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Are you looking to find the best wireless carrier for your cell phone plan? At MoneySavingPro we love to help you find an affordable plan that fits your needs.
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) can do just that. Powered by the three major US networks they provide the same nationwide coverage, but at a fraction of the cost.
We've narrowed down some of the best wireless carrier deals below that could save you up to $600 a year on your cell phone bill.
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
Same great nationwide coverage: These cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the big three carriers.
Much lower prices: Save up to $600 per year on your cell phone plan. Why are MVNOs so much cheaper? They don't have the huge overhead and advertising costs the big guys do.
No contracts: Don't get trapped into a two-year agreement. Switch carriers when you decide to with a no contract phone plan.
Same cell phone service: Just because you're paying less, that doesn't mean you have to scrimp on features. Plans with unlimited everything are easy to find from these prepaid carriers. Usually, a low-cost carrier plan comes with unlimited talk and text as standard, high-speed data, and even mobile hotspot data features.
Keep your phone and number: You can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. No need to sign up for pricey device payments.
Customize your plan: You decide how much data you need. Choose to pay as you go, opt for unlimited or no data, minimal minutes, or unlimited talk text and data. Unlimited data plans come at a much better price with an alternative carrier. Pick the plan options that fit your budget - not the one your carrier thinks you need.
Great customer support: Smaller mobile providers are known for their attention to their customers. Stop feeling like an anonymous number getting lost in the crowd! Check out our carrier user reviews before switching.
4G LTE & 5G data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big three cellular networks you'll pay less without sacrificing speed. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so you can expect high-speed data.
Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
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 cheap wireless 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.
It comes down to your individual cell phone needs and budget. MVNOs offer something for everyone with low-cost deals starting from $10 a month plus all the same features you'd find with a plan from one of the big three.
Which wireless carrier has the best coverage?
The best network can depend on the area you live in, but Verizon is voted the best nationwide 4G coverage, only slightly ahead of AT&T and T-Mobile whereas T-Mobile offers the best 5G coverage.
Recap
Trying to find the best wireless carrier for your needs is easy with MVNOs like Mint Mobile and Boost Mobile.
By running on T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T's networks you'll get the same coverage with one of their low-cost carriers, but with much more budget-friendly prices.
If you don't fancy the extra cost of upgrading your phone or you're happy with the handset you've got, you can bring your own phone as long as it's unlocked and compatible with the carrier.
With a quick and easy switch over, you could be up and running on a cheaper phone plan in a few days.
