Many major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile often promote deals where they offer phones for "free" or "on us." However, the reality is that these phones are not actually free. The cost of the phone is typically spread out over monthly bill credits, which only apply if the customer stays on a qualifying (and usually more expensive) plan for the full term. These promotions are designed to lock customers into long-term contracts and potentially lead to hidden costs.
The nationwide study
Image by PhoneArena
A recent study suggests that many Americans are unknowingly overspending on their mobile service. A significant portion of people over 50 are paying for unlimited data plans that they rarely use, potentially subsidizing heavier users on the same networks.
'Free' phones often come with hidden costs, and 'unlimited' plans may not always be as unlimited as they seem. Consumers are urged to carefully review the terms of these promotions to avoid unnecessary expenses.
