UP
Our takeEditorial$15/GB on Verizon makes sense only for a phone that barely touches cellular - a single streaming hour changes the math fast.
XFINITY Mobile
Powered by VerizonBy the Gig
5.5/10 UpPhone score
Pay $15 per gigabyte on Verizon - only for Xfinity Internet subscribers, and not self-serviceable.
Best for
XFINITY Mobile subscribers who want Pay-per-GB data.
LTENo Contract
Data
Pay-per-GB
Hotspot
—
Talk / text
Unlimited
Network
Verizon's network
The verdict, & two little voices
Should you actually get By the Gig?
The editor weighs in — flanked by the optimist on her shoulder and the cynic on the other.
“For a WiFi-first device that needs a backup signal, paying only for what you use is the honest pricing model.”
“Not being able to manage this plan in the app in 2026 is a customer support nightmare waiting to happen.”
Pricing for By the Gig
· no autopay discount publishedAutopay discount
Many carriers offer a discount with autopay + paperless billing. Prices above may already reflect this.
Prices may vary by region, promotions, and account history. Check XFINITY Mobile's website for current offers.
View By the Gig Plans Line by Line
Our review
Xfinity Mobile's By the Gig is a pay-as-you-go data plan at $15/GB on Verizon.
There's no fixed monthly data bucket - the bill reflects what was actually consumed. For a phone that mostly runs on WiFi and needs cellular data only occasionally, this can come out cheaper than any fixed unlimited plan. Two details worth knowing: the plan requires Xfinity Internet, and it's not available through the Xfinity Mobile self-service app - enrollment requires going through sales or support.
That second point creates real friction if something goes wrong or needs changing.
What we love
- Only pay for the data actually used - potentially lowest monthly bill for light cellular use
- Verizon network with 5G access
- No contract
- Flat $15/GB rate - predictable per-unit cost
What we don't
- Requires Xfinity Internet - not available standalone
- Not self-serviceable - must enroll and manage through sales or support
- One bad month of data use can exceed unlimited plan costs quickly
- No hotspot confirmed
- No international features
- Taxes and fees on top
Full features
Talk + text
MinutesUnlimited
MessagesUnlimited
Intl callingYes
Data
High-speed dataPay-per-GB
Hotspot—
Contract
Contract typeno-contract
RoamingUS & territories
Frequently asked questions about By the Gig
What features does By the Gig include?
Pay-as-you-go data at $15/GB on Verizon with 5G access. Unlimited talk and text. No confirmed hotspot. Requires Xfinity Internet. Must be set up via Xfinity sales or support.
How much data, talk, and text does By the Gig include?
Unlimited talk and text. Data billed at $15/GB consumed. No fixed data bucket.
What is the network speed on By the Gig?
Verizon LTE and 5G speeds. No throttling in the traditional sense - data billed per gigabyte used.
Does By the Gig include mobile hotspot?
Not listed as a confirmed feature. Hotspot use would consume the $15/GB data budget.
What happens if you exceed your data on By the Gig?
There are no 'overages' - every gigabyte used is billed at $15. Heavy data months can get expensive fast.
Does By the Gig require a contract?
No contract. No early termination fee. Xfinity Internet subscription required. Enrollment through sales or support, not self-service.
Compare By the Gig with similar plans
FCC Disclosure
Broadband Facts
XFINITY Mobile · By the Gig
Monthly Price
$20.00
Additional Charges & Terms
One-time fees$25.00 activation
Government taxesVary by location. Not included above.
Speeds Provided with Plan
| Technology | Download | Upload | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE | 11-75 Mbps | 1-13 Mbps | 49-75 ms |
| 5G | 35-143 Mbps | 5-31 Mbps | 42-64 ms |
| 5G+ / UW | 195-634 Mbps | 10-53 Mbps | 37-57 ms |
Typical ranges as reported by the carrier. Real speeds vary.
Data & Features
Data included with monthly price1 GB
Data throttleAfter 20GB, After 20 GB total usage, data de-prioritized during congestion
Mobile hotspotNot included
Video streaming qualitySD 480p
Disclosures