What is the most expensive phone carrier?

Discovering the most expensive phone carrier in 2025-2026 involves a deep dive into plan structures, hidden fees, and the true value offered beyond advertised prices. This guide unpacks the complexities, helping you avoid overspending and find the best fit for your budget and needs.

Understanding Carrier Pricing Models

The mobile carrier landscape in 2025-2026 is a complex web of tiered plans, data allowances, bundled services, and promotional offers. To identify the most expensive carriers, it's crucial to understand the underlying pricing models they employ. These models are designed to cater to a wide spectrum of users, from the budget-conscious to those who demand unlimited everything and premium features.

Tiered Data Plans

This is perhaps the most common pricing structure. Carriers offer several tiers of service, each with a different data cap. As you move up the tiers, you get more data, often accompanied by additional perks like hotspot data, international calling, or premium streaming subscriptions. The highest tiers, naturally, come with the highest price tags. For instance, a plan offering unlimited premium data, 50GB of high-speed hotspot, and international roaming might cost significantly more than a basic plan with a 10GB data limit.

Unlimited Plans: A Closer Look

The term "unlimited" in mobile plans is often a misnomer. While most unlimited plans offer unmetered data, there are usually caveats. These include deprioritization after a certain amount of high-speed data usage (meaning your speeds can slow down during network congestion), limited high-speed hotspot data, and restrictions on video streaming quality. The most expensive unlimited plans typically offer the highest thresholds for premium data, more generous hotspot allowances, and fewer restrictions, making them attractive but costly options.

Family Plans and Multi-Line Discounts

Carriers often incentivize adding multiple lines to a single account. While the per-line cost can decrease with more lines, the overall monthly bill for a family plan can still be substantial, especially if each line is on a premium unlimited tier. The perceived "savings" per line might mask a higher total expenditure compared to individual budget plans.

Bundled Services and Perks

Many premium plans now include bundled services like streaming subscriptions (Netflix, Max, Apple TV+, Disney+), cloud storage, or even international calling/texting packages. While these can offer convenience and perceived value, they also contribute to a higher base price. If you don't utilize these bundled services, you might be paying for features you don't need.

Prepaid vs. Postpaid

Historically, prepaid plans were often associated with lower costs and less flexibility. However, in recent years, many prepaid carriers have introduced more robust plans with unlimited data and features comparable to postpaid offerings. The most expensive carriers are generally found within the traditional postpaid segment, where the infrastructure and premium features come at a higher cost.

The Usual Suspects: Premium Plans and Their Price Tags

When discussing the most expensive phone carriers, we're typically referring to the major national carriers that offer the most comprehensive feature sets and the broadest network coverage. These carriers often have the highest advertised prices for their top-tier unlimited plans. As of 2025-2026, these include:

Verizon

Verizon is frequently cited as one of the pricier options, especially for its premium unlimited plans. Their "Unlimited Ultimate" or similarly named top-tier plans often boast the most generous data allowances, highest hotspot data caps, and include perks like 5G Ultra Wideband access, international roaming, and bundled streaming services. The cost for a single line on such a plan can easily exceed $90-$100 per month before any discounts. For a family of four on these premium plans, the monthly bill can surge past $200-$250, making it a significant expenditure.

AT&T

AT&T's premium unlimited offerings, such as their "Unlimited Premium" or "Unlimited Premium PL" tiers, are also positioned at the higher end of the market. These plans typically offer substantial high-speed data, significant hotspot data, and often include benefits like international features and bundled entertainment. Similar to Verizon, a single line can be in the $85-$95 range, with family plans for four lines pushing into the $200-$240 bracket.

T-Mobile

While T-Mobile has built a reputation for being more competitive on price, its highest-tier unlimited plans, like "Go5G Plus" or "Go5G Next," can still command premium pricing, especially when factoring in all the included perks. These plans often include the most robust 5G data, substantial hotspot data, and a suite of streaming and travel benefits. A single line might range from $80-$90, and a family of four could be looking at $200-$230 per month.

The "Unlimited" Nuance

It's important to reiterate that even these top-tier plans have limitations. For example, "unlimited premium data" might mean a threshold of 50GB or 100GB before potential deprioritization. Hotspot data, while often generous, is usually capped at a lower speed or a specific monthly allowance. These details are crucial when comparing the true cost and value.

