How to lower your monthly phone and internet bill

Your phone and internet bills may be easier to reduce than you think. Start with the services you already have, then ask your providers about options before deciding whether to switch. A little preparation can help you compare costs without giving up features your household needs.

Start with a line-by-line bill review

Gather recent phone and internet statements, along with any account details you can access online. Look beyond the advertised plan price and read each charge. Unused add-ons, such as insurance, international passes or streaming bundles, are worth reviewing. Also check whether an internet promotion has expired.

Make a short list of anything you don’t recognize or no longer use. Before removing a service, check what it covers and whether anyone in your household relies on it. Ask your provider to explain unfamiliar charges and confirm the new monthly total before making changes.

Match phone plans and data to your household’s needs

Check data usage in your phone settings and ask other household members to do the same. Compare that usage with the allowance in your current plan. If a line consistently uses less than its plan provides, ask whether a smaller plan is available. Wi-Fi calling and using Wi-Fi for data are also options to explore.

Think about how each person uses their phone away from home. Someone who streams video while traveling may need a different allowance from someone who mostly calls and texts. Ask what happens if a line reaches its data limit, and whether the plan includes the features you want.

If you have several lines, compare the total cost of keeping them together with other arrangements. You can also consider lower-cost carriers, sometimes called mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs. Check coverage and plan details for the places your household uses its phones before making a change.

Choose an internet plan and equipment that fit your usage

List the activities your household does online and how many people typically use the connection at the same time. Include video calls, streaming, gaming and any work or school needs. Then ask your provider whether a lower-speed plan would fit those habits and what the monthly total would be.

Look for equipment charges on the bill, too. Buying a compatible modem or router may be an alternative to renting equipment. Ask the provider which devices work with your service, then weigh the purchase cost against the rental charge. Confirm what support is available for equipment you own.

Call your providers and ask about lower-cost options

With your notes in hand, call each provider or use its online support service. Ask about lower-cost plans and whether any loyalty pricing is available. If you have found another option that meets your needs, you can mention it and ask whether your current provider has a comparable choice.

You could say: “I’m reviewing my monthly costs. Can you walk me through any lower-cost options for my account?” Then ask:

• What would my complete monthly bill be, including fees?
• Would any features or equipment change?
• How long would the quoted price last, and what would it be afterward?
• Are there conditions for keeping the price?

Write down the answers and ask for the details in writing before agreeing. You can take time to discuss the options with anyone else who uses the service.

Check eligibility for discounts and assistance

Ask your providers about discounts for automatic payments or paperless billing, and check any conditions before enrolling. Some phone plans are aimed at older adults, so ask about age-related options as well. Compare the full plan with what you have now rather than focusing on a discount alone.

You can also ask your provider or a government benefits office whether phone or internet assistance is available. Find out how to verify eligibility, what documents you would need and how any assistance would appear on your bill.

Compare the full cost before bundling or switching

Bundling services or switching providers are options to consider, but compare the complete costs first. Ask for the monthly total, any upfront charges, equipment costs and the price after a promotional period. Check whether changing or leaving a service would bring fees, and whether you would need to return equipment.

Before switching phone service, ask how to keep your number and whether your current phone will work with the new plan. For internet, confirm installation arrangements and service availability directly with the provider. Keep your notes and written quotes together so you can make a decision based on the services and costs that matter to your household.