Is AT&T GSM or CDMA?
Does AT&T use the CDMA or GSM network?
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- Boost Mobile 2GB plan: Best cheap AT&T carrier
- Boost Mobile 5GB plan: Best prepaid AT&T carrier
- Red Pocket 20GB plan: Best AT&T eSIM carrier
- Boost Mobile unlimited data plan: Best AT&T carrier for familes
- Boost Infinite unlimited data plan: Best AT&T carrier for unlimited data
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Short answer: AT&T is a GSM network carrier and works with GSM cell phones.
GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications. GSM and CDMA are the 2 types of networks that cell phone carriers use to provide your service.
In the past, you couldn't use a CDMA network's phone on the GSM network and vice versa. However, most newer smartphones can operate on either type of service.
Is AT&T a GSM carrier?
Best cheap AT&T carrier
Boost Mobile 2GB plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
- All of Boost Mobile's prepaid plans come with unlimited calling and text.
- If you use a lot of data, unlimited plans include up to 30GB of high-speed data.
- Most plans include mobile hotspot data, but be sure to check. The allowance depends on the plan, but the maximum is 30GB, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Discounts are available for additional lines, so you can save on a plan for the whole family.
- When it comes to devices, they provide a wide range of phones to choose from. Including the latest models from popular brands like Apple and Samsung, with financing options of 0% financing over 1-2 years. Helping to make it affordable to purchase a new phone.
- Boost Mobile's international features are not as strong. Their international roaming options are limited compared to other carriers, and international calls are an extra add-on, which means you'll have to pay extra if you want to make calls to friends and family overseas.
Best prepaid AT&T carrier
Boost Mobile 5GB plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
Best AT&T eSIM carrier
Red Pocket 20GB plan
- AT&T & Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. And if you're looking for multi-line discounts, they're one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.
You also get free international calls to 80 countries, so you can stay connected with loved ones abroad.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
- With Red Pocket Mobile, not only are their plans straightforward with no hidden fees, but they also offer features like unlimited talk and text.
- Get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance with the unlimited plan.
- Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Being able to save on the whole family's bill is a benefit. You get a $20 discount for each additional line added. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
- Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
Best AT&T carrier for familes
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
Best AT&T carrier for unlimited data
Boost Infinite unlimited data plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
One plan, one price. That's the Boost Infinite phone plan. Using the AT&T and T-Mobile network Boost Infinite is keeping it simple. With a cost of $25, you'll get super fast 5G on one of the top networks with their unlimited plan.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Unlimited plan (capped at 30GB high-speed data)
- Set price of $25 per month forever
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- International add-ons available
- For only $25 a month, you can get unlimited talk, text, and data (capped at 30GB of high-speed data).
- You won't have to worry about surprise charges or hidden fees, just taxes.
- With no contract, you can switch at any time if it's not working for you anymore.
- For an additional cost, you can roam in Mexico and Canada (although it's capped at 1GB), along with having unlimited international calls to 80+ countries and texts to 200+ countries.
- We can't dismiss the low-cost plan that Boost Infinite offers. But if you're looking to get your whole family in on the action, don't expect any additional discounts. The cost stays at $25 per person, per line.
- Mobile hotspot is available at an additional cost of $10 a month for up to 30GB, with the allowance coming out of your monthly data allotment.
AT&T GSM network carriers
If you're shopping around for a new carrier on the GSM network, consider MVNOs - Mobile Virtual Network Operators.
These smaller mobile providers rent space on the same networks the big guys use and then sell it to you at a lower price.
There are plenty of great AT&T MVNOs to choose from, such as PureTalk, h20 Wireless, and Red Pocket, which means you can get AT&T service without paying AT&T prices.
AT&T GSM carrier benefits
- Get the same great service: You get cell phone service on the very same AT&T network.
- Save over half: MVNO plans typically save you 50% or more over the big three carriers, including the AT&T GSM network.
- Custom plans: Only pay for what you actually need and use.
- No contracts or credit checks: No commitment and everyone is welcome!
- Keep your phone: Most MVNOs are BYOP (bring your own phone) - keep your device and your number.
AT&T GSM carrier plans
Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Red Pocket 1GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $10/mo |
Good2Go Mobile 3GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $10/mo |
Red Pocket 5GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $13/mo |
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $12.50/mo |
Good2Go Mobile 1GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $5/mo |
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $750 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
Boost Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | 5GB | $15/mo | $150/yr |
Savings | $60/mo | $750/yr |
Bring your unlocked GSM phone
You need simplicity in your life. The great thing about MVNOs is that switching carriers is easy.
You need an unlocked phone (your carrier has released it on another network). Once you've checked with your new provider about phone compatibility, the rest is a breeze.
Most low-cost carriers simply provide you with a prepaid SIM card. You pop it into your cell phone and follow the provider's instructions. Just make sure you don't cancel your current phone plan until you've ported your phone number over to the new carrier.
How to switch to an AT&T GSM carrier
It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.
- Customize your plan. Whether you're looking for a truly unlimited plan or are in the market for something more basic, choose a GSM network plan to suit your cell phone needs.
- Prepare to make the switch. Ensure your old bills are paid and your phone is unlocked. If you're getting a new device, transferring data from one to another is simple, even if you're going from an iPhone to an Android and vice versa.
- Set up your new plan. You'll receive a guide to activate your plan with eSIM or a new SIM card kit in the mail. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has been ported. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account.
AT&T GSM carriers list
Boost Mobile
Cricket Wireless
Freedompop
PureTalk
Red Pocket
Straight Talk
Tracfone
Good2Go Mobile
Boost Infinite