MVNOs as a Contrast

In contrast, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that use the networks of these major carriers (like Mint Mobile, Visible, Google Fi, etc.) often offer significantly lower prices for similar or even identical data allowances. This stark difference highlights where the premium pricing lies – often in the direct customer service, exclusive network features, and bundled perks offered by the parent companies.

Factors Contributing to High Carrier Costs

Several underlying factors contribute to why certain phone carriers, and particularly their premium plans, command higher prices. Understanding these elements can help consumers make more informed decisions and appreciate the value proposition (or lack thereof) for their money.

Network Infrastructure and Investment

The most significant factor is the immense cost associated with building, maintaining, and upgrading a robust cellular network. Major carriers invest billions of dollars annually in expanding their 5G coverage, improving signal strength, increasing capacity, and ensuring reliability across vast geographical areas. This includes the purchase of expensive spectrum licenses from the government, the deployment of countless cell towers, and the ongoing operational costs of managing such a complex system. Carriers with the most extensive and advanced networks (often perceived as the most reliable) tend to pass these costs onto consumers through higher plan prices.

Research and Development (R&D)

Continuous innovation is key in the telecommunications industry. Carriers invest heavily in R&D to develop new technologies, improve network efficiency, and create new services. This can range from optimizing 5G performance to exploring future technologies like satellite connectivity or advanced IoT solutions. These R&D expenditures are factored into their overall business costs.

Customer Service and Support

Premium carriers often differentiate themselves through their customer service offerings. This can include 24/7 support, dedicated account managers for business clients, in-store support, and more sophisticated online self-service portals. Maintaining a large and well-trained customer service workforce, along with the technology to support it, adds to operational expenses.

Bundled Perks and Partnerships

As mentioned earlier, many high-cost plans include bundled services like streaming subscriptions, cloud storage, or even device insurance. Carriers negotiate these partnerships with content providers and service companies. While these add value for the consumer, they also represent a cost that the carrier must recoup, either through the plan price or by leveraging the partnership for customer acquisition and retention. The more extensive the bundle, the higher the potential price.

Marketing and Advertising

Major carriers spend enormous amounts on marketing and advertising to attract and retain customers. This includes national television commercials, online advertising campaigns, sponsorships, and promotional offers. These significant marketing budgets are a cost of doing business that is ultimately reflected in the pricing of their services.

Device Financing Programs

While not directly part of the monthly service cost, many consumers finance their new smartphones through their carrier. The interest rates or financing fees associated with these programs, especially for the latest flagship devices, can add to the overall monthly outlay. Carriers often bundle these device payments with service plans, making it harder to discern the true cost of each component.

Regulatory Compliance and Fees

Telecommunications companies operate in a highly regulated environment. They must comply with numerous federal, state, and local regulations, which can involve fees, taxes, and other compliance costs. These are often passed on to the consumer, sometimes disguised as "regulatory recovery fees" or similar line items on a bill.

Analyzing Top Carriers: A 2025-26 Deep Dive

To provide a concrete understanding of what constitutes an expensive phone carrier in 2025-2026, let's break down the typical offerings and pricing structures of the major players. This analysis focuses on their most premium, feature-rich plans, as these are where the highest costs are typically incurred.

Verizon: The Premium Network

Verizon often positions itself as the carrier with the most reliable and extensive 5G network. This network advantage comes at a premium.

Verizon's "Unlimited Ultimate" Plan (Illustrative 2025-26 Pricing)

• Monthly Price (Single Line): $95-$105 (before autopay/paperless billing discounts)
• Monthly Price (4 Lines): $200-$230 (before discounts)
• Premium Data: Unlimited (often with a high threshold, e.g., 100GB, before potential deprioritization)
• Hotspot Data: 50GB of high-speed mobile hotspot
• 5G Access: Full access to 5G Ultra Wideband and Nationwide 5G
• Perks: May include bundled streaming services (e.g., Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle), international calling/texting to select countries, international roaming benefits, and device trade-in offers.
• Potential Additional Costs: Device financing, activation fees, premium feature add-ons.

Verizon's strength lies in its network performance, particularly in areas where its 5G Ultra Wideband is deployed. The cost reflects this perceived network superiority and the inclusion of high-value perks.

