Save On Wireless, the wireless price comparison platform that calculates true total cost of ownership, today released its inaugural 2026 Q1 Wireless Savings Report. The report analyzes an average of more than 84,000 postpaid deals per day across AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and Optimum, generating over 7.6 million consumer scenarios. The findings highlight a persistent problem: most Americans pay more for wireless service than necessary because carrier marketing obscures true costs.
According to the report, in 92% of Q1 2026 scenarios the lowest total cost of ownership is not the steepest advertised device discount. Shoppers who choose a "free" phone over a comparable partial credit offer at the same carrier pay $1,184 more on average over 36 months due to premium plan requirements. This finding underscores how promotional offers often lock consumers into higher-cost plans that erase the advertised savings.
Built by the same team behind Navi, Save On Wireless aims to cut through carrier marketing slogans. The platform calculates and displays the total cost of ownership for phone deals, including plan fees, term commitments, and hidden requirements. For more information, visit Save On Wireless.
The report addresses a costly marketplace structure where true costs are difficult to identify. By analyzing millions of scenarios, Save On Wireless provides consumers with actionable insights to find real savings. The full announcement, including downloadable images and bios, is available here.
Save On Wireless is the only price comparison tool that calculates true total cost, making it easier for consumers to quickly compare options and find the best value. The report's key takeaway: consumers should look beyond advertised discounts and consider the full cost of plans and commitments to avoid overpaying by more than a thousand dollars over the life of a contract.
