Ultra Mobile, founded in 2011, is a wireless carrier with a couple of twists.
This MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) offers affordable mobile service on the reliable T-Mobile 4G LTE network. Unlike many MVNOs, Ultra Mobile is available at retailers nationwide in addition to online.
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What sets this mobile provider apart from others? Ultra includes unlimited talk and text to over 75 countries with all of its no-contract plans. It also allows you to choose additional countries on certain plans, giving you the option to add up to 10 phone numbers to include in your service.
You can also add international roaming - a rare feature among these smaller carriers - and you're permitted to use your phone as a mobile hotspot to connect your other devices.
Want to learn more about what this carrier has to offer? Read on for our full Ultra Mobile review.
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Table of Contents
Ultra Mobile Highlights
- Coverage provided on the nationwide T-Mobile network
- Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
- Bring your own compatible GSM phone or buy one from Ultra Mobile
- Mobile hotspot use supported
- Unlimited global texting and unlimited calling to 80+ countries
- International roaming available at flat rates per minutes/text/MB of data
- International plan tier comes with uTalk - a feature that gives you up to 1250 bonus minutes to your choice of 39 additional destinations
- Customer service available by phone, email, and chat from 6am to 6pm every day
Ultra Mobile Cell Phone Plans
| Carrier | Mins/Texts | Data | Price |
| Ultra Mobile | Unltd/Unltd | 500MB | $19 |
| Ultra Mobile | Unltd/Unltd | 1GB | $23 |
| Ultra Mobile | Unltd/Unltd | 4GB | $29 |
| Ultra Mobile | Unltd/Unltd | 5GB | $39 |
| Ultra Mobile | Unltd/Unltd | Unltd | $49 |
Ultra Mobile prepaid phone plans have extremely competitive pricing if you're looking for unlimited calling to other countries. Their unlimited data plan is a great value as well when compared to buying straight from T-Mobile.
The picture changes a bit if you're not in need of extreme international service and you're not a heavy data user. Ultra Mobile's smaller plans, at 500 MB and 5 GB of high-speed data, are available at extremely affordable prices. However, these rates can't compete with cheap cell phone plans from carriers like Mint Mobile and Tello.
Ultra Mobile Pricing: Is It Competitive?
| Carrier | Network Coverage | Data Limit | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unlimited* | $70 | $840 |
| Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unlimited | $49 | $588 |
| Saving | $21 | $252 | ||
| * Avg T-Mobile unlimited plan customer uses 6GB data | ||||
Coverage
Ultra Mobile uses the T-Mobile network. When you sign up for cellular service your plan will come with a free Ultra Mobile SIM card designed to operate on T-Mobile's network.
T-Mobile provides pretty extensive coverage across the entire country. The network is strongest in metropolitan areas. Some rural areas struggle with a weak signal, it just depends where you're located.
Ultra Mobile Cell Phone Deals
| Network | T-Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 10 day |
| Network | T-Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 10 day |
| Network | T-Mobile |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 10 day |
Phone Options
Ultra Mobile does not sell devices, so you've got two options:
- Bring your own phone. Since this provider operates on a GSM network, you'll have the most luck with compatibility if you've got a T-Mobile or AT&T phone. You may have to change the APN settings (don't worry, it's easy) and you should make sure your device is unlocked.
- Buy a new or refurbished phone. You'll save the most money - up to 50% off retail - by shopping for refurbished phones compatible with Ultra Mobile. Compare prices and features on all your favorite Apple and Android devices from reputable sellers.
Key Considerations When Choosing Ultra Mobile
Here's what you should ask yourself when you're deciding whether Ultra Mobile is the right carrier for you:
- Does the Ultra Mobile coverage map cover my area?
- Do I need an emphasis on international calling?
- Are you going to bring your own device or buy a new or used phone?
- Am I okay with choosing from only four data bucket options?
Recap
The bottom line: Ultra Mobile offers big savings over T-Mobile for service on the same network.
Even better, you'll save a bundle if you make a lot of calls to international locations and need a great rate on those calls. It's also a good deal if you're looking for unlimited data.
If you'd like to see what real customers are saying, check out the Ultra Mobile customer reviews!
If you want to save even more, pair your new low-cost plan with a refurbished phone.
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