AT&T: Balanced Network and Perks

AT&T offers a strong network and a compelling mix of features, often appealing to those who value bundled entertainment and international options.

AT&T's "Unlimited Premium PL" Plan (Illustrative 2025-26 Pricing)

• Monthly Price (Single Line): $85-$95 (before discounts)
• Monthly Price (4 Lines): $190-$220 (before discounts)
• Premium Data: Unlimited (with a high threshold, e.g., 75GB, before potential deprioritization)
• Hotspot Data: 50GB of high-speed mobile hotspot
• 5G Access: Full access to AT&T's 5G network.
• Perks: May include bundled streaming services (e.g., Max), international roaming benefits in select countries, and significant discounts on AT&T Fiber internet.
• Potential Additional Costs: Device financing, activation fees.

AT&T's premium plans are competitive, often offering a slightly lower price point than Verizon for comparable features, while still providing a robust network and valuable bundles.

T-Mobile: The "Un-carrier" with Premium Tiers

T-Mobile, despite its "Un-carrier" branding, has premium plans that rival the cost of its main competitors, especially when factoring in their most advanced features and unlimited data commitments.

T-Mobile's "Go5G Next" Plan (Illustrative 2025-26 Pricing)

• Monthly Price (Single Line): $80-$90 (before discounts)
• Monthly Price (4 Lines): $180-$210 (before discounts)
• Premium Data: Unlimited (often with the highest threshold, e.g., 150GB, before potential deprioritization)
• Hotspot Data: 50GB of high-speed mobile hotspot
• 5G Access: Full access to T-Mobile's 5G network, including Extended Range and Ultra Capacity 5G.
• Perks: May include multiple streaming subscriptions (e.g., Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+), unlimited international texting and data in 215+ countries (though speeds may be limited), and annual phone upgrades.
• Potential Additional Costs: Device financing, activation fees.

T-Mobile's top-tier plans often aim to differentiate through the sheer volume of included perks and the promise of the most advanced 5G experience, which can drive up the price.

Comparison Table: Premium Unlimited Plans (Illustrative 2025-26)

Feature	Verizon Unlimited Ultimate	AT&T Unlimited Premium PL	T-Mobile Go5G Next
Single Line Price (Est.)	$95-$105	$85-$95	$80-$90
4-Line Price (Est.)	$200-$230	$190-$220	$180-$210
Premium Data Threshold (Est.)	100GB	75GB	150GB
High-Speed Hotspot Data	50GB	50GB	50GB
Key Perks	Streaming Bundle, International Roaming	Streaming, AT&T Fiber Discount	Multiple Streaming, Global Data, Annual Upgrades

Note: Prices are estimates for illustrative purposes and may vary based on promotions, location, and specific plan details. Discounts for autopay, paperless billing, and multi-line usage are typically applied.

Beyond the Sticker Price: Hidden Costs and Fees

The advertised monthly price of a phone plan is rarely the final amount you'll pay. Several "hidden" costs and fees can significantly inflate your monthly bill, making it crucial to look beyond the headline figures. Understanding these can help you pinpoint carriers that might appear cheaper initially but end up being more expensive overall.

Activation Fees

Many carriers charge an activation fee when you set up a new line of service or bring a new device to their network. These fees can range from $20 to $40 per line and are often charged on your first bill. While some promotions might waive these fees, they are a common hidden cost.

Device Financing and Installment Plans

As mentioned, financing a new smartphone through your carrier is a major contributor to monthly costs. While these plans often advertise 0% APR, the cost of the device itself is spread over 24, 30, or even 36 months. If you're purchasing a flagship device, this can add $30-$60+ per month to your bill, on top of the service plan. Some carriers may also charge interest on these plans, or the full retail price of the phone is simply divided by the term.

Taxes and Surcharges

This is perhaps the most significant and unavoidable "hidden" cost. Carriers are required to collect various federal, state, and local taxes, surcharges, and regulatory fees. These vary widely by location but can add anywhere from 10% to 30% (or even more in some states) to your base plan price. These are often not included in the advertised prices and are applied at the end of your bill.

Regulatory Recovery Fees

Many carriers impose their own "regulatory recovery fees" or "administrative fees." These are essentially charges the carrier imposes to recoup costs associated with complying with government regulations or managing their network. While they might be labeled as "regulatory," they are often arbitrary fees set by the carrier and are not directly tied to government mandates.

