What Is an MVNO?

Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are "alternative carriers" that lease coverage and network access from the major carriers (T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T) and can offer similar levels of service at a lower cost. MVNOs offer a wide variety of phone plans, with many small carriers even allowing you to build your own plan. Although most MVNOs don’t offer as many plan perks as the majors (streaming, travel, etc.), they make up for it by often running deals or specials on their plans, making MVNOs an even more appealing option for budget-minded customers.   

Most MVNOs offer prepaid phone plans, which you pay for upfront at the beginning of each billing cycle prior to receiving service. Prepaid plans are great for many reasons, but some of the major benefits include:

• No overage fees

• No credit check

• No contract

• Flexibility to stop or pause your plan at any time

In theory, these carriers can experience the exact same speeds and connections as those on major networks. However, there is a slight catch for MVNOs as they will not get priority over the service provider they use. For example, if T-Mobile gets hit by heavy traffic or in a peak period, it will slow users on these MVNOs and prioritize T-Mobile customers. However, this doesn't happen all too regularly.

T-Mobile MVNOs

A T-Mobile MVNO is a wireless provider that uses T-Mobile’s network to provide customers with wireless service.T-Mobile MVNO’s don’t have their own wireless networks, instead, they buy wireless service from T-Mobile in bulk to resell to you.T-Mobile has a ton of MVNOs that operate on its network thanks to its strong coverage and its GSM network that supports most unlocked phones. This makes it easy to switch and get set up.

T-Mobile MVNOs can be a great alternative to customers seeking service on T-Mobile’s network that don’t want to pay T-Mobile’s hefty price tags. They are also great for those who want wireless service without having to go through a credit check.

T-Mobile now also operates Sprint's network and many Sprint-based MVNO customers have been getting improved coverage thanks to T-Mobile network integration, as long as they have a compatible phone. 

T-Mobile MVNO Coverage Map

T-Mobile has a 4G LTE network that covers 99 percent of Americans. Plus, T-Mobile’s growing 5G network is the most robust, covering nearly 37% of the country—and several T-Mobile MVNOs offer 5G service with their phone plans. 

The online T-Mobile map not only shows you coverage in an overall area, but will allow you to narrow down and see specifics.Here’s a coverage map that will show you the 5G & 4G coverage area.

To ensure the greatest compatibility with an MVNO carrier using the T-Mobile network — you will want to ensure you do not have “partner” coverage in the areas where you live, work, and play.

Complete List of T-Mobile MVNOs

T-Mobile has one of the largest lists of MVNOs on the market, beating out both Verizon and AT&T for numbers.There are a few networks that exclusively use T-Mobile.There is also a huge list of carriers that use more than one network, including T-Mobile's.Plus, T-Mobile has merged with Sprint so many of Sprint's MVNOs now use T-Mobile.Below is a full list of both MVNOs that solely use T-Mobile and ones that could be on T-Mobile:

You could easily count these different carriers without going super in-depth, and we’ve recently covered some of the best T-Mobile MVNOs.

The Best T-Mobile MVNOs

1.Mint Mobile

Founded in 2016, Mint Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that offers prepaid wireless plans. Its wide variety of service offerings include international calling and roaming, and Wi-Fi calling and texting.Now Mint Mobile has been recognized within the industry and has gained a positive reputation. 

Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s network and utilizes its cell phone towers, including 5G at no extra charge. Mint Mobile users can expect the same ability to make and receive calls that T-Mobile’s customers experience. Best of all, Mint Mobile offers some of the cheapest unlimited data plans in the wireless market. But before you get too excited, know that your data speeds can throttle while using a prepaid carrier like Mint Mobile.As it stands heading into 2024, Mint Mobile currently offers the most value out of any cell phone carrier on the market.

Mint Mobile Pros and Cons

Mint Mobile Plans and Pricing

Mint Mobile offers four main plans that work out to as low as $15 a month, but there isn’t actually a monthly plan. You must buy plans for either three, six or 12 months at a time.

All plans include:

• Unlimited text and talk

• Free calling to Mex & Can
  

• Free mobile hotspot
  

• Wifi call & text
  

• Free 3-in-1 SIM card
  

• 5G high speed data

The longer the package, the lower the monthly rate. Your first three months are charged at the lowest rate for your plan, after which you can renew with any of the packages at the higher renewal rate. If you plan on staying with Mint for a long time, renewing at the 12-month rate will save you the most money—but you’ll also be paying for all 12 months upfront.

Mint Mobile now also offer family plans starting at $15/mo per line(Minimum of 2 lines | Maximum of 5 lines).Click here to view details.

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Mint Mobile Review: Plans, Coverage, Pros/Cons and Customer Reviews 2024

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2.Simple Mobile

Simple Mobile is a register brand of TracFone Wireless, Inc., the nation's largest no contract cell phone provider. Simple joined the Tracfone umbrella in 2012, which began its life as Topp Telecom in 1996. Simple Mobile is considered an MVNO, although it's also a subsidiary.

