Consumer Cellular

For better or worse, you can’t escape Ted Danson. But if you’re over 50, a recent Consumer Cellular TV ad featuring the actor says that you can at least escape high cellphone bills, while still having access to unlimited high-speed data.

According to the ad, Consumer Cellular’s 50+ Unlimited Plan offers one line of unlimited talk, text and high-speed data for $35 a month or two lines for $60 a month, which are both half the price of “Big Wireless.”

However, after receiving a tip from a TINA.org reader about Consumer Cellular’s unlimited data claims, we discovered that you may want to curb your enthusiasm when it comes to these deals.

For one, Consumer Cellular clarifies in the fine print of its ad that after using 35GB of data for one line or 50GB of data for two lines, consumers will experience slower speeds.

How much slower? The ad doesn’t say. But in terms linked at the very bottom of Consumer Cellular’s website, the company discloses that once consumers hit their data limit, they may not be able to stream, send pictures and videos, or use certain apps. Users should still be able to view static webpages and check email, the company says.

It’s also worth noting that because Consumer Cellular doesn’t have its own independent internet service, but instead offers internet “via the resale of services on the networks” of its underlying carriers, consumers may experience slower speeds even before they hit their data limit.

“Our Underlying Carriers may independently prioritize service for certain of its users, which may result in your network speeds being reduced during times of network traffic congestion as determined by our Underlying Carriers,” the company says in its terms.

Dialed-up prices

Additionally, Consumer Cellular’s advertised prices don’t account for added fees. Using Consumer Cellular’s prices and fees calculator, TINA.org found that the monthly bill could be over 30% higher than what’s advertised due to added charges like an “operational compliance fee” and government taxes and fees that vary depending on ZIP code. And this doesn’t factor in other costs like an extra $5 a month if you don’t enroll in autopay and a one-time activation that is $10 fee per line.

Not to mention, Consumer Cellular’s advertised savings are based on a comparison to Verizon’s Unlimited Plus Plan, which is not the cheapest “unlimited” plan this “Big Wireless” company currently offers.

In response to a request for comment, a Consumer Cellular spokesperson acknowledged that “certain disclosures [relating to data limits and additional taxes and fees] could be clearer” and said that the company is “updating our materials accordingly.” The spokesperson said that during times of network congestion, Consumer Cellular customers will experience the same slower speeds as the customers of its underlying carrier, which it identified as AT&T.

The bottom line

In the past, the FTC has made mobile companies pay millions for breaking “unlimited” data promises by throttling users.

If you’re shopping for a new phone plan, make sure to read all the fine print and check for any additional fees before making a purchase.

Find more of our coverage on wireless.