Overages and Data Throttling

While most "unlimited" plans aim to avoid traditional overage charges, they often have thresholds for high-speed data. Once you exceed these limits, your data speeds can be significantly reduced (throttled) for the remainder of the billing cycle, or your data might be deprioritized during times of network congestion. If you consistently need high-speed data beyond the advertised premium allowance, you might find yourself paying for a more expensive plan or incurring additional charges for data boosts.

International Usage Fees

If you travel internationally or make international calls/texts regularly, standard plans often do not cover these services. Add-on packages for international roaming, calling, or texting can be very expensive, significantly increasing your monthly bill. Carriers that include extensive international benefits in their premium plans might justify their higher cost for frequent travelers.

Premium Feature Add-ons

Beyond the core service, carriers offer numerous add-ons: enhanced device protection plans, premium tech support, in-flight Wi-Fi packages, or even higher-tier streaming subscriptions. If you opt for these, they will add to your monthly total.

Example of Hidden Costs (Illustrative)

Let's take a hypothetical single-line "premium unlimited" plan advertised at $90:

• Base Plan Price: $90.00
• Device Financing (Flagship Phone): $45.00
• Taxes & Surcharges (20%): $27.00 (calculated on $90 + $45)
• Regulatory Fee: $5.00
• Total Estimated Monthly Bill: $167.00

This shows how the sticker price can nearly double once all components are considered. Carriers that are more transparent about these fees upfront, or offer plans with fewer add-ons and lower taxes (though the latter is location-dependent), might offer better overall value despite a higher advertised base price.

Value vs. Cost: What Are You Really Paying For?

Understanding the true cost of a phone carrier plan goes beyond simply looking at the monthly price. It's about evaluating the value proposition – what benefits, features, and services you receive in exchange for your money. The most expensive carriers typically justify their price through a combination of factors that aim to provide a superior or more comprehensive experience.

Network Quality and Coverage

For many users, the primary justification for paying a premium is access to the best possible network coverage and speed. Carriers that invest heavily in their infrastructure, particularly in deploying advanced 5G technologies (like mmWave or widespread mid-band 5G), often provide a more consistent and faster experience, especially in densely populated areas or for data-intensive tasks. If you live or work in an area with spotty coverage from other carriers, paying more for a carrier with superior network reach might be a worthwhile trade-off.

Reliability and Uptime

Beyond speed, network reliability is paramount. Expensive carriers often boast higher uptime percentages and fewer dropped calls or data interruptions. For businesses, emergency responders, or individuals who rely heavily on their mobile connection for critical tasks, this level of reliability is invaluable and commands a premium.

Unlimited Data and High-Speed Thresholds

While many plans offer "unlimited" data, the devil is in the details. Premium plans from expensive carriers typically offer higher thresholds for "premium" or "high-speed" data before any potential deprioritization. This means users can consume more data at full speeds without experiencing slowdowns during peak network times. For heavy data users, streamers, or those who frequently use their phone as a hotspot, this higher threshold offers significant value.

Generous Hotspot Data

Mobile hotspot data is a crucial feature for many users who need to connect laptops, tablets, or other devices to the internet on the go. Top-tier plans from expensive carriers often include a substantial amount of high-speed hotspot data (e.g., 50GB or more), which is significantly more than what budget plans offer. This can eliminate the need for a separate mobile broadband solution for some users.

Bundled Services and Perks

As discussed, bundled streaming subscriptions (Netflix, Max, Apple TV+, Disney+, etc.), cloud storage, international calling/texting, and international roaming benefits are common in premium plans. For users who subscribe to these services independently, the bundled offering can represent a significant cost saving and convenience. For example, if a plan includes a $15/month streaming service and a $10/month cloud storage service, and the plan is only $25 more than a comparable plan without these perks, the user is effectively getting them for free.

Customer Service and Support

The quality and accessibility of customer service can be a significant differentiator. Premium carriers often provide more responsive support channels, including 24/7 chat, phone support with shorter wait times, and in-person support at retail stores. For users who value direct assistance and problem resolution, this higher level of service contributes to the overall value.

