Latest news with #MVNO
Phone Arena
18 hours ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Is another T-Mobile service about to raise its data plans without extra costs?
Mere hours ago, we told you that the prepaid Ultra Mobile service, an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) of T-Mobile's, now offers more gigabytes for the same money. Will fellow MVNOs follow accordingly? A quick update for those who haven't heard of MVNOs yet. The Mobile Virtual Network Operator is a wireless service provider that doesn't own its own network infrastructure. Instead, it pays to access other, larger networks' ( T-Mobile , AT&T, or Verizon) infrastructure. The MVNO operator then uses these rented networks for its own service and resells it to customers under its own brand. This allows MVNOs to offer more affordable or flexible plans, while still giving users access to the same nationwide coverage and speeds provided by the major carriers. So, Ultra Mobile is upgrading its plans without raising prices, giving customers more data for the same monthly cost. The $15 plan now includes 500 MB instead of 250 MB, the $19 plan jumps from 3 GB to 4 GB, and higher-tier options see even bigger boosts – like the $39 plan going from 15 GB to 24 GB. The $59 Ultra Unlimited+ plan still has no data limits and now includes 25 GB of hotspot data plus more international credit. All plans keep unlimited talk and text in the US, along with extras like Wi-Fi calling, hotspot access, and international features. Customers don't need to do anything to get these updates – they're applied automatically. Personally, I love that: the less paperwork and interactions, the is also offering bigger savings for those who pay upfront: up to 30% off with a 12-month plan, potentially saving users as much as $216 per year, with smaller discounts for three- and six-month options. Over at Reddit, user LeftOn4ya is asking the real questions: will Mint Mobile – another MVNO owned by T-Mobile – follow soon? Image source – Reddit The user certainly hopes so and lays out their guess, citing Ultra Mobile's new plans. Based on those changes, they predicted Mint Mobile might soon increase data on its intro/annual plans as well – potentially offering 8 GB for $15 (up from 5 GB), 16 GB for $20 (up from 15 GB), and 24 GB for $25 (up from 20 GB). They also expect Mint's Unlimited+ plan to match Ultra's, with 25 GB of hotspot data and possibly expanded roaming in Canada and Mexico. This seems pretty logical, so definitely keep an eye on it. Switch to a 2-month Total 5G or 5G+ plan with Total Wireless and score this foldable deal. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
The Verge
a day ago
- Business
- The Verge
Ultra Mobile raised its data caps without a price increase
T-Mobile is bringing some of its Uncarrier energy to Ultra Mobile, the carrier's international-focused MVNO that operates on its network. It announced that its plans now have slightly higher data caps and more international perks, but with the same prices as before for new and existing subscribers — a rare thing to see these days. The plan with the most notable increase in data cap is its $39 per month tier, which jumps from 15GB to 24GB per month. It also includes 5GB of data you can use in Mexico before international data roaming charges kick in. If you're accustomed to churning through a ton of data every month, its $59 per month unlimited (talk, text, and data) plan is stuffed with more goodies. It includes a combined $20 in international calling and data roaming credits, plus 25GB to use as a mobile hotspot (it previously included 20GB). You'll also get 100 minutes to call 'nearly anywhere,' and either 500 texts or 500MB of roaming data to use while traveling abroad before you have to pay extra. Whichever plan is best for your budget, Ultra Mobile stands out from Mint Mobile and Metro (other T-Mobile-owned MVNOs), as well as other major carriers, by offering more perks for people who call and text folks in countries outside the US. In addition to unlimited talk and text to Mexico, Canada, and the UK, Ultra allows free calls to landlines and mobile phones in China, India, Australia, and many other countries. Plus, all of its plans support Wi-Fi calling, which makes it easy to take calls even if local coverage is spotty.
Phone Arena
25-06-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Survey for T-Mobile alternatives shows MVNOs are the future
Lots of customers aren't happy with some of the decisions that T-Mobile has made in recent months. A survey conducted by Android Authority asked people which alternatives to T-Mobile were at the top of their lists, and it turns out that MVNOs ( Mobile Virtual Network Operator ) are favored by most. Google Fi uses T-Mobile's network. | Image credit — T-Mobile The most voted for alternative choice was Google Fi, an MVNO that primarily uses T-Mobile 's network for its operations. Google's name carries a lot of weight, especially for people who remember when Google Fiber first rolled out. It also helps that Google Fi can be cheaper than T-Mobile , which is a no-brainer when both are using the same network. Visible, another MVNO, came second. It uses Verizon's network, making it a good choice for customers who live in areas with poor T-Mobile coverage. Ookla just crowned T-Mobile as the best network in the U.S., but there are, naturally, areas across the country where Verizon 's network performs Google Fi and Visible, the next choices — in descending order of votes — were the following: Mint Mobile US Mobile Metro Funnily enough, Mint Mobile also uses the T-Mobile network. US Mobile uses that, as well as the networks of AT&T and Verizon . Meanwhile, Metro is literally an MVNO owned by T-Mobile , also running on its network. So, even when you're choosing an alternative to T-Mobile , you're almost guaranteed to be using its network regardless. At least the plans are cheaper, though. While the survey didn't outright provide options for AT&T or Verizon , voters did have the option to choose 'Other' and specify their choice in the comments. However, even the comments were filled with MVNOs like Helium Mobile, Tello, and others. Boost Mobile, which is part standalone carrier and part MVNO, was also a popular choice in the discussions. Mentions of recent Google Fi account suspensions were also made, something to consider if you're looking at giving the network a go. While T-Mobile is still a very popular carrier across the U.S., recent changes to its business model threaten that fame. T-Mobile removed tax-inclusive plans a while back, and then delisted Go5G plans as well, leading to a lot of outcry. This, after customers were walking out of T-Mobile stores due to the T-Life app being forced on them, was a badly-timed move to make. Not to mention the price hikes on price-locked plans some time back, now that was a bad week for T-Mobile 's PR. I understand that businesses change, but this many sudden changes has led to some very angry comments that I dare not summarize here. T-Mobile 's usually-excellent service — hence the aforementioned Ookla award — as well as other perks and niceties like T-Mobile Tuesdays will keep many customers around for now. But I think that the company really needs to tone down on all of the business decisions that it's been making of late. Switch to Total 5G+ Unlimited 3-Month plan or Total 5G Unlimited and get a free iPhone. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Android Authority
