned that he might be interested in buying his first cellular phone. Several other friends and co-workers mentioned that they too were looking to purchase a cell-phone for a senior in their lives, that prompted me to write this story.
Arthur is active, in good health and enjoys working in his yard. He wanted a mobile phone so that he could be reached when out of the house.
His phone requirements are very basic — the phone has to be easy to use, LOUD, and with an easy-to-read screen. At first, I though that list would be easy to fill but with the proliferation of touch-screen feature and smartphones, the selection of basic phones with big buttons may be more limited than you think.
After doing some checking, all the major carriers have some phones that fit this criteria in several styles, including flip-phone and candybar. For example, on AT&T there is the F160; Sprint the M360 by Samsung; T-Mobile the LG-GS170; and on Verizon, the LG Accolade. You can use the examples as starting points in your search.
Once you decide on a phone, the other side of the equation that factors in with every phone purchase is the cellular service that goes with it. The phone prices will vary depending on the cellular plan you choose. If you sign a 2-year contract, the subsidized phone may be free. You have to decide if you want to commit to a contract or would rather pay for full price for the phone up front and go no-contract.
Another example of a senior friendly phone looking for the basics, big buttons, easy to read screen.
If you sign up for a contract and want to cancel your agreement early, you could be subject to an early termination penalty as high $300 — depending on the carrier and phone purchased. Make sure and ask before signing up for service with the carrier of your choice. These cost are usually explained at the time you sign up for service.
At the time of this writing, here are the cheapest minute plans on contract available from each carrier.
- AT&T Senior plan (65 and older): $29.99 for 200 minutes (Text and Data Extra)
- Sprint Talk: $29.99 for 200 minutes (Text and Data Extra)
- T-Mobile Even more Talk : $39.99 for 500 minutes (Text and Data Extra)
- Verizon 65 plus (65 and older): $29.99 for 200 minutes (Text and Data Extra)
There are several other non-contract options for your consideration: Prepaid plans and flat-rate per day plans. Prepaid minutes can cost as little as 10 cents per minute to as high as 45 cents per minute, depending on the blocks of minutes purchased. Once you start using a block of prepaid minutes, they have to be used within a given period of time (usually 30 days). If you don’t use many minutes, this may be a good option as there is no monthly fee — only the cost of the minutes purchased.
Another option is a flat-rate per-day plan. This plan, usually around $2 a day, is charged only on days the phone is used to make or receive a voice call (including a call to voice mailbox), used to instant message or send a text or picture/video/sound message. This plan includes unlimited daily talk and text.
Again, if the phone is only used sporadically, it may be a good option.
If you are on a family plan and don’t use all of your minutes, you may want to consider adding another line to your service (usually $10 per line plus activation) and sharing your pool of minutes with your parent or other family member.
I recently spoke to AARP Colorado Communications Director Angela Cortez who had some additional suggestions. “Consumer Cellular has cell plans starting at $10 per month. Benefits include no contracts or early termination fees, monthly billing, and a risk-free satisfaction guarantee. AARP members save 5% on monthly service and usage charges and 30% on select accessories. Terms and conditions apply.” You can contact Consumer Cellular at 1-888-429-7449 or on their website http://www.consumercellular.com/aarp .
The AARP also has a list of savvy tips for seniors called “Shopping for Cell Phones” online that is worth checking out.
I hope this helps you in selecting a phone and a plan that works for you or your family member. In each case, you will have to evaluate how you intend to use your phone; how many minutes you intend to use per day/month and decide which phone and plan offers the best value for your usage case.