Device Upgrade Programs

Some premium plans, particularly T-Mobile's "Go5G Next," offer annual device upgrade programs. This allows users to trade in their current phone and get a new one every year, which is appealing to tech enthusiasts who want the latest hardware. While the cost of this feature is built into the plan, it offers flexibility and access to new technology.

Who Benefits Most from Expensive Carriers?

• Heavy Data Users: Individuals who stream a lot of video, download large files, or use their phone for work-related tasks that consume significant data.
• Frequent Travelers: Those who travel internationally and need robust roaming, calling, and texting capabilities included in their plan.
• Hotspot Users: Individuals who regularly use their phone as a hotspot for other devices, requiring a generous high-speed data allowance.
• Perk Enthusiasts: Users who will fully utilize the bundled streaming services, cloud storage, or other lifestyle perks offered with premium plans.
• Network Connoisseurs: Those who prioritize the absolute best network coverage and reliability in their specific areas, even if it means paying a premium.
• Those Seeking Simplicity: Users who prefer a single bill for all their mobile needs, including device financing and various services, rather than managing multiple subscriptions.

Strategies to Avoid Overpaying for Your Phone Service

The good news is that you don't always need to pay top dollar for reliable mobile service. By employing smart strategies, you can significantly reduce your monthly phone bill without sacrificing essential features or quality.

1. Assess Your Actual Usage

This is the most critical step. How much data do you *really* use each month? How often do you make international calls? Do you actually use the mobile hotspot feature, and if so, for how much data? Many users are overpaying for unlimited plans when a more modest data tier would suffice.

Actionable Steps:

• Check your current carrier's app or website for your past 3-6 months of data, talk, and text usage.
• Analyze your hotspot usage. If it's minimal, you might not need a plan with a large hotspot allowance.
• Consider your international usage. If it's infrequent, pay-as-you-go international add-ons might be cheaper than a plan with included international features.

2. Explore MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators)

MVNOs lease network capacity from the major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) but operate independently. This allows them to offer significantly lower prices. Examples include Mint Mobile (T-Mobile network), Visible (Verizon network), Google Fi (T-Mobile and US Cellular networks), and Cricket Wireless (AT&T network).

Benefits of MVNOs:

• Lower Prices: Often 30-50% cheaper than the major carriers for similar data plans.
• Simpler Plans: Typically offer fewer tiers and fewer complex perks, making them easier to understand.
• Good Value: Many offer unlimited data plans at prices that major carriers reserve for limited data plans.

Considerations:

• Customer Service: May be primarily online or phone-based, with fewer retail locations.
• Network Deprioritization: MVNO customers are often the first to be deprioritized during network congestion, meaning speeds might be slower than on the parent network.
• Limited Perks: Usually do not include bundled streaming services or advanced device upgrade programs.

3. Look for Discounts

Many carriers offer discounts that can substantially reduce your bill.

Common Discounts:

• Autopay and Paperless Billing: Most carriers offer a $5-$10 per line discount for setting up automatic payments.
• Military/Veteran Discounts: Available from most major carriers for eligible individuals.
• First Responder/Teacher Discounts: Some carriers offer specific discounts for these professions.
• Employer Discounts: Check if your employer has a partnership with a mobile carrier.
• Bundling Services: If you have home internet or TV with a carrier, bundling your mobile service might offer savings.

4. Buy Unlocked Phones and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Carriers often mark up the price of phones sold on installment plans, and their financing terms can lock you into their network. Purchasing an unlocked phone directly from the manufacturer (Apple, Samsung, Google) or a reputable retailer can be cheaper in the long run.

Benefits of BYOD:

• Freedom to Switch: You are not tied to a carrier for device payments.
• Potentially Lower Cost: Unlocked phones can sometimes be found on sale, and you avoid carrier financing markups.
• Access to MVNOs: Most MVNOs are BYOD-friendly.

5. Negotiate with Your Current Carrier

If you're considering switching due to cost, call your current carrier and express your intent. They may offer retention deals, discounts, or plan upgrades to keep your business. Be polite but firm about your budget constraints.

6. Consider Prepaid Plans Strategically

While often seen as basic, many prepaid carriers now offer excellent unlimited plans with features comparable to postpaid plans, but at a lower cost. Some prepaid plans also offer international features. Research prepaid brands that operate on the networks you trust.