Simple Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and offers customers service plans that include unlimited talk and text and truly unlimited data. This operator often gives interesting deals, including $10 international calling credit to over 100 destinations. As a part of T-Mobile's network, this operator covers 4G and 5G LTE data.But the 5G access might be the most significant benefit. Customers can easily access the nationwide 5G setup as long as they have a capable device. 

Simple Mobile Pros and Cons

Simple Mobile Plans and Pricing

Simple Mobile offers four unlimited data plans ranging from $25 to $50 a month. All of them are prepaid plans that give you service for 30 days until the next bill is due.One of these unlimited data plans comes with an additional 5GB hotspot and video streams at up to 480p.After you exhaust your hotspot, you can expect to be throttled quite a bit.

All plans include:

• Unlimited text,talk and data.

• Unlimited international calling to 69 destinations.
  

• International roaming in 16 Latin-American countries.

• A one-time $10 international calling credit to 100+ destinations.

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3.Tello Mobile

Tello is very similar to Mint Mobile in terms of its service. Affordable and flexible are its two big sells.The network features a variety of plans that include pre-designed plans and even a build-your-own option. This makes the network unique to its competitors and you have control over how much you pay and the inclusions of your plan.Tello works on 1-month rolling contracts so you can leave or switch it up at any time.With Tello you've got some of the cheapest cell phone plans available anywhere at your fingertips, and, even better still - the ability to switch up your plan on a monthly basis if your needs happen to change. 

You can bring your own phone as long as it's unlocked and works with the T-Mobile network. You can check your IMEI to be sure. Tello sells a few phones on its site including refurbished flip phones and cheap smartphones. If you want something higher-end, you'll need to bring it.

Tello Mobile Pros and Cons

Tello Mobile Plans and Pricing

Tello Mobile is best known for providing its customers with some of the most affordable mobile plans in the market. With prices starting at $5/month, you can have access to data, calls, and texts. You also have the freedom to upgrade and downgrade your plans as you see fit.

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4.Metro by T-Mobile

Metro is an American prepaid wireless service provider owned by T-mobile. It was established in 1994.It provides nationwide phone calling, text, and data. Metro headquarters are in Richardson, Texas, but their services stretch throughout the United States. 

If you’re a heavy data user, Metro is the way to go.It currently has the best unlimited text, talk and 4G LTE data plan compared to other services. The wireless company offers a number of different plans that are more affordable than most cellular plans, and it includes free music screaming. Metro also uses a network that offers fast speeds across the country and has unlimited wireless plans.

Metro by T-Mobile Pros and Cons

Metro by T-Mobile Plans and Pricing

Metro by T-Mobile has three main plans starting at $40/mo for one line.All plans include unlimited talk and text nationwide and access to T‑Mobile's 5G Network at no extra cost. Plus, select plans include Amazon Prime, ViX+ and more—all at a price you’ll love.Taxes and fees included in pricing.With Metro by T-Mobile, you also can get a discount for each additional line you add up to 5 lines. 

While most plans come with nearly similar characteristics, it is worth noting that each one presents different features such as data capping and mobile hotspot.

There is also a smaller 5GB plan for $30 per month if you only need a small amount of data. There is no multi-line discount with this plan.

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5.Ultra Mobile

Ultra is a company dedicated to creating innovative, authentic, mobile communication experiences for people around the globe.Ultra Mobile sells prepaid cell phone plans with unlimited nationwide talk and global text with free international calling to 80+ countries on the T-Mobile network,making it a great choice for those who are visiting the US.. 

Sister company to Mint, Ultra Mobile also offers the same excellent "buy-in-bulk'"pricing with a ton of great plans to choose from. Unlike Mint, however, Ultra Mobile also features options for single-month plans and ultra-budget low data allowance options. 

Ultra Mobile Pros and Cons

Ultra Mobile Plans and Pricing

Ultra Mobile offers data plans featuring 250MB,2GB,3GB,6GB,15GB and unlimited buckets of data.You can pay by the month or buy 3, 6 or 12 months in advance.Unlike Mint, however, Ultra Mobile also features options for single-month plans and ultra-budget low data allowance options. It's also got free international calling and text to over 80 countries with its plans, making it a great choice for those who are visiting the US.

You can only buy the 250MB Plan,2GB Plan and the Unlimite Plan online.All other plans just available in store.

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6.US Mobile

US Mobile specializes in custom phone plans on the best networks across the US, offers extremely competitive pricing across a number of unlimited talk and text plans, as well as free 5G, international roaming, and other perks.US Mobile will use Verizon's or T-Mobile's LTE networks, depending on your phone's compatibility. US Mobile will help you pick the best network depending on your location or device when you sign up. Any user can put together a plan that works for them on US Mobile without giving up quality or speed.