25-06-2025
- Business
- Android Authority
Survey reveals this is the T-Mobile alternative most people would go for
Joe Maring / Android Authority With over 131 million subscribers as of Q1 2025, T-Mobile is the second-largest telecom carrier in the US. However, recent decisions like retiring the Go5G lineup of plans in favor of the new Experience plans and unbundling taxes and fees from monthly prices have caused many users to start looking for alternatives in case they want to jump ship. We asked users what carrier they would choose as a T-Mobile alternative, and Google Fi and Visible turned up as the top two choices. Our survey received over 4,400 votes, and over 1,280 people voted in favor of Google Fi, giving it 29% of our votes. Google Fi as a top T-Mobile alternative makes sense, too, as Fi uses T-Mobile's towers for its coverage. If you already have good T-Mobile network reception and want to switch out for other reasons, Google Fi will most likely give you equally good coverage. Google Fi's plans are also cheaper than T-Mobile's, and during network congestion, Fi customers are prioritized at the same level as regular T-Mobile postpaid plans. The cherry on top is that users get free smartwatch data across all Google Fi plans, and we can see why enthusiasts like Fi. Visible is the runner-up T-Mobile alternative, getting over 1,050 votes for a 24% claim. This MVNO uses Verizon's network for its coverage, which makes it a good option if you plan to move out of T-Mobile because of cell reception issues (as long as Verizon works well in your area). Visible also offers plans that are not only competitively priced but also very straightforward, so you don't get stuck in analysis paralysis. Taxes and fees are included too, making your decision less of a math puzzle than it is with T-Mobile. On number three, we have Mint Mobile, which also relies on T-Mobile's towers for its cell service. The draw here is that some users prefer paying their phone bill in bulk, which gives them a higher upfront cost, but some of the cheapest effective monthly rates available anywhere, going down as low as $15 per month for unlimited talk, text, and 5G data for three months. Some caveats come along with the low price, so we aren't surprised this didn't make it to the top of the list. Not a popular choice, but some users also prefer US Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. Comments also mentioned Boost Mobile, Straight Talk, Helium Mobile, Tello, and even Connect by T-Mobile as emergent choices that work out for some people. At the end of the day, these choices are subjective, as what works out for one may not work out for another. This is precisely why we need healthy competition between carriers. These alternative MVNOs show that there are no wrong choices here, and there's something for everyone. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Phone Arena
24-06-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
US Mobile launches its biggest device deal ever
US Mobile, the MVNO that uses AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless networks, has just launched its biggest smartphone deal ever. The new offer is only available for new customers who purchase an unlimited plan or existing customers already on US Mobile's unlimited plans. The device that's subject to a huge discount is the Google Pixel 9. For a limited time, US Mobile customers can pick up Google's Pixel 9 for just $249 with the purchase of any unlimited plan. As mentioned earlier, the deal is also available for existing customers, but only those already on US Mobile's Unlimited or By-the-Gig plans for 90+ days can get the Pixel 9 for $249. So, no new plan is required if you're already on one of the two US Mobile plans. US Mobile's unlimited plans | Screenshot by PhoneArena Those interested in picking up the Google Pixel 9 via US Mobile should know that devices will unlock after 90 days of active service with US Mobile. Customers can also choose to grab the Pixel 9 without purchasing an unlimited plan, but the discount drops from $550 to just $400. On the bright side, the phone will automatically unlock after 30 days on a US Mobile line. US Mobile offers three unlimited plans: Premium, Starter, and Flex. The latter is also the cheapest and costs 17.50/month, while the Starter and Premium will set you up $22.50/month and $32.50/month, respectively. Although the Pixel 9 is getting the biggest discount at US Mobile, the MVNO has another appealing offer aimed at those who want something more powerful like the Pixel 9 Pro XL . US Mobile offers massive discounts on both Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL | Screenshot by PhoneArena The offer is valid while supplies last and involve a generous $400 discount on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The deal doesn't require customers to sign up for a new plan, but you should know that the device is locked to US Mobile and unlocks automatically after 30 continuous days on a US Mobile line. Also, once you get the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you'll have to activate it on a US Mobile account within 15 days of delivery. If you don't keep the phone active for at least 30 consecutive days, the promotional discount will be applied to the payment method on file. For those interested, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL include a one-year manufacturer warranty. There's also a limit of five Pixel deal purchases per account, regardless of the model. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
