17 Pros And Cons Of Spectrum Mobile

Spectrum is a telecommunications corporation that is well known for being an internet and cable television provider. In recent years, the company has started to branch out into new areas by offering mobile phone service to its current customers.

Choosing Spectrum Mobile over other carriers comes with a host of fantastic benefits for customers. For example, you get huge savings of up to 60% with the platform’s unlimited, unlimited plus, and pay-by-the-gig options.

Additionally, users get unlimited talk and text, as well as access to a free and reliable network of Wi-Fi hotspots across the country.

However, like most other providers, Spectrum Mobile comes with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks.

Read the rest of this article to learn the pros and cons of this mobile phone service provider so you can know if this network is right for you.

Pros of Spectrum Mobile

We’ll start with Spectrum Mobile’s most prominent pros to give you a good idea of what you can expect when you sign up with this provider.

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1. Reliable and Easy to Use

Spectrum Mobile is a well-established internet provider that serves over 25 million people in various states across the US.

The company is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), which means it relies on using the infrastructure and other elements from Verizon to sell and deliver its service to end-users.

Getting set up with Spectrum Mobile is quick and easy. You can get your plan in one of three ways:

• Call: Spectrum Mobile offers 24/7 customer support. Simply call them and a qualified agent will assist you with your internet or mobile service any time of day or night. You can also download the app to manage your account from anywhere.
• Click Online: You can do everything you need to do online. From signing up to troubleshooting issues, upgrading services, and more. You can also browse different plans to get deals and upgrades from the comfort of your home.
• Visit Your Local Store: You can visit your local Spectrum store to find new products, get upgrades, and learn more about the company’s services. You can also pick up equipment, make payments, and get any help you need with your internet or mobile services.

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2. Extensive Network Coverage

As previously mentioned, Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon’s towers. Verizon is one of the leading wireless network operators in the US, which means you are assured of getting the same high-quality service Verizon offers to its own customers.

You get unlimited access to Verizon’s massive network of LTE towers located across the country, and you get great network coverage even in remote or rural areas.

The network coverage map below shows the 5G nationwide coverage, 4G LTE, and the relatively few areas in white that have no Spectrum Mobile coverage.

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Additionally, you can connect to Spectrum’s Wi-Fi hotspots which allows you to reduce your monthly data usage. Whenever you are within range of a spectrum Wi-Fi hotspot, your connection is transferred automatically and you instantly stop tapping your data allotment while simultaneously experiencing faster speeds.

3. Fast Service

Spectrum Mobile delivers fast speeds to rival many of its competitors, such as Comcast, Cricket Wireless, and AT&T. Plus, with Spectrum Mobile’s out-of-home Wi-Fi, you can stream, share, and surf more while saving data every month.

All Spectrum Mobile plans give you access to nationwide 5G coverage. Note that restrictions may apply, so make sure to check the terms and conditions before use.

The company has millions of Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, which makes it easy to get fast service no matter where you are.

This is indeed one of the most exciting benefits of using Spectrum Mobile. It comes in handy for those on the pay-by-the-gig plan as it allows you to stay connected to Wi-Fi while saving your own mobile data.

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4. Affordable Unlimited Data Plans

Spectrum Mobile offers the cheapest unlimited data plan available on the Verizon network. You can get the unlimited monthly data plan for $29.99/month per line.

This gives you unlimited talk, text, and data. You can surf and stream to your heart’s content without additional mobile hotspot fees.

You get 5G access at no additional fee. You can use up to 20GB initially but it’s important to note that if you exceed your high-speed threshold limit per line, then you will experience reduced speeds. On the Unlimited Plus plan, you’ll get reduced speeds after 30GB of usage per line.

The good news is that there is an add-on for usage over the limit. This costs $10/GB and will instantly return your speed to prior LTE levels.

All in all, this is an affordable service, and you stand to save up to 60% on your phone bill each month by switching to Spectrum Mobile, as shown by this Savings Calculator.

