4 Cheaper Alternatives to the Big 3 Wireless Carriers
Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile may be the three dominant wireless carriers, but you don’t have to rely on them to get reliable phone service. The second tier of phone service providers actually use the exact same major networks as the majors, often for a lower cost.
The key is knowing what you are giving up. The Big 3 wireless carriers include numerous perks with most monthly plans, from phone subsidies to international talk and text and more.
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If you just need basic talk, text and data, it might be worth looking at switching. Just understand the tradeoffs you’ll have to accept for your lower monthly bill.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Cheaper Carriers Can Cost Less
The Big 3 wireless carriers have invested massive amounts of time and money to build out their networks. Rather than spending all that capital themselves, the second tier of wireless carriers simply use the networks of the larger carriers.
This means that these smaller carriers can enjoy the same coverage as the larger carriers, just under a different name. For example, Visible’s plans run on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks, while Mint Mobile leases towers from T-Mobile. AT&T owns Cricket, so it uses its parent company’s network. Like Mint, Metro also runs on T-Mobile’s network.
Although all of the carriers use the same networks, the smaller companies use a different business model. Typically, they rely on online service, have fewer stores, require prepaid billing and don’t offer much in terms of bundled extras. Prepaid and discount plan users are also de-prioritized when networks get busy. This can be a deal-breaker for those needing the fastest possible data during peak times.
But if you’re simply looking for low-cost, reliable service, that can be a fair trade.
Visible: Unlimited Data on the Verizon Network
If you’re a fan of the Verizon network but don’t want to pay Verizon prices, Visible is one of the cleanest comparisons. Its base plan costs just $25 per month, including fees and taxes, and it includes unlimited data, talk, text and hotspot.
Mint Mobile: Good for People Who Can Pay Up Front
Mint Mobile can be cheaper if you are comfortable paying for multiple months at once. The company currently offers 3-, 6- and 12-month plans, but you have to pay for the full term in advance.
For example, the 12-month plan offers unlimited talk, text and data for $30 per month, but you have to pay the full $360 in advance. If you just want to try out the service, you can take advantage of the current 3-month promotional plan for new customers at just $25 per month, with the full $75 to be paid in advance.
Cricket and Metro: Budget Plans Combined With Storefronts
Cricket and Metro can be a good compromise for users, as they have retail storefronts but also offer discounted, prepaid pricing. That may matter if you prefer in-person help when signing up or dealing with account issues.
Cricket offers a unique incentive to switch to its service by offering a 14-day free trial. It has three types of prepaid plans, with no annual contracts required. Prices vary based on the number of lines and the type of service.
Metro currently advertises unlimited 5G data on a $40 plan with a five-year price guarantee. If you keep your own phone, you can activate one line of unlimited 5G service for $25 per month.
Consumer Cellular and US Mobile: Low-Data Options
Unlimited data is a common option with modern phone plans, but not everyone needs it. If you primarily use Wi-Fi for your data needs, you can save a lot of money by avoiding unlimited data plans.
For example, Consumer Cellular has an unlimited talk and text plan that includes 1GB of data for just $20 per month. That may be a good fit for lighter data users.
US Mobile offers a variety of prepaid options that allow users to match a plan with their actual usage. Prices range from $16.66 per month for the Unlimited Starter plan to the top-tier Unlimited Premium plan, at $24.90 per month.
The Bottom Line
The Big 3 wireless carriers offer a lot of bells and whistles with their monthly phone plans, and for some users, they’re a good match. But if you just need reliable phone service on the same networks and don’t use a lot of phone data, you may be overpaying by using the Big 3.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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