TOKU - Treasury of Knowledge for Users

A variety of information you might find useful

User Tools

Site Tools

Trace:
cell_phone_services

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revision		Previous revision
cell_phone_services [2025.04.16 15:53] – [Summary of USMobile and Mint Plans 2/26-27/2025] Steve Isenbergcell_phone_services [2025.07.17 13:59] (current) – Steve Isenberg
Line 9: Line 9:
  
 =====Cell Phone Service Comparison===== =====Cell Phone Service Comparison=====
-Cell phone service providers and their per-month costs after any first-few-months promo. Promo in 'other'.  These prices gathered 8/30 to 9/21/2024.\\ +  * <bg #abebc6>FYI, as of 7/17/2025, USMobile has a buy-one-get-one special.  Sign up for a plan (e.g., Unlimited Starter $22.50/month) and get another plan free. This would be $22.50 for two lines. Check it out.  And do us both a favor and use the USMobile Referral Code ''3BAD6D17''. </bg> 
 + 
 +Cell phone service providers and their per-month costs after any first-few-months promo. Promo in 'other'.  These prices gathered 8/30 to 9/21/2024, most updated 7/15/2025.\\ 
 FYI, MVNO=Mobile Virtual Network Operator, which refers companies that purchase minutes and data from AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. FYI, MVNO=Mobile Virtual Network Operator, which refers companies that purchase minutes and data from AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon.
  
-DISCLAIMER: I'm only collecting information I've found on the Internet for the companies I've listed.  I have no relationship with any of them other than from a consumer's point of view.+DISCLAIMER: I'm only collecting information I've found on the Internet for the companies I've listed.  I have no relationship with any of them other than from a consumer's point of view.  If there's a conflict between what you see here and what you see on their site, rely on what they say (and tell me so I can update this page).
  
 REQUEST: Please let me know at [[steve+cellphoneinfopage@toku.us|steve+cellphoneinfopage@toku.us]] of any information that's incorrect or missing.  Thank you. REQUEST: Please let me know at [[steve+cellphoneinfopage@toku.us|steve+cellphoneinfopage@toku.us]] of any information that's incorrect or missing.  Thank you.
  
 +Prices per month, may require pay 6 or 12 months in advance.  USMobile prices include taxes.
   * Cheapest unlimited voice 1GB data: $8(RedPocket) $9(Tello)   * Cheapest unlimited voice 1GB data: $8(RedPocket) $9(Tello)
   * Cheapest unlimited voice 2GB data: $8(USMobile)    * Cheapest unlimited voice 2GB data: $8(USMobile) 
   * Cheapest unlimited voice 5GB data: $14(Tello) $15(USMobile, RedPocket, Mint)   * Cheapest unlimited voice 5GB data: $14(Tello) $15(USMobile, RedPocket, Mint)
 +  * Cheapest unlimited voice and data: $17.50(USMobile), $22.92(Visible by Verizon), $25(Tello), $25(Boost Mobile), 
  
 Ratings come from [[https://www.trustpilot.com|Trustpilot.com]]. For example, ''4.2* (62% 4&5* on 5,403)'' means their trustpilot rating is 4.2, and 62% of the 5,403 people rating gave 4 or 5 star reviews. Ratings come from [[https://www.trustpilot.com|Trustpilot.com]]. For example, ''4.2* (62% 4&5* on 5,403)'' means their trustpilot rating is 4.2, and 62% of the 5,403 people rating gave 4 or 5 star reviews.
  
 //I've sorted these by their TrustPilot rating as of 9/20/2024.// //I've sorted these by their TrustPilot rating as of 9/20/2024.//
-4/11/2025: I believe USMobile has raised price from $17.50 to $19. 
  
