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Switching to an MVNO - Mobile Virtual Network Operator, who offer low price prepaid plans that are powered by the main US networks, could save you up to $600 a year. Without forfeiting your coverage.
Growing in popularity, these low-cost carriers offer a range of options from basic to unlimited data plans and we've picked some of the best for you below.
Tello 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Tello review
Mint Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
US Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $20 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
Boost Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $5 per month. Boost Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Boost Mobile review
Low-cost carriers, also known as MVNOs, are a great way to save with a network you already trust. But at half the price.
Jumping on the networks of the four big guys - Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile - you can expect good coverage. But it doesn't come with the hefty price tag. With these low-cost carriers, there is no contract, which means no commitment and the flexibility to leave if you're unhappy.
Here's why we think it's a no-brainer:
Nationwide coverage from the four major networks
No expensive monthly bills
No contracts
Tailor the plan to your needs - no more paying for what you don't use
Hassle-free to switch - bring your phone and keep your number
Concerned that low-cost carriers won't have good customer service? Don't be, on average MVNOs score much higher customer ratings than the big networks as you'll see in the comparison chart below:
CARRIER
TRUSTPILOT USER RATING
MONTHLY PRICE
COVERAGE
US Mobile
4.7
$10-35
Verizon 5G & 4G LTE
Tello
4.4
$10-29
T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE
Red Pocket Mobile
4.2
$10-50
AT&T 5G & 4G LTE
T-Mobile
1.5
$70-90
T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE
AT&T
1.3
$75-90
AT&T 5G & 4G LTE
Verizon
1.2
$80-90
Verizon 5G & 4G LTE
How to switch to a prepaid phone 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 in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your cell phone needs.
Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up 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 Android, and vice versa.
Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has ported over. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account. If you've got a new device with your Tello plan, it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you're bringing your own phone then you'll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send to you in the post.
Low-cost carriers provide the best value for money with a prepaid cell phone plan.
Which prepaid phone carrier has the cheapest plans?
The cheapest low-cost carrier is Tello with basic plans starting from $8.
Recap
There's some great deals to be had with prepaid cell phone carriers, with customizable plans and a selection of features to suit you.
With access to the same quality coverage, if you love your current network you can choose a plan with their MVNO or check out the best cell phone coverage in your area with your ZIP code.
Prepaid cell phone carriers encourage you to bring your own phone, which can save you even more money. But if you're in the market for a new handset most carriers offer a selection with 0% finance over two years.
