At last the cell phone spotlight is well and truly on Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) who are now mounting a serious challenge to the big four carriers.
These MVNOS offer you great 4G LTE network coverage because they use the towers of one or more of the big four carriers. Since they do not shell out lots of money for overheads or marketing, they are able to offer much cheaper plans.
COMPARE NOW: Cheap Sprint MVNO plans starting at $10
Need another advantage? MVNOs also offer customizable plans to everyone, not just one-size-fits-all unlimited plans.
In this guide, you'll learn about Sprint MVNOs, which could help you to save over half on your cell phone bill while enjoying Sprint's nationwide coverage.
Sprint MVNO List
You'll find below a list of the available Sprint MVNOs. You'll be able to find some of the best cheap cell phone plans that are tailored to your needs while saving hundreds of dollars each year.
| MVNO | Network(s) |
| Boost Mobile | Sprint |
| FreedomPop | Sprint, AT&T |
| Net10 | T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, Verizon |
| Pix Wireless | Sprint, AT&T |
| Project Fi | Sprint, T-Mobile, Three |
| Red Pocket Mobile | Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T |
| ROK Mobile | Verizon, Sprint |
| Straight Talk | Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T |
| Tello | Sprint |
| TextNow | Sprint, T-Mobile |
| TPO Mobile | Sprint, T-Mobile |
| Ting | Sprint, T-Mobile |
| TracFone | Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T |
| Twigby | Sprint, Verizon |
| Unreal Mobile | Sprint |
| Virgin Mobile | Sprint |
The Best Sprint MVNOs
Looking for the best Sprint MVNOs? Then look no further! We've done the comparing for you, which you'll find below:
Twigby
Twigby, which uses both the Sprint and Verizon Wireless networks, offers prepaid cell phone plans that focus on users who have no need for heavy amounts of data. Twigby is the perfect option for many senior citizens.
All plans come with a 25% off for the first 6 months and a satisfaction guarantee, so if you find yourself unhappy with the customer service, the network, or the plans, then you'll be able to claim a full refund.
Better yet, you'll be able to take advantage of free overage protection, so you won't be charged a single penny when you reach your allotted data for the month.
Tello
Tello offers customizable plans for light, medium, and (potentially) heavy data users. You can either build your own plan or choose from any of their "ready-made" deals. Plans range from no data/no minutes to 10GB of data, unlimited minutes, or both. All plans include the following:
- Calls to Canada, Mexico, and China
- Free tethering
- The ability to reconfigure or cancel your plan anytime you want
Red Pocket
Red Pocket is an ideal low-cost carrier for all three types of data users: light, medium, and heavy. You can take advantage of over 10GB of data (depending on the type of phone you bring to the mobile service).
Plans range from 500 minutes, 500 texts, and 500MB of data to unlimited talk and text, as well as over 10GB of data; they're all affordable too!
All phone plan offerings feature unlimited text, free unlimited international calling to over 70 countries, the ability to transfer your current phone number, English or Spanish customer service access, a 30-day risk-free guarantee, and no credit checks, activation fees, or overage fees.
Sprint MVNO vs Sprint Price Comparison
| Carrier | Network Coverage | Data Limit | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
| Sprint | Sprint 4G LTE | Unlimited* | $60 | $720 |
| Tello | Sprint 4G LTE | 4GB | $29 | $348 |
| Saving | $31 | $372 | ||
| * Avg Sprint unlimited plan customer uses 4GB data | ||||
Sprint Network Coverage
Sprint MVNOs function by leasing coverage from the actual Sprint network towers, so you'll be able to take advantage of Sprint coverage without paying Sprint prices.
In terms of overall performance - and we're going by Rootmetrics' report of Mobile Performance in the US for the second half of 2017 - Sprint places third, behind Verizon and AT&T. The overall score of 87.8 (compared with 95 for Verizon, 92.8 for AT&T and 86.8 for T-Moble) reflects metrics for reliability, speed, data, call, and text.
Another report, from OpenSignal for the fourth quarter of 2017, also puts Sprint in third or fourth place against a range of metrics. Although Sprint ranks fourth for 4G LTE coverage, it made the biggest gains during 2017 and at 85.6% has closed the gap versus T-Mobile (93.1%), Verizon (92.7%), and AT&T (87.0%).
Sprint and Verizon Wireless both run on CDMA radio technology, while T-Mobile and AT&T utilize GSM radio system. As you'll discover shortly, this can affect whether your phone will work on another network.
Cell Phone Compatibility with Sprint MVNOs
If you have a Sprint phone (i..e. it's been purchased from Sprint), then you can rest assured that the phone will work with Sprint-based MVNOs! With all other cell phones, you will need to check the phone's compatibility with the particular new carrier you're sweet on.
If your phone is compatible, all you'll need is a SIM card from the desired carrier and you'll be on your way.
For the technologically minded, your phone will need to be compatible with the following frequencies:
3G: 800Mhz (BC10), 1900Mhz (BC1)
LTE: 850Mhz (Band 26), 1900Mhz (Band 25), 2500Mhz (Band 41)
If you have a Verizon phone, you may be able to transfer the phone to the Sprint network, since it also uses CDMA technology, but check with the MVNO first. Bear in mind that most AT&T and T-Mobile phones will not work with the Sprint network (again, check with the MVNO to be sure).
On a more positive note, many of the newer phones from the Samsung Galaxy and the Apple iPhone ranges will work on multiple networks.
Bringing Your Own Phone to a Sprint MVNO
However, why should you bring your own phone to a Sprint MVNO? For a few good reasons, including:
1. You'll be able to save hundreds of dollars, as a new phone costs a lot. Some phones cost around $1,000! Even financing a phone would add up between $10 and $30 to your monthly bill, and it adds up.
2. Many low-cost carriers insist that you bring your own device.
3. You'll be able to help preserve the environment.
If you're looking to upgrade your phone, compare cell phone prices to ensure you get the best deal. A refurbished phone in excellent condition can be purchased at up to 50 percent off the MSRP.
Recap
The point is, if you like Sprint's coverage but are not so keen on its prices, you can have the best of both worlds with a Sprint MVNO.
There is a wide range of low-cost carriers to choose from: Red Pocket, ROK Mobile, Ting, Tello, Twigby, and TPO Mobile are just are our pick of more than twenty service providers available.
Remember to compare cell phone plans before you make a final decision. It could help you save hundreds of dollars a year.
COMPARE NOW: Cheap Sprint MVNO plans starting at $10