 ^Provider^Rating^Network^cost for one line^other^2 lines^ ^Provider^Rating^Network^cost for one line^other^2 lines^
-|USMobile\\ [[https://usmobile.com/]]\\ [[USMobile_Plans|Plans Summary]]|4.6*\\ (93% 4&5* on 3,796)|Verizon(warp) T-Mobile(lightspeed) AT&T(darkstar)\\ <fs x-small>you choose when sign up, you can switch (”teleport”) twice for free, then it's $2 per teleport</fs> |PRICES HIGHER April 2025.\\ $17.50/unlimited premium data;\\ sharable data $10/2Gb; $15/5Gb; $20/10Gb/ $35/20Gb. Add $8 per additional line sharing data; includes international calling and texting from US.\\ $8/2Gb premium data without free teleport, hotspot, Int'l calling, etc\\ Prices include taxes and fees.|prepay 12 months. 30 days free to try it out.\\ When international, calls/data costs extra (on carriers supporting it), Int'l eSIMs cost extra\\ **Data cut-off (stops working) when you use up all shared data.** |Unlimited data $35;\\ 2Gb shared $18;\\ 5Gb shared $23;\\ 10Gb shared $28\\ includes taxes&fees| +|USMobile\\ [[https://usmobile.com/]]\\ [[USMobile_Plans|Plans Summary]]|4.6*\\ (93% 4&5* on 3,796)|Verizon(warp) T-Mobile(lightspeed) AT&T(darkstar)\\ <fs x-small>you choose when sign up, you can switch (”teleport”) twice for free, then it's $2 per teleport</fs> |Flex: $17.50/unlimited data;\\ ByTheGig: sharable data $10/2Gb; $15/5Gb; $20/10Gb/ $35/20Gb -- Add $8 per additional line sharing data; includes international calling and texting from US.\\ Minimalist: $8/2Gb premium data without free teleport&hotspot, Int'l calling, etc\\ Prices include taxes and fees.|prepay 12 months. 30 days free to try it out.\\ When international, calls/data costs extra (on carriers supporting it), Int'l eSIMs cost extra\\ **Data cut-off (stops working) when you use up all shared data.**\\ no cut-off if using unlimited plan |Unlimited data $35;\\ 2Gb shared $18;\\ 5Gb shared $23;\\ 10Gb shared $28\\ includes taxes&fees| 
-|Tello Mobile\\ https://tello.com/|4.5*\\ (90% 4&5* on 11,335)|T-Mobile |No-data plans: $5/100 mins ($6/1GB 100min), $8/unlimited mins\\ Data plans w/unlimited mins; $9/1GB; $10/2GB; $14/5GB; many more plans|no advance payment; free calls to Canada, Mexico, India, Switzerland, and many more. Upgrade/downgrade anytime n/c|+|Tello Mobile\\ https://tello.com/|4.5*\\ (90% 4&5* on 11,335)|T-Mobile |No-data plans: $5/100 mins ($6/1GB 100min), $8/unlimited mins\\ Data plans w/unlimited mins; $9/1GB; $10/2GB; $14/5GB; $25/unlimited many more plans|no advance payment; free calls to Canada, Mexico, India, Switzerland, and many more. Upgrade/downgrade anytime n/c|
 |Red Pocket\\ https://redpocket.com/|4.4*\\ (85% 4&5* on 3,600)|all 3 networks|$8/1GB, $15/5GB, $25/20GB, $30/Unlimited\\ per month paid annually\\ includes international calling (1GB & 5GB plans 20 countries, others 80+ countries)|if go over data, service slows; no overage fee or cut-off.| |Red Pocket\\ https://redpocket.com/|4.4*\\ (85% 4&5* on 3,600)|all 3 networks|$8/1GB, $15/5GB, $25/20GB, $30/Unlimited\\ per month paid annually\\ includes international calling (1GB & 5GB plans 20 countries, others 80+ countries)|if go over data, service slows; no overage fee or cut-off.|