7. Evaluate Bundled Perks Carefully

If a premium plan includes streaming services or other perks, honestly assess if you will use them. If you already subscribe to these services or don't need them, the "value" of the bundle is lost, and you're essentially paying extra for features you won't use.

The Future of Mobile Pricing

The mobile carrier industry is in constant evolution, driven by technological advancements, market competition, and changing consumer demands. Several trends are shaping the future of mobile pricing, and understanding these can help consumers anticipate shifts and make informed decisions in the coming years.

Increased Competition from MVNOs and New Entrants

The MVNO model has proven highly successful in offering competitive pricing. We can expect to see continued growth and innovation from MVNOs, potentially pushing major carriers to be more competitive on their base plan prices. New entrants, perhaps from tech giants or satellite providers, could also disrupt the market, introducing new pricing models and service offerings.

Focus on 5G and Advanced Connectivity

As 5G networks mature and become more widespread, carriers will continue to invest heavily in this infrastructure. Pricing models may evolve to reflect the enhanced capabilities of 5G, such as lower latency for gaming, higher bandwidth for AR/VR experiences, and the potential for network slicing to offer customized service tiers for specific applications. We might see plans that are more granularly priced based on the level of 5G access or specific network capabilities.

Greater Emphasis on Value-Added Services

The trend of bundling services is likely to continue and expand. Carriers may integrate more lifestyle services, smart home solutions, cybersecurity packages, or even financial services into their plans. The challenge for consumers will be to discern genuine value from bundled extras that inflate the price without adding proportional benefit.

Personalized and Dynamic Pricing

Leveraging data analytics and AI, carriers might move towards more personalized pricing models. This could involve offering customized plans based on individual usage patterns, demographic data, or even real-time network conditions. While this could lead to more tailored and potentially cheaper plans for some, it also raises privacy concerns and the potential for discriminatory pricing.

The Role of Satellite Connectivity

With the advent of satellite-to-device communication, we may see a future where basic connectivity is available virtually everywhere. This could lead to new pricing structures that incorporate satellite services, potentially for emergency communications or basic messaging in remote areas, perhaps as an add-on or included in premium plans.

Transparency and Simplicity Demands

Consumer frustration with complex plans, hidden fees, and confusing "unlimited" data policies is growing. This pressure, combined with regulatory scrutiny, could lead to a push for greater transparency in pricing. We might see more standardized plan structures and clearer communication about data thresholds, throttling, and fees.

Potential for Flat-Rate or Usage-Based Models

While unlimited plans dominate, there's always a possibility of a resurgence in more traditional usage-based billing or simplified flat-rate plans, especially if carriers find ways to manage network capacity more effectively. However, the consumer demand for predictability in billing makes purely usage-based models less likely for mainstream plans.

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

As environmental and social consciousness grows, carriers might face pressure to incorporate sustainability into their pricing models, perhaps offering discounts for eco-friendly device choices or energy-efficient network usage. Ethical considerations around data privacy and fair pricing will also continue to shape the industry.

Ultimately, the future of mobile pricing will likely be a balancing act between technological advancement, intense competition, and the ever-present consumer demand for value, simplicity, and transparency. Staying informed about these trends will be key to navigating the evolving landscape and ensuring you're getting the best possible service for your money.

Conclusion

Identifying the most expensive phone carrier in 2025-2026 hinges on understanding the premium tier offerings of major national providers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. These carriers command higher prices primarily due to substantial investments in network infrastructure, research and development, bundled perks, and extensive marketing. Their top-tier unlimited plans, while offering generous data, robust hotspot capabilities, and valuable add-ons, can easily cost upwards of $90-$100 for a single line and over $200-$250 for a family of four. However, the sticker price is often just the beginning; hidden costs such as activation fees, taxes, surcharges, and device financing can significantly inflate the final monthly bill.

The true value of these expensive plans lies in network reliability, extensive coverage, high-speed data thresholds, and bundled services that may offset individual subscription costs. Yet, for many consumers, the same essential mobile service can be obtained at a fraction of the cost by exploring MVNOs, leveraging discounts, bringing your own device, and carefully assessing actual usage needs. By prioritizing transparency and actively seeking out cost-effective alternatives, you can ensure you're not overpaying for mobile service in 2025-2026.