Why Do Cell Phone Bills Cost So Much In The U.S.?

The average American spent $1,218 for cell phone service in 2019. That comes out to just over $100 per month. Check out the video to find out why you may be paying so much for your phone service and what you can do to save some money.

About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more.

Connect with CNBC News Online

#CNBC

Why Do Cell Phone Bills Cost So Much In The U.S.?

[paulhaney]

I pay 12 euros (approximately $15) in France for 100 Gigabytes of data per month and unlimited calls and texts all across Europe 😬

[Luminousplayer]

Videos like this make me think that being scammed is an integral part of being a us citizen

[ghost]

It's simple. The cellphone companies like making a 93% profit margin.

[pablochiesa]

In Spain, I pay the equivalent of $25 for unlimited gigas, calls, and texts in 27 countries. Incredible how much you are paying!

[hoeist]

Imagine being so rich you’re able to buy a company because you like its service

[TheShivang]

In India we pay just 7 dollars for 90 GB data and unlimited free calls anywhere in country. Its cheapest in the world.

[amaysharma]

A very very happy user of Mint wireless myself!! Moved the the US mid last year and was gobsmacked at the rates I was being given by Verizon & AT&T for basic plans. I currently am on an unlimited 5g plan for around 350 dollars a year. Unmatched value. 1000% recommend.

[SHAMROCC]

Everything in the U.S. is expensive, we're just stoopid enough to keep buying and paying for it.

[quelorepario]

Very simple: because customers _still_ pay for it.

[lizhoward]

My experience with cell phone costs has not been taxes but these fees tacked on by Verizon and AT&T. I used to have to watch my Verizon bill with a fine tooth comb because of the hidden fees. My fees with Verizon were more than the taxes. Now we are with T-mobile so these sudden “gotcha” fees are no longer a problem.

[bonnienortz]

I’ve been a mint customer for over a year. Saved me hundreds. I liked Ryan before but now I LOVE him.

[watashiwa_aditya]

Meanwhile me in india spending 9 bucks for 3 months still complaining for 2 gb of data a day

[Sunkissed]

I complain about this constantly to my parents who think they’re getting a ”deal” paying over $100 for their unlimited data plan. Meanwhile I live in Beijing and pay less than a tenth of the price for the same

[harveyrott]

I pay $250 to my network provider inc tax 4 lines unlimited youtube, Netflix, hulu, spotify, talk and text to Mexico and canada 15gb extra data, can i find something better.

[hlmgamer]

Prices won't rise because competition, meanwhile all the 3 big companies " let's all rise the prices together at once

[alexandercrush]

In short because people still continue buying the expensive plans. If people stopped then they would lower the bill.

[MrMensa]

I have been with Mint Mobile for over a year now. I love the $200 a YEAR bill I have for 4GB a month service. I love that T-Mobile and Sprint have combinds giving me even more coverage! My wife is on the plan too.

The worst thing I can say about this plan is that I have quite a few friends that just refuse to take advantage of this great service. Unbelievable but true.

[roachtoasties]

It's a lot of money. Think about it. Before we "needed" all these smart phones, data plans, internet, cable, etc., we were watching television off the air (no charge) and had a single telephone number for our house (only about $15 a month if you avoided many long distance calls). Fast forward to 2021, and we're paying hundreds, maybe $300 - $500 a month for the whole family, if not more. After we pay all this, the phone companies say we're "saving money." :/

[clintonnzedimma]

You know it’s no joke when Deadpool is founding a startup

[IppiopaidFEEDBACK]

This was refreshing given everything that’s going on in the US right now. It’s nice to see something for educational purposes