Switching away from a trusted cell phone service provider can be intimidating, even if you know you’re overpaying for unused features. Fortunately, AT&T’s new Build-A-Plan introduces an option to pay for only what you need without giving up access to a major provider.
Here are the highlights:
Choose how much data and mobile hotspot you need.
The base plan starts at $15/month for unlimited calling, texting and 1GB of high-speed data; this makes it the cheapest prepaid plan available directly from a major provider!
You can upgrade or downgrade your plan as needed each month.
It’s currently only available for one line.
You’ll need to bring an unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone with you when you sign up.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at AT&T’s newest plan option. I’ll include:
Data options and pricing
Who’s eligible
How it compares to other prepaid plans
Data Options and Pricing
Source: AT&T
As you can see, the base plan costs $15/month, and it includes unlimited talk, text and 1GB of data. You can add more data per month, as well as optional mobile hotspot data, for an additional charge. Plus, you can change your plan at any time, and those changes will take effect the next billing cycle.
“By giving our customers the freedom to tailor their wireless service month to month, we are giving them an affordable way to connect to America’s largest wireless network and still control their budget,” said Jenifer Robertson, executive vice president and general manager, AT&T Consumer. “It’s a win-win.”
AT&T’s Build-A-Plan offers 13 unique combinations to create the perfect plan. Here are all of the combinations you can choose from, along with the regular monthly rate:
No Hotspot5GB Hotspot25GB Hotspot50GB Hotspot
1GB High-Speed Data$15—
5GB High-Speed Data$20$25–
15GB High-Speed Data$25$30–
Unlimited (SD)$35$40$50$55
Unlimited (HD)$50$55$65$70
Mobile hotspot is additional high-speed data that’s set aside to share. However, it requires an equal or greater amount of wireless data. For example, you can’t pair 5GB of data with 25GB of mobile hotspot.
Once you’ve used your monthly amount of high-speed data, you’ll have unlimited access to throttled data (128Kbps). If you need more high-speed data before your next billing cycle, you can add 5GB (good for 5 days) for $8 at any time.
If you find that you’re consistently using more or less data than you have, you can change your plan at any time. Any changes will take effect in the following billing cycle.
Finally, know that taxes & fees aren’t included in the plan price, and speeds may slow when the network is busy. To learn more about AT&T’s new Build-A-Plan, visit the company’s website.
Who’s Eligible for Build-A-Plan?
New and existing AT&T customers are eligible to switch to Build-A-Plan.
Currently, AT&T’s Build-A-Plan is only available for one line. However, if you already have an AT&T Wireless account, you can add Build-A-Plan for a new line. If you have a family member who doesn’t need unlimited data or phone upgrades, for example, this could be an excellent way to save.
To create a Build-A-Plan line, you will need to bring your own phone. Your phone must be:
Paid off
Unlocked
eSIM-compatible
You can check your phone’s compatibility on AT&T’s website by clicking “Get Started.” Once you select the data and mobile hotspot amount, you can enter your phone’s IMEI number to verify its compatibility.
You can keep your own phone number when you switch to AT&T’s Build-A-Plan, or you can get a new one during checkout.
How Does AT&T’s Build-A-Plan Compare?
Compared to AT&T’s postpaid plans, which start at $50/month for one line, you’ll find excellent prices with Build-A-Plan. In fact, at $15/month for the base plan, AT&T offers the cheapest prepaid plan directly from a major carrier.
Compared to Other Major Carrier Prepaid Plans
Verizon Prepaid (Team Clark’s Review): Single-line plans start at $35/month (with autopay) for 15GB of high-speed data. Unlike AT&T’s Build-A-Plan, Verizon Prepaid includes international texting as well as talk, text and roaming in Mexico & Canada. However, if you don’t need these features, you can now get the same amount of high-speed data from AT&T for $25/month.
T-Mobile Prepaid (Team Clark’s Review): Starter Monthly costs $40/month (with autopay) for one line, and it includes 15GB of premium data that can be shared via mobile hotspot. Alternatively, AT&T’s Build-A-Plan offers 15GB of data and 5GB of mobile hotspot for $30 or unlimited high-speed data with 5GB of mobile hotspot for $40.
Compared to MVNOs
If you’re simply looking for the lowest price, many MVNOs still beat the major carriers. For example, US Mobile offers 2GB for $10 per month (or $96 annually), and its unlimited plans start at $25 per month.That said, Build-A-Plan stacks up especially well against MVNOs that use AT&T’s network:
Cricket Wireless (Team Clark’s Review): Single-line plans begin at $30/month for 10GB of high-speed data. With Build-A-Plan, you can get 15GB of high-speed data for $25.
H2O Wireless (Team Clark’s Review): Monthly single-line plans begin at $20 for 3GB of high-speed data. For the same price, Build-A-Plan offers 5GB. H2O Wireless also offers a $30/month plan with 10GB, compared to Build-A-Plan’s 15GB option for $25/month.
Build-A-Plan isn’t always the absolute cheapest prepaid option. But among plans sold directly by the major carriers, it offers some of the strongest value available. And even when compared with AT&T-based MVNOs, its pricing is surprisingly competitive.
Final Thoughts: Should You Switch to AT&T’s Build-A-Plan?
If you’re shopping for an affordable, single-line phone plan without all the extra perks, AT&T’s Build-A-Plan could be a perfect way for you to save.
Ask yourself the following questions to determine if this plan could work for you:
Do you have an unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone?
Can you get by without international features and phone upgrades?
Does AT&T have strong coverage in your area?
If you can answer “yes” to each of these questions, consider AT&T’s Build-A-Plan. It’s an especially great option for light data users who prefer to stick with a major carrier.
To learn more about AT&T’s new Build-A-Plan option, visit the company’s website.
For more options, check out our full list of the best cell phone plans and deals available now. Additionally, you can use our new Cell Phone Plan Finder to quickly compare plans that will meet your needs.
Finally, if you do decide to switch to AT&T from another provider, check out this guide Team Clark put together to walk you through the process of changing carriers.
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