 |Consumer Cellular\\ https://consumercellular.com/|4.2*\\ (62% 4&5* on 5,403)|AT&T or\\ T-Mobile|$20/1Gb; $25/5Gb; $35/10Gb; $50/unlimited\\ Plus taxes & fees|AARP member discount. Add $15 per additional line sharing data. Auto upgrade e.g. 1Gb to 5Gb if you use more.|$35/1Gb shared\\ $40/5Gb shared ($50.97 with taxes&fees and AARP discount)\\ $50/10Gb shared.\\ plus taxes & fees.| |Consumer Cellular\\ https://consumercellular.com/|4.2*\\ (62% 4&5* on 5,403)|AT&T or\\ T-Mobile|$20/1Gb; $25/5Gb; $35/10Gb; $50/unlimited\\ Plus taxes & fees|AARP member discount. Add $15 per additional line sharing data. Auto upgrade e.g. 1Gb to 5Gb if you use more.|$35/1Gb shared\\ $40/5Gb shared ($50.97 with taxes&fees and AARP discount)\\ $50/10Gb shared.\\ plus taxes & fees.|
-|Hello\\ https://hellomobile.com/|3.9*\\ (74% 4&5 on 3,382)|T-Mobile |$17.50/mo unlimited (6 mo paid in advance)\\ $5/500MB, $10/1GB, $15/4GB, $20/5GB|free unlimited int'l calling from US to Canada, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, UK; total 60+ countries; land lines, some countries to cell phones.| 
 |Mint Mobile\\ https://mintmobile.com/|3.3*\\ (74% 4&5* on 1,293)|T-Mobile| $15/5Gb\\ $20/15Gb\\ $25/20Gb\\ $30/unlimited\\ Plus taxes & fees ($2.82/line for 5GB, $3.02/line for 15GB)|$15/month for unlimited first 3 months; then rates are per month prepay 12 months; data and plan is per-line.\\ Mobile Hotspot n/c pulls from monthly data, limited to 10GB on unlimited plans\\ free calls to Canada & Mexico.\\ If go over data, service slows: no overage fee or cut-off; data add-on available if you need more.|Second line same price as first line, data can differ for each line.  Family plan available (allows multi line management) Two 5GB lines $30+5.64=$35.64 with taxes&fees. |Mint Mobile\\ https://mintmobile.com/|3.3*\\ (74% 4&5* on 1,293)|T-Mobile| $15/5Gb\\ $20/15Gb\\ $25/20Gb\\ $30/unlimited\\ Plus taxes & fees ($2.82/line for 5GB, $3.02/line for 15GB)|$15/month for unlimited first 3 months; then rates are per month prepay 12 months; data and plan is per-line.\\ Mobile Hotspot n/c pulls from monthly data, limited to 10GB on unlimited plans\\ free calls to Canada & Mexico.\\ If go over data, service slows: no overage fee or cut-off; data add-on available if you need more.|Second line same price as first line, data can differ for each line.  Family plan available (allows multi line management) Two 5GB lines $30+5.64=$35.64 with taxes&fees.
 |Ting\\ https://ting.com/|2.7*\\ (74% 4&5* on 303)|T-Mobile|$25/5GB(all can be hotspot), $35/12GB(max 8GB hotspot)|After monthly data allotment, speed is reduced to 128kbps; get more fast data for $5/GB.\\ unused fast data you add carries to next month.| |Ting\\ https://ting.com/|2.7*\\ (74% 4&5* on 303)|T-Mobile|$25/5GB(all can be hotspot), $35/12GB(max 8GB hotspot)|After monthly data allotment, speed is reduced to 128kbps; get more fast data for $5/GB.\\ unused fast data you add carries to next month.|
-|Freedompop\\ https://freedompop.com/|2.4*\\ (52% 4&5* on 1,721)|AT&T |$10/1GB(int' calling to 20 countries), $30/10GB(int'l calling to80+ countries)|implies that if go over data allotment, service slows|+|Freedompop\\ https://freedompop.com/|2.4*\\ (52% 4&5* on 1,721)|AT&T |$10/1GB(int' calling to 20 countries), $30/unlimited(int'l calling to 80+ countries)|implies that if go over data allotment, service slows|
 |Metro by T-Mobile\\ https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/|1.8\\ (13% 4&5* on 70) | T-Mobile|$40/10GB ($45 first month)| |Metro by T-Mobile\\ https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/|1.8\\ (13% 4&5* on 70) | T-Mobile|$40/10GB ($45 first month)|
