New to the US - Mobile provider - what is a „line“?

[kaardowiq]

Hey there,

Sorry for this probably annoying question but I‘m moving to the US and looking for a mobile provider. However, I see offers including several lines… what is a line in this case?

I‘d assume that I just need a single one to make calls? Why are there more ones offered and when are these ones needed?

Is this something like an additional SIM card bundled within the contract that can be used for another device (smartphone, tablet,..) with the same number or a dedicated number for sharing with the family (e.g my wife that she won’t need a dedicated contract)?

Thanks for more information about this.

 

[Huntn]

Several lines* equals several phones, each with individual numbers. Several phones for several people, spouse, kids(s) etc. For example I am on a TMobile 55+ plan for seniors, 55 or older, 2 phones for $55 a month which is a great deal. Some of the plans will offer new phone(s) at highly discounted prices if you establish service with them or give your old phone to them.

* The reference is to when a phone wire/line ran to your house to facilitate your individual phone number. The reference is still used today.

 

[kaardowiq]

Thanks, at least this are multiple contracts (maybe more something like a „family plan“) bundled within a single one and share all the advertised data volume (or is this for each line)?

Here in Europe everyone has mostly his own single line contract.

 

[velocityg4]

Thanks, at least this are multiple contracts (maybe more something like a „family plan“) bundled within a single one and share all the advertised data volume (or is this for each line)?

Here in Europe everyone has mostly his own single line contract.

Normally, each line gets their own data allowance. There's just a discounted rate by having multiple lines in one plan vs multiple separate plans.

 

[Huntn]

Thanks, at least this are multiple contracts (maybe more something like a „family plan“) bundled within a single one and share all the advertised data volume (or is this for each line)?

Here in Europe everyone has mostly his own single line contract.

Packages are marketed to save on expense. Most likely multiple lines (phone numbers) in a package would represent a single contract, but I’m not an expert on all the variations.

 

[velocityg4]

I'd also say to assess your data needs. As the carriers may have prepaid monthly plans that are really cheap. However, you have to do a lot of digging to find these plans. They hide them really well on their websites and sales associates will act like they never heard of them.

T-Mobile, for instance, has plans which start at $10 a month. If you don't need much data or connect to WiFi most of the time.

 

[satcomer]

Also I learned a long time ago to use TrackPhone and pay as you go data/voice! This way you save money in this raising prices era!

 

[Runs For Fun]

Normally, each line gets their own data allowance. There's just a discounted rate by having multiple lines in one plan vs multiple separate plans.

I’ve never heard of that. At least with the AT&T plan I’m on the data allowance is shared amongst all lines.

 

[kaardowiq]

Thanks all, what would you recommend for NY with iPhone. Except of mmWave my European iPhkne should be capable of handling all other 4G/5G frequencies in the states. When moving over, we probably will keep in contact with friends and family via web. Therefore, we should get unlimited packages for both of us. Are there „multi cards“ (additional SIM cards that use the same number like another line e.g. used for Apple Watch Cel version) to use them in a Wifi/LTE /5G router as a landline (DSL/Cable) replacement?

 

[jz0309]

Thanks all, what would you recommend for NY with iPhone. Except of mmWave my European iPhkne should be capable of handling all other 4G/5G frequencies in the states. When moving over, we probably will keep in contact with friends and family via web. Therefore, we should get unlimited packages for both of us. Are there „multi cards“ (additional SIM cards that use the same number like another line e.g. used for Apple Watch Cel version) to use them in a Wifi/LTE /5G router as a landline (DSL/Cable) replacement?

no suggestions for lines, but once you're settled, checkout the KeepCalling app, I've been using that for wifi calls to Europe for as low as $0.01/min ...

 

[kaardowiq]

no suggestions for lines, but once you're settled, checkout the KeepCalling app, I've been using that for wifi calls to Europe for as low as $0.01/min ...

Thanks for the hint, but we mostly use FaceTime (Audio/Video) or WhatsApp. That‘s why we need unlimited lines.