Understanding Jitterbug Monthly Charges with Lively
Since its acquisition, Jitterbug phones and services are provided by Lively. The monthly charges are not a single flat rate, but rather a combination of a Talk & Text plan and, for the smartphone, a data plan. The final price varies significantly based on which of Lively's tiered health and safety packages you choose, as these offer different levels of support and features beyond standard calls and texts.
Monthly Costs for the Jitterbug Flip2
For the Jitterbug Flip2, Lively offers three tiers of service, all of which generally include unlimited talk and text, though some older or promotional plans may have different terms. The cost difference lies in the health and safety features added to the plan.
- Basic Plan: Starting at $19.99/month, this plan includes unlimited talk and text along with access to 'Ask Lively' for operator assistance and 'Lively Rides' for scheduling Lyft rides without a smartphone app.
- Preferred Plan: Starting at $39.99/month, this tier adds Urgent Response, providing 24/7 access to a certified agent with the press of a button. It also includes the 'Link App,' which allows family and friends to receive notifications during an emergency.
- Premium Plan: Priced at $49.99/month, this is the most comprehensive option. It includes everything from the Preferred plan, plus access to 'Care Advocate' for health and wellness goal support and 'Nurse On-Call' for medical advice.
Monthly Costs for the Jitterbug Smart4
Because the Jitterbug Smart4 is a full-featured smartphone, its monthly cost includes both a Talk & Text plan and a separate data plan. The Talk & Text tiers are structured the same as the Flip2 plans, but the base prices may vary slightly.
- Basic Plan + Data: The Talk & Text portion starts at $19.99/month. You must then add a data plan, with options ranging from a free 1 GB plan to an unlimited data plan for $30/month.
- Preferred Plan + Data: The Talk & Text portion starts at $39.99/month, and you must add a data plan on top of this.
- Premium Plan + Data: The Talk & Text portion starts at $49.99/month, with a required data add-on.
For the Smart4, the total monthly charge can range significantly based on the data tier. For instance, a Premium plan with unlimited data would be around $79.99 per month ($49.99 + $30), plus taxes and fees.
Beyond the Monthly Fee: Other Costs to Consider
When budgeting for a Jitterbug phone, it's crucial to look beyond just the monthly charge and consider the one-time fees and optional extras.
- Device Cost: The phone itself is a separate, one-time purchase. The Jitterbug Flip2 typically retails for $79.99, while the Smart4 is priced at $119.99. Lively frequently runs promotions, so these prices can often be lower.
- Activation Fee: Lively charges a one-time activation fee of $35. Some reports indicate this can be avoided by activating online or over the phone instead of in-store.
- Taxes and Fees: Like all phone carriers, Lively adds government taxes and regulatory fees to the monthly bill. These vary by location.
- Lively Protection Plan: For an additional monthly fee ($3.50/month), you can purchase a protection plan that covers accidents, wear and tear, and offers cheaper phone replacement fees.
- Data Overage Charges: For the Jitterbug Smart4, if you are on a limited data plan and exceed your monthly allowance, you will be charged for the overage.
Jitterbug Flip2 vs. Jitterbug Smart4 Plan Costs: A Comparison
To help visualize the differences, here is a comparison of the monthly costs for the Flip2 and Smart4 based on plan tiers (excluding one-time fees, taxes, and optional extras).
| Plan Tier | Jitterbug Flip2 (Monthly) | Jitterbug Smart4 (Monthly Base) | Jitterbug Smart4 (Total w/ 1 GB data) | Jitterbug Smart4 (Total w/ Unlimited data) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | ~$19.99 | ~$19.99 + data | ~$19.99 (Free data) | ~$49.99 ($19.99 + $30) |
| Preferred | ~$39.99 | ~$39.99 + data | ~$44.99 ($39.99 + $5) | ~$69.99 ($39.99 + $30) |
| Premium | ~$49.99 | ~$49.99 + data | ~$54.99 ($49.99 + $5) | ~$79.99 ($49.99 + $30) |
Note: These are approximations based on recent plan information and do not include taxes and fees.
Choosing the Right Jitterbug Plan
Your choice depends on your specific needs. If you primarily want a simple device for calling and texting with a built-in safety button, the Jitterbug Flip2 is the more straightforward and affordable option. However, if you or your loved one desires smartphone features like video chat, internet access, and downloadable apps, the Jitterbug Smart4, with its additional data costs, will be necessary. For those prioritizing medical and wellness services, upgrading to the Preferred or Premium plans is a worthwhile investment, regardless of the phone model.
Conclusion
The monthly charge for a Jitterbug phone is not a single price point but rather a flexible system that allows you to pay for the features you need. By understanding the base Talk & Text tiers, the optional data costs for the smartphone, and the additional one-time and ongoing fees, you can accurately budget for the Lively service that best fits your lifestyle and safety requirements. For the most up-to-date pricing and offers, it is always best to check the official source directly. Click here for more details on Lively's phone plans.