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5. Flexible By-the-Gig Plans

The Spectrum Pay-by-the-Gig plan is a great option for anyone who wants to stay connected without exceeding their budget.

It allows you to pay only for what you need, gig by gig. Competitively priced at $14/gig/month, this plan is the ideal solution for you if you mostly use wifi and less than 3 GB of cellular data each month.

You can share data with up to 10 lines and get access to 5G at no extra charge. You can also mix and match or upgrade your plans at any time. For instance, if you need more data, you can instantly switch to one of the unlimited plans.

Save data by using Wi-Fi at home or one of Spectrum’s out-of-home wifi spots sprinkled all over the country. Users on this plan can get alerts and easily view usage via the My Spectrum App.

6. Spectrum One Offer

Spectrum One is the latest offer from the company which gives you a free unlimited mobile line with fast internet and free advanced Wi-Fi for one year.

You also get a speed boost for the fastest mobile device connection on Spectrum Advanced Wi-Fi.

This offer is available for just $49.99/month for 12 months (discounted from the regular price of $84.98/month). With it, you’ll be able to save over $400 without sacrificing internet speed.

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7. Affordable Family Plans

Spectrum Mobile offers flexible and affordable plans for families. You can mix and match different data plans to suit each individual’s needs. The more lines you add, the more savings you enjoy.

On your account, you can share “by the gig” data with up to 10 members of your family or friends. If someone requires more data, you can easily switch them to the Unlimited plan. This gives you more freedom to cater to individual needs while saving money each month.

8. Free International Texting

Spectrum Mobile offers free international texting within the US. You also get roaming in 200+ countries worldwide at competitive rates for the talk, text, and data you use abroad. This means you won’t have to get a separate plan for international calls.

International data activation is easy and you only pay for what you use. This is a handy plan for anyone who regularly travels abroad.

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9. Wide Range of Devices and Accessories

Spectrum Mobile offers a wide range of devices, including phones, tablets, and smartwatches. On the website, you can shop for the newest phones and get awesome deals on leading brands such as Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola.

Some of the devices currently on offer include:

Smartphones (for 36 months, 0% APR):

• iPhone 14 for $23.05
• iPhone 14 Pro Max for $30.55
• Motorola Edge+ for $18.05
• Galaxy S23 Ultra for $33.33
• Pixel 7 Pro for $11.11
• Galaxy S23 for $22.22
• Galaxy Z Flip4 for $27.77
• Galaxy Z Fold4 for $49.99
• iPhone 14 Plus for $25.83

Tablets (for 36 months, 0% APR):

• iPad Pro 12.9-in. for $36.11
• iPad Pro 11-in. for $27.77
• iPad for $16.66
• Galaxy Tab S8 for $30.55
• iPad Air for $20.83
• iPad (9th Gen) for $12.77
• Galaxy Tab A7 Lite for $5.55
• iPad Mini for $18.05

Smartwatches (for 36 months, 0% APR):

• Watch Ultra (49mm) for $22.22
• Watch Series 8 (45mm) for $14.72
• Watch SE (44mm) for $9.16
• Watch SE 1st Gen (44mm) for $8.61
• Watch Series 8 (41mm) for $13.88

You can get three months of free smartwatch access with no activation fees by simply adding a line to your current Spectrum Mobile plan.

Choose any of these phones and a tablet or smartwatch to complement your device. Alternatively, you can bring your own device and get a free sim card and massive deals on unlimited data plans (more on that below.)

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10. Convenient BYOD Option

As a new Spectrum Mobile customer, you can bring your own devices and keep your old numbers. The company makes it easy for you to switch from other mobile phone carriers provided your device is compatible with Spectrum’s mobile network.

Important Note: If bringing your own device, you’ll have to check device compatibility before making the switch.

You do this by using the Spectrum Mobile IMEI Check to run the latest operating system software. This ensures your device is up to date prior to starting the BYOD process. All of this can be done by following simple prompts on the website’s Mobile BYOD Eligibility Check page.

