Prepaid phone plans: Everything you need to know about MVNOs

MVNOs do not publicize these limits, but they are detailed in their policy documents. Let’s take a look Mint Mobile network management policy As an example.

The first hurdle is deprioritizing. Mint’s network management policy states, “Other brands may be preferred on the T-Mobile network.” “For all service plans, T-Mobile may also reduce speeds during times of network congestion.” These policies aren’t clear on how severe the speed reductions are, but in general, when there’s a lot of congestion on the network, MVNO speeds will be slower than the major carriers.

In most areas of the country, this is not a problem. However, speeds can be slow in large cities and large events. If you’re at a concert and everyone is trying to post Instagram Stories or TikToks, you’ll probably notice a significant slowdown.

Another drawback of most MVNOs is throttling. You can also purchase an “unlimited” data plan, but there is usually a soft cap on how much data you can use before your speed slows down. Using Mint as an example again, the company classifies “heavy data users” as those who use more than 35 GB of data per month, and says that these users “may experience slower data speeds as their data usage is prioritized over other customers’ data usage (including tethering) at times and locations with competing customer demands for network resources.”

Those are the two big drawbacks, but depending on the provider you look at, you’ll see some smaller limitations. For example, Mint uses “video optimization.” This basically means that when using mobile data (480p), your video stream will be limited to standard definition. This happens automatically on your network even if you are trying to stream a higher resolution.

We’re using Mint as a touchstone here, but these practices are common among most MVNOs. Cricket has similar data limits The same goes for video restrictions. best mobile. Major carriers with direct prepaid plans, such as T-Mobile, typically increase data limits before reducing speeds.

Beyond these limitations, some MVNOs do not offer additional cellular features such as roaming or mobile hotspots. These limits are not universal, but they are something to keep in mind when considering providers and plans.

Can I use the same number for a prepaid mobile plan?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) determined decades ago that phone providers do not own phone numbers. Generally, you can keep your number when you move to a new carrier, whether it’s a prepaid or postpaid carrier. In fact, since 2009, the FCC has required carriers to transfer (or more properly “port”) numbers within one business day.

under FCC rulesthe carrier cannot refuse to port your number, even if you refuse to pay the porting fee. However, porting fees are allowed. Some carriers, like T-Mobile, don’t charge a fee to port your number. Some places charge anywhere from a few dollars to $20.