-|Cricket Wireless\\ https://www.cricketwireless.com/|1.7 (15% 4&5* on 376) |AT&T |$30/5GB, $40/10GB| |$70/10GB|+|Cricket Wireless\\ https://www.cricketwireless.com/|1.7 (15% 4&5* on 376) |AT&T |$30/5GB, $40/10GB, $40/unlimited no hotspot| |$70/10GB|
 |Visible by Verizon\\ https://visible.com/|1.5*\\ (8% 4&5* on 1,117)|Verizon|$22.92/unlimited data (paid $275 annual, Visible); $32.92/unlimited premium data (paid $395 annual, Visible+)\\ prices include taxes & fees|if switch f/T-Mobile price $15/mo for 5 years.\\ Unlimited talk&text to Mexico and Canada.\\ Visible: save $5/mo on Verizon home internet, smartwatch $10/mo\\ Visible+ faster data, save $10/mo on Verizon home internet, hotspot twice as fast as Visible, available to use in Mexico and Canada, calls to 30+ countries and text to 200+, smartwatch service included|Visible: 45.83/mo (pay 550/yr)\\ Visible+ 65.83/mo (pay 790/yr)\\ taxes and fees included| |Visible by Verizon\\ https://visible.com/|1.5*\\ (8% 4&5* on 1,117)|Verizon|$22.92/unlimited data (paid $275 annual, Visible); $32.92/unlimited premium data (paid $395 annual, Visible+)\\ prices include taxes & fees|if switch f/T-Mobile price $15/mo for 5 years.\\ Unlimited talk&text to Mexico and Canada.\\ Visible: save $5/mo on Verizon home internet, smartwatch $10/mo\\ Visible+ faster data, save $10/mo on Verizon home internet, hotspot twice as fast as Visible, available to use in Mexico and Canada, calls to 30+ countries and text to 200+, smartwatch service included|Visible: 45.83/mo (pay 550/yr)\\ Visible+ 65.83/mo (pay 790/yr)\\ taxes and fees included|
 |Boost Mobile\\ https://boostmobile.com/|1.4\\ (7% 4&5* on 466) |Boost, AT&T, T-Mobile |$25/mo unlimited data ($5 autopay discount. Add $10 ea for: hotspot, high-speed data; and many more add-ons available for a cost.|DISH Wireless d/b/a Boost Mobile| |Boost Mobile\\ https://boostmobile.com/|1.4\\ (7% 4&5* on 466) |Boost, AT&T, T-Mobile |$25/mo unlimited data ($5 autopay discount. Add $10 ea for: hotspot, high-speed data; and many more add-ons available for a cost.|DISH Wireless d/b/a Boost Mobile|
Line 48: Line 50:
 ===Comments === ===Comments ===
 [from Glenn, regarding Google Fi, 12/31/2024]\\  [from Glenn, regarding Google Fi, 12/31/2024]\\ 
-I was somewhat surprised by the abysmal TrustPilot rating for Google Fi, but all the 1-star ratings point to bad experience with their customer service, and few complaints about the actual cellular communication. I tend to agree that their customer service is poor (scripted and unhelpful), but I haven’t needed to use it for anything lately since it all seems to work just fine for us.+I was somewhat surprised by the abysmal TrustPilot rating for Google Fi, but all the 1-star ratings point to bad experience with their customer service, and few complaints about the actual cellular communication. I tend to agree that their customer service is poor (scripted and unhelpful), but I haven’t needed to use it for anything lately since it all seems to work just fine for us.\\  
 +[Steve 20250715] Hello Mobile went out of business. Lines were transferred to Liberty Wireless which also appears to be out of business. [[https://clark.com/cell-phones/hello-mobile-shutdown/|read about it]]
  