It is also one of the few that has been able to borrow some of these benefits from its carrier networks. That includes a free subscription to Spotify, Apple Music, Disney+, Netflix, ESPN+, Apple Arcade, and more.US Mobile is a go-to MVNO if you value customization and flexibility above all else. You can build your plan from scratch, and US Mobile even lets you pause service for a month if you’re headed abroad. Overall, US Mobile is also a great phone service, and a perfect one if you travel a lot. 

US Mobile Pros and Cons

US Mobile Plans and Pricing

For light data users, US Mobile offers unlimited talk, text and 1GB of data for $12 per month or you can get 5GB of data for $15 per month.

In contrast to the single line plan, US Mobile offers family plans as well. For beginners, the basic US Mobile family plan starts from $45/mo per line, $30/mo for two lines, an d $25/mo for three or more lines. All these plans come with unlimited texts, calls, and data allowance.If you have three or more lines of Unlimited Premium, you’ll also be eligible to receive a free subscription to an audio, streaming or gaming service. Options include Audible, HBO Max, Netflix and PlayStation Plus.

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7.Walmart Family Mobile

Walmart Family Mobile was launched in 2010.  It was powered by T-Mobile.In 2016 T-Mobile sold the brand and its 1.4 million subscribers to TracFone. Although now owned by TracFone, service is still on the T-Mobile network.Walmart Family Mobile is a super affordable way to get your cell phone connected without losing a decent network. There are no contracts, no commitments and no cancellation fees.It's also easy to find, given the huge number of Walmart storefronts in the U.S.

Walmart Family Mobile Pros and Cons

Walmart Family Mobile Plans and Pricing

Walmart Family Mobile offers four plans.The real trick comes when you start adding lines.

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8.Google Fi

Google Fi, formerly Project Fi, is a MVNO telecommunications service by Google that provides telephone calls, SMS, and mobile broadband using cellular networks and Wi-Fi. Google Fi uses networks operated by T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular.You just need to use Fi with a smartphone that's either "designed" for Fi or "compatible" with Fi. This can be an unlocked Android, Pixel, or even an iPhone.

Beyond cellular and data coverage, Google Fi is all about streamlined billing. You pay one fee per month for unlimited talk and texting, plus a flat rate per gigabyte of data after that. There's also a level called "Bill Protection", which effectively caps your charges every month and therefore serves an unlimited plan. You can also do international data and calling with Fi, and there's no additional cost for data use or texting. 

Google Fi Pros and Cons

Google Fi Plans and Pricing

Google Fi has two unlimited plans and a flexible plan. Each plan comes with unlimited calling and texting to numbers in the United States, free calling to Mexico and Canada (or 50 countries with Unlimited Plus), and data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. In addition, with each plan, you can save money by bringing additional lines, with the cost per line coming down per line with up to 6 lines.

What sets Google Fi's Simply Unlimited plan apart from the other two is that it offers fewer perks and a price that's somewhere between the two. This plan doesn't include any hotspot data.The plan doesn't offer a data-only SIM like the other two, nor does it offer unlimited texting, calling, or data when traveling abroad—whereas, with the Unlimited Plus plan, you're able to roam for free. With the Flexible plan, you'll pay the same rate as you would for data domestically. The Simply Unlimited plan is a great choice if you need a lot of data and not much of anything else.

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How to Switch to a T-Mobile MVNO?

Switching to T-Mobile is much easier than you think. Regardless of whether you’re keeping your phone or purchasing a new one, you’ll want to avoid canceling your cell phone service with your current carrier before signing up for your new plan—this is because you won’t be able to transfer your phone number if your old account has been deactivated. 

Here's how to bring your own phone to a T-Mobile MVNO carrier:

1. Choose the best T-Mobile MVNO. Once you've calculated your data usage and figured out which features matter most to you, you can pick the carrier with the right fit.

2. Choose a plan and order a SIM card. Decide on the specific plan you want. This is where you'll save the most money because you can go with one that gives you enough data for your needs without going overboard.

3. Check phone compatibility. You'll need a compatible unlocked device. If you already have a T-Mobile phone you should be all set because they come already unlocked for use on another carrier.(you can do this through your new carrier’s site)

4. Wait while your new carrier contacts your old one to begin the porting process.Once your new plan is activated, your old plan should automatically cancel.

If you want to keep your phone number, you’ll need to provide your new carrier with your current account number, the PIN code, and your billing zip code.

Here's how to switch and buy a new phone:

1. Select a new phone you want to purchase, either on monthly installments or outright.

2. If you want to port in your number, provide your new carrier with your account information.

3. Wait while your new carrier begins the porting process.

4. Once your plan is activated, your previous plan should be automatically cancelled.

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