Cell phone plans can get expensive, especially if you opt for a plan from one of the big carriers, like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile. Unlimited plans from these carriers can cost hundreds of dollars, especially if you pair a plan with a flagship big-screen phone.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Your phone bill could shrink with a wireless plan from an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). Although cheaper, these plans offer solid coverage. If you’re tired of long-term contracts, high monthly costs, and paying for features you don’t use, switching to an MVNO is a smart move. Here are six reasons why MVNOs are game-changers.
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6 They’re affordable
If you want savings, MVNOs are your best bet
The biggest perk of switching to an MVNO is that the plans are cheaper than those of big-name carriers. Larger carriers have to build and maintain the infrastructure that provides you with coverage. You, the customer, ultimately pay for this, allowing the company to turn a profit. MVNOs don’t have this issue because they lease network access from big-name carriers. This coverage is given to you at a discount.
They can offer competitive prices since they don’t have maintenance and operational expenses. Certain carriers like Mint Mobile don’t have physical stores, which helps them reduce costs further. The cost savings are not insignificant. Even if you opt for a plan with all the bells and whistles, you’ll likely pay less than a comparable plan from a big carrier.
If you don’t want to be stuck with a basic plan from a major carrier, check what options are available through an MVNO. MVNOs also offer family plans, which let you manage several lines under a single account. If you’re on a family plan, check how much you can save by moving your family to an MVNO’s family plan.
5 Prepaid plans
No lock-in contracts to worry about
Many MVNOs offer prepaid or pay-as-you-go plans, where you pay the bill before the monthly cycle begins. This plan is your best bet if you want to experiment with a carrier’s service. Prepaid plans are usually cheaper than postpaid plans, but that’s not the primary reason people go for them.
The main draw is that they are free of contracts. Unlike big-name carriers that lock you into years’ worth of service, MVNOs let you pay as you go without strings attached. You can cancel your plan or switch carriers anytime you like. You won’t have early termination fees or other additional charges at the time of cancellation.
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4 Extensive perks
They really do sweeten the deal
Source: Lucas Gouveia/Android Police | anon_tae/Lerbank-bbk22/Shutterstock
While MVNOs are best known for their affordability, some top-tier plans come packed with perks. These plans include solid benefits, from unlimited talk, text, and data to free roaming in countries like Canada and Mexico. Several unlimited plans from MVNOs offer a generous amount of high-speed hotspot data. This makes it easy to stay connected if you use other devices while traveling.
You might be able to snag other deals or perks based on current offers or seasonal promotions. While big-name carriers have offered generous perks in the past, MVNOs have stepped up their game in recent years. They now provide many of the same benefits at a lower cost and without the limitations of a contract.
3 No credit checks
Your credit score won’t drop
Traditional carriers often run a hard credit inquiry before approving your postpaid plan. This is so they can be sure you can pay your bill on time, especially if you’re financing a phone. However, these hard credit checks can temporarily lower your credit score.
If you have a rocky credit history or don’t have one, you might find it hard to get a postpaid plan from a big carrier. That’s where an MVNO can help. Since most MVNOs have several prepaid plans that require you to pay upfront for service, there’s no need for a credit check. Your credit score won’t take a hit if you can’t pay your bill. Instead, the carrier might suspend your account until you make a payment to renew your service.
2 Reliable service
You don’t have to deal with subpar coverage anymore
Big carriers offer the best coverage, thanks to their massive nationwide networks. Since MVNOs lease networks from large companies, they offer comparable performance. However, network speeds often slow down during peak hours.
Although the main carrier’s customers have priority, the difference in service is usually negligible. You may not notice any major slowdowns during everyday tasks like using GPS, browsing social media, and messaging. If you have Wi-Fi at home or work, you might not use cellular data often. So, temporary dips in your mobile data speed might not be a dealbreaker. If you’re always in crowded areas and rely primarily on your cellular data, consider a postpaid plan from a major carrier for consistent service throughout the day.
1 BYOD options
Bringing your own device keeps your costs low
It’s nice to pick out a new phone with cool new features every few years. Still, if your current device is in good shape, there’s no need to spend extra money. Each time you get a new phone through your carrier, you lock yourself into a multi-year financing plan. This makes it harder to switch carriers.
Most MVNOs have Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) options. This allows you to bring any unlocked device over and use it right away without paying extra or committing to a long-term plan. If you want to upgrade your device, MVNOs have several affordable phone options. The selection might not be as extensive as what you’d find with a major carrier, but you’ll find popular models at good prices.
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Experiment with MVNOs before you make the switch
Having reliable and affordable cellular service is important. An MVNO can make this happen for you. Given that we use our phones for almost everything, you need to know what you’re in for before making the switch. The good news is that many MVNOs offer eSIMs that allow you to experiment while keeping your existing plan active.
Since you don’t have a contract that keeps you locked in, you can test the coverage, features, and speeds without making the shift. If the MVNO network is a good fit for your lifestyle and budget, porting your number and making it your primary carrier is simple. If you’re not satisfied, continue exploring other options. If you decide to stick to your current plan, check if there are things you could do to save money.
