Plan Comparison
$40 Data Only vs $30 Connect & Protect Beginner Comparison
A side-by-side look at price, data, network, and features to help you pick the right plan.
VS
At a glance
Where they differ
$40 Data Only
$30 Connect & Protect Beginner
Monthly price
$40/mo
$30/mo
High-speed data
10GB
—
Only the dimensions that differ between these plans are shown. Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
Plan details
Feature comparison
Data
$40 Data Only
$30 Connect & Protect Beginner
High-speed data
10GB
—
5G access
Included
Included
Calls & Texts
$40 Data Only
$30 Connect & Protect Beginner
Calling
—
Unlimited
Texting
—
Unlimited
Hotspot
$40 Data Only
$30 Connect & Protect Beginner
Hotspot data
Not included
Not included
Speed cap
Full speed — no cap
Full speed — no cap
Max connected devices
No limit
No limit
Data pool
Separate from phone data
Separate from phone data
Connected Devices
$40 Data Only
$30 Connect & Protect Beginner
Watch line
Not available
Not available
Tablet line
Not available
Not available
Plan Details
$40 Data Only
$30 Connect & Protect Beginner
Billing period
Monthly
Monthly
Plan type
Individual
Individual
Business plan
No
No
Affinity discounts
Not eligible
Not eligible
Contract
No contract · 2-year term
No contract · 2-year term
Common questions
$40 Data Only vs $30 Connect & Protect Beginner — FAQ
Which plan is cheaper after taxes, the $40 Data Only or $30 Connect & Protect Beginner?
The $30 Connect & Protect Beginner is the cheaper of the two at $30 per month versus $40, and because both add taxes and fees on top the gap holds after tax. Multi-line and autopay discounts can still shift the math, so check each plan's pricing for your situation. The cost breakdown on each plan page estimates the all-in total for your state.
Do the $40 Data Only and $30 Connect & Protect Beginner run on the same network?
Yes, both plans run on the LTE, 5G network, so coverage and tower access are effectively identical between them. Where they can still differ is data prioritization: a carrier's own plan often gets premium priority while an MVNO riding the same towers may be deprioritized during congestion. Compare the priority and deprioritization rows to see how each is treated at peak times.
Can I keep my number when switching between the $40 Data Only and $30 Connect & Protect Beginner?
Yes. US carriers are required to support number portability, so you can transfer your existing number to either plan when you switch. Start the move from the new carrier and keep the old line active until the port completes, which usually takes from a few minutes to a couple of hours. You will typically need your account number and a transfer PIN from your current provider to authorize the switch.
Plan details are sourced from carriers and may change without notice. Suggest a correction →