Once that is done, simply insert the new Spectrum SIM card into your mobile phone or tablet, or activate your e-SIM, and upon successful setup, you’re ready to start enjoying unlimited talk time, texting, and data usage.

11. No Contract Required

Spectrum Mobile offers month-to-month plans, which means there is no requirement to enter into a contract, and you can make changes to your plan anytime you want.

You can get huge savings on unlimited data plans for every line. Access 5G at no additional cost and pay a single, affordable sum for each line with no hidden fees or taxes. With Spectrum Mobile, the more lines you have, the more savings you get.

However, the company also has a 24-month plan that does require a credit check. But, if you bring your phone and get a BYOP SIM card, then you can purchase a device without having to undergo a credit check.

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Cons of Spectrum Mobile

It’s clear to see that Spectrum Mobile has a ton of benefits to offer. However, the company also comes with a few drawbacks, some of which I have listed below.

1. Requires Spectrum Internet

In order to use Spectrum Mobile, you must already be a Spectrum customer. This means that you must have Spectrum Internet already activated, otherwise, you can’t leverage the mobile office.

Spectrum internet plans cost $49.99/month. Once you subscribe, you must then set up AutoPay for your mobile account. This is obviously a huge hurdle for users who want to sign up for the mobile plan without having it tied up with their home internet plan.

2. Limited Mobile Plan Options

Unlike many of its competitors, Spectrum Mobile only offers two plans for its mobile service. You can choose between the pay-per-gig option or the unlimited plan for $29.99/month (with an option to upgrade to the unlimited plus plan).

Other mobile service providers like AT&T or T-Mobile have more options for unlimited data plans which makes it easier to find a plan that suits your individual usage needs.

Even MVNO providers such as Mint Mobile have a larger selection of mid-tier data plans. If one of the two plans offered by Spectrum Mobile suits your needs, then great. Otherwise, you may have to look elsewhere if you require more options for you and your family.

3. Service Not Available in All Areas

Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon’s network. However, while Verizon’s coverage is massive, not all areas in the United States are covered. In essence, Verizon covers about 70% of the country, which means you have to check out the platform’s widest coverage map to see where you will get Spectrum Mobile service.

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4. Variable Wireless Internet Speeds

Although Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon, one of the best mobile networks in the country, this doesn’t guarantee that you always have access to the fastest speeds.

One of the possible reasons for this is that as an MVNO, Spectrum Mobile leases Verizon’s towers, which means that your data speeds might get throttled during peak usage times.

Keep in mind that Verizon has its own customers, and the mobile service provider can hardly be expected to choose Spectrum’s customers over its own at such times. Therefore, you can expect your speeds to slow down when there’s high usage.

Spectrum Mobile also throttles your speed once you’ve used up your monthly high-speed data.

5. Lack of Additional Perks

Spectrum Mobile, like most other MVNOs, doesn’t offer a lot of perks. Most bigger carriers, on the other hand, offer amenities like streaming service subscriptions.

With Spectrum Mobile, you get basic plans with just the essentials: talk, text, and web. Yes, you also get a few goodies, such as international calling and messaging, nationwide Spectrum Wi-Fi hotspots, and so on, this is a relatively paltry offering compared to what you get with larger carriers.

6. Credit Check Required

If you want to purchase a phone from Spectrum, you will have to use one of the company’s monthly device payment plans. This requires a credit check to be performed before you can be eligible for the account.

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Conclusion

As a quick recap, Spectrum Mobile is an MVNO that is built around value-friendly plans to help you save money. You get excellent coverage, unlimited data plans, and affordable gig-by-gig plans. This is a great option to choose if you want to bundle your internet and mobile phone service.

However, you must also keep in mind the few drawbacks of Spectrum Mobile, such as the requirement for Spectrum Internet, limited mobile plan options, and variable internet speed.

That’s it for the pros and cons of Spectrum Mobile. Use this information to help you make the right choice as to whether this is the best mobile network for you.