Frequently Asked Questions

An MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) is a wireless carrier that doesn't own the cell towers it uses. Instead, MVNOs lease network access from the big three carriers — T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon — and resell service at lower prices.

You get the same towers and coverage, but typically pay 30–70% less because MVNOs have lower overhead. Examples include Mint Mobile (T-Mobile network), Cricket (AT&T network), and Visible (Verizon network).

Deprioritization means that during peak congestion times, MVNO customers may experience temporarily slower data speeds compared to customers on the host carrier's own plans.

In practice, most people rarely notice this. It only kicks in when a specific tower is congested, and even then the slowdown is usually minor. If you're in a dense urban area during rush hour, you might see it — but for most users, it's a non-issue.

Yes! Number porting is a legal right protected by the FCC. When you switch to a new carrier, you can bring your existing phone number with you. The process typically takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Important: Don't cancel your old plan before porting. The new carrier will handle the transfer, and your old plan will be cancelled automatically once the port completes.

Most modern unlocked phones work on all three major networks. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, you can usually request an unlock after meeting certain criteria (typically paying off the device and having active service for 60 days).

Before switching, check your phone's compatibility on the new carrier's website — they all have IMEI checker tools that confirm whether your device will work.

The average American pays $80–100/month for their phone plan. Budget MVNOs offer comparable plans for $10–30/month — that's potential savings of $600–1,000+ per year.

Even mid-tier MVNOs with premium features typically cost $30–50/month, still saving you $360–600 annually. For a family of four, switching could save $2,000–4,000 per year.

Most prepaid and MVNO plans include all taxes and fees in the advertised price — what you see is what you pay. This is one of the biggest advantages over traditional postpaid plans, which tack on regulatory fees, administrative charges, and taxes that can add $10–15/month.

There are also no contracts, no early termination fees, and no credit checks with most MVNOs. You can cancel anytime without penalty.