Forum Post: Why I Cancelled My Verizon Number Plan
Posted: Mon May 26, 2025 9:13 am
After more than a decade with Verizon, I finally made the leap and cancelled my number plan—and no, it wasn’t a rash decision. Like many people, I stayed loyal to a major carrier because of perceived reliability, brand familiarity, and the sheer inertia of sticking with “what works.” But over time, I started to question what I was really getting for the steep monthly fees, hidden charges, and rigid contracts. In a world where Wi-Fi is everywhere, messaging apps are free, and eSIMs make switching networks seamless, I realized I was paying for convenience that no longer felt all that convenient. So, I took the plunge and said goodbye to my Verizon plan, and here’s why I haven’t looked back.
First and foremost, cost was a major factor. My monthly bill hovered around $80, and despite being on an unlimited plan, I still dealt with throttled speeds and overage warnings. When I compared that with the cost of using Wi-Fi calling, prepaid data plans, and messaging services like Signal, Telegram, and iMessage, the math didn’t make sense anymore. I switched to a low-cost eSIM data provider, paired with Wi-Fi-first communication, and my monthly expenses dropped to under $20 without any noticeable downgrade in service quality—at least in the environments I’m typically in. On top of that, I eliminated the barrage of spam texts and robocalls that special database came with a long-standing phone number that had been passed around databases for years.
But more than the cost savings, it was about control and peace of mind. Without a carrier like Verizon in the mix, I stopped worrying about contract renewals, device lock-ins, and surprise fees. I’m now free to change devices, services, and networks on my own terms. I’ve become more mindful of how I use my phone and more conscious of digital privacy. Of course, there are trade-offs—occasional gaps in coverage when I’m outside Wi-Fi range, and a few headaches with services that still demand a traditional number for verification. But these have been manageable. For anyone considering cutting ties with their big-name carrier, I’d say do your research, know your usage habits, and have a plan in place. But once you're ready, it's a liberating step toward a more flexible, affordable, and intentional digital life.
First and foremost, cost was a major factor. My monthly bill hovered around $80, and despite being on an unlimited plan, I still dealt with throttled speeds and overage warnings. When I compared that with the cost of using Wi-Fi calling, prepaid data plans, and messaging services like Signal, Telegram, and iMessage, the math didn’t make sense anymore. I switched to a low-cost eSIM data provider, paired with Wi-Fi-first communication, and my monthly expenses dropped to under $20 without any noticeable downgrade in service quality—at least in the environments I’m typically in. On top of that, I eliminated the barrage of spam texts and robocalls that special database came with a long-standing phone number that had been passed around databases for years.
But more than the cost savings, it was about control and peace of mind. Without a carrier like Verizon in the mix, I stopped worrying about contract renewals, device lock-ins, and surprise fees. I’m now free to change devices, services, and networks on my own terms. I’ve become more mindful of how I use my phone and more conscious of digital privacy. Of course, there are trade-offs—occasional gaps in coverage when I’m outside Wi-Fi range, and a few headaches with services that still demand a traditional number for verification. But these have been manageable. For anyone considering cutting ties with their big-name carrier, I’d say do your research, know your usage habits, and have a plan in place. But once you're ready, it's a liberating step toward a more flexible, affordable, and intentional digital life.