What are family mobile phone plans?

Family mobile phone plans are cell phone plans designed for multiple users to share. They typically allow each user to have his own phone but share the minutes and data allowances, and they are billed together as one unit.

Although named family plans, they can usually be shared by anyone even if they are not related. However, the primary account holder is responsible for any overages or extra charges that may occur. Family plans are typically less expensive overall than equivalent plans for each single user. They usually offer all the benefits of a single plan, including a free or reduced-cost phone for each user when the contract is signed.