 ====Resources==== ====Resources====
Line 92: Line 95:
   * Make test calls, send texts, and check data.   * Make test calls, send texts, and check data.
   * If everything works, cancel Consumer Cellular.   * If everything works, cancel Consumer Cellular.
 +
 +----
  
 ==== Mint Mobile vs. US Mobile – Which Should You Choose? ==== ==== Mint Mobile vs. US Mobile – Which Should You Choose? ====
Line 122: Line 127:
   * If you **prefer a flexible monthly plan**, **better coverage options**, or **premium data**, go with **US Mobile**.   * If you **prefer a flexible monthly plan**, **better coverage options**, or **premium data**, go with **US Mobile**.
  
-====Summary of USMobile and Mint Plans 2/26-27/2025====+---- 
 + 
 +====Summary of USMobile and Mint Plans====
 Prices monthly for annual plan.  Taxes and fees included. All unlimited talk & text\\  Prices monthly for annual plan.  Taxes and fees included. All unlimited talk & text\\ 
 HS=High Speed\\  HS=High Speed\\ 
 Priority: lower number is higher priority. That is, QCI7 is better than QCI8 and QCI9. Priority: lower number is higher priority. That is, QCI7 is better than QCI8 and QCI9.
  
-^ Plan                                                            ^ Cost/mo           ^ Data                           ^  Hotspot                         ^ Int'l Data  ^ Int'l call&text f/US  ^ +^ Plan   ^ Cost/mo           ^ Data                           ^  Hotspot                         ^ Int'l Data  ^ Int'l call&text f/US  ^ 
-| **USMobile Annual Plans 4/16/2025** taxes & fees included                                                                                                                                                  ||||||| +| **USMobile Annual Plans updated 7/7/2025** taxes & fees included                                                                                                                                                  |||||| 
-| Unlimited Flex |17.50/mo            | Unlimited (slower after 10GB)\\ QCI 7 (Tmobile), QCI 8 (Vzn), QCI 9 (AT&T)  |  5GB |      add-on | Yes (e.g., Switzerland 69min; UK unlimited)                  | +| Unlimited Flex |17.50/mo            | Unlimited (slower after 10GB)\\ QCI 7 (Tmobile/Light Speed), QCI 8 (Vzn/Warp), QCI 9 (AT&T/Dark Star)  |  5GB |      add-on | Yes (e.g., Switzerland 69min; UK unlimited)                  | 
-| By the Gig                                                      | 10 +8/add'l line  | 2GB shared QCI 9|  Yes, +$10/mo                    | not yet     | Yes, $0.05/min        | +| By the Gig |2GB $10\\ 5GB $15\\ 10GB $20\\ $20GB $35|+$8/additional line sharing data|Yes| extra charge|Yes| 
-| By the Gig                                                      | 15 +8/add'l line  | 5GB shared QCI 9                    |  Yes, +$10/mo                    | not yet     | Yes, $0.05/min        | +| Light plan | 8/mo                 | 2GB                            |  ?                               | ?           | add-on  $36/yr              | 
-| By the Gig                                                      | 20 +8/add'l line  | 10GB shared QCI 9                   |  Yes, +$10/mo                    | not yet     | Yes, $0.05/min        | +|Unlimited Starter |$22.50/mo| Unlimited(slower after 20GB)|20GB|90+ countries|Yes| 
-| Light plan                                                      | 8                 | 2GB                            |  ?                               | ?           | add-on                | +|Unlimited Premium |$32.50/mo\\ free network transfers| Unlimited|Unlimited|90+ countries|Yes| 
-| **Mint Mobile Plans 2/27/2025** cost per plan; +est taxes/fees                                                                                                                                      ||||||| +| |||||| 
-| 5GB                                                             | 15+2              | 5GB                            |  yes                             | ?           | Mexico & Canada       | +| **Mint Mobile Plans updated 7/7/2025** cost per plan; +est taxes/fees \\ Special: First 3 months $15/month paid in advance unlimited talk/text/data                                                                                                                                   |||||| 
-| 15GB                                                            | 20+2.3            | 15GB                           |  yes                             | ?           | Mexico & Canada       | +| 5GB    | 15+est tax&fees2              | 5GB        |  yes                             | ?           | Mexico & Canada       | 
-| 20GB                                                            | 25+2.5            | 20GB                           |  yes                             | ?           | Mexico & Canada       |+| 15GB   | 20+est tax&fees2.3            | 15GB       |  yes                             | ?           | Mexico & Canada       | 
 +| 20GB   | 25+est tax&fees2.5            | 20GB       |  yes                             | ?           | Mexico & Canada       | 
 +|Unlimited|$30+tax&fees|unlimited| 
 + 
 + 
 +====Referral Code==== 
 +If you switch to USMobile using this  
 +[[https://www.usmobile.com/referrals?referrer=3BAD6D17&name=Steven&utm_campaign=monster_referral|link]] 
 +or referral code ''3BAD6D17'' then we both are rewarded!  (It can be your way of thanking me for this information at no added cost to you!)
cell_phone_services.1744844024.txt.gz · Last modified: by Steve Isenberg