Name: Study reveals most cell phone users pay for data they dont use
Uploaded: 2025-10-30T15:46:04.770Z
Duration: 3 min 8 s
Description: A study conducted by WhistleOut indicates that most cell phone users are paying for more data than they consume, with many opting for unlimited plans despite not utilizing the full data allowance.

A study conducted by WhistleOut indicates that most cell phone users are paying for more data than they consume, with many opting for unlimited plans despite not utilizing the full data allowance.

San Diego

A study conducted by WhistleOut indicates that most cell phone users are paying for more data than they consume, with many opting for unlimited plans despite not utilizing the full data allowance. The research also shows that households using major carriers spend significantly more annually compared to those who choose smaller, lesser-known providers.

Experts suggest that consumers often stick with larger companies due to convenience and a lack of awareness about their actual data usage or alternative options. The study recommends that users review their data needs, consider smaller carriers, and explore discounts or bundled services to reduce their monthly bills.

Study reveals most cell phone users pay for data they don't use

Having a cell phone is an essential part of life. It's a way we communicate with each other. It's a way we stay in the know. But new data shows we may be paying a lot more than we should be. We put that theory to the test. Hi, do you have a cell phone? Hi, do you have a cell phone? See he's on his phone right now. Do you think you're paying too much for your cell phone bill? Right now the cost for a single cell phone line is between $70 and $100 per month. For two lines it will cost you $120 to $140 a month. For those who have a family plan with four lines, the average cost per month is $160 to $200. The cost is based on the type of carrier, plan, usage and the number of lines. WhistleOut is a website that looks at cell phone and internet plans. Their recent study shows households that use one of the major cell phone carriers are spending $2,200 more a year on their cell service compared to others who use smaller companies. Experts say a big reason for the extra spending. Many people aren't aware of what they actually need and are overpaying for unused services. Amy Archer is a spokesperson for WhistleOut. We found that most people have unlimited plans, but also don't use all of the data on their plans. But part of that is a lot of people don't know how to check their data. Data shows cell phone users use an average of 24 gigabytes of mobile data per billing cycle. Unlimited data customers use an average of three times that amount. So if you aren't using that much, you don't need to sign up for unlimited data services, which would drop your monthly payment. Also, Amy says many customers choose to only look at big name cell phone companies instead of shopping around for cheaper, smaller options like mobile virtual network operators. Those are smaller carriers that operate on the same networks as larger carriers. So think of it as shopping store brand versus name brand. WhistleOut looked at the price for a single line phone plan. Their data shows most customers are spending more than $50 a month for something similar. AT&T will cost you about $80 a month. Verizon will cost you $79 a month. T Mobile's average is $68 a month, with mobile virtual network operators costing about $44 a month. Do you think you pay too much? Customers we talked to say they tend to stick with the bigger companies because they don't want to do additional research. It's time is time is gold. You know, he is when I just I don't care if they want to pay more. Just give me the service. Give me the service. But there are other ways you can get discounts on your bill. Check for annual options. Locking in your rate and plan could mean a lower bill overall. If you have a number of phone lines, ask for multi line discounts and check for bundle services saved by bundling your Internet and wireless services. Yeah, that's lower than what the average is. Marie Cornell, ABC 10 News.

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