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Is AT&T GSM or CDMA?

Does AT&T use the CDMA or GSM network?

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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.

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Boost Mobile 2GB plan
Best cheap AT&T carrier
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Boost Mobile 5GB plan
Best prepaid AT&T carrier
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Red Pocket 20GB plan
Best AT&T eSIM carrier
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Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
Best AT&T carrier for familes
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Boost Infinite unlimited data plan
Best AT&T carrier for unlimited data

Is AT&T a GSM carrier?

Best cheap AT&T carrier

Boost Mobile 2GB plan

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  • AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
2GB
data
$10/mo
4 Read our Boost Mobile review
$780 in annual savings

Best prepaid AT&T carrier

Boost Mobile 5GB plan

Image of cell phone with Boost Mobile
  • AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
5GB
data
$5/mo*
$15/mo
See at Boost Mobile

*$15 for 3 Mths Service

4 Read our Boost Mobile review
$750 in annual savings

Best AT&T eSIM carrier

Red Pocket 20GB plan

Image of cell phone with Red Pocket
  • AT&T & Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
20GB
data
$30/mo
4.1 Read our Red Pocket review
$540 in annual savings

Best AT&T carrier for familes

Boost Mobile unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with Boost Mobile
  • AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$12.50/mo*
$25/mo
See at Boost Mobile

*50% Off 1st Mth

4 Read our Boost Mobile review
$612.50 in annual savings

Best AT&T carrier for unlimited data

Boost Infinite unlimited data plan

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  • AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$25/mo*
3.6 Read our Boost Infinite review
$600 in annual savings

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 $15/mo
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan AT&T 5G/4G Coverage Unltd $12.50/mo $25/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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

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