Consumer Cellular

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Consumer Cellular is an MVNO that piggybacks on top of AT&T's network and enjoys nationwide service. The carrier specializes in cell phones and plans for seniors, and has special discounts for members of the AARP and AAA. It offers both individual and family plans, and individual plans start as low as $10 a month for occasional talkers to $60 a month for heavy users. It does not require a contract.

Things you should know:

• Consumer Cellular is a GSM carrier with coverage in all 50 states. Tri-band phones will work in most other countries as well, but roaming charges will apply.
• Consumer Cellular offers messaging plans and data plans. Messaging plans start at $2.50 a month for 100 texts and go up to $20 a month for 2,000 texts. Data plans start at $5 a month for 2MB to $20 a month for 30MB.
• Consumer Cellular does not require contracts.
• Consumer Cellular offers a limited selection of cell phones, but they are all less than $60 each.
• Consumer Cellular offers special senior-friendly phones made by Doro, a Swedish company. Both phones--the Doro PhoneEasy 345 and the Doro PhoneEasy 410--are designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind.
• Consumer Cellular uses AT&T's network.

Fast facts:

• Subscribers: Unknown
• Coverage: Nationwide
• Technology: GSM
• 3G network: No
• Streaming video service: No
• Music download service: No
• Push-to-talk: No
• Prepay plans: Yes
• Family plans: Yes