As a wireless user, you have plenty of options when it comes to buying a phone. You could choose to buy a new phone directly from a carrier, or save some money and buy a new-ish phone here on Swappa. Similar to having multiple options for your phone purchase — wireless users also have multiple options when it comes to choosing a carrier.
Many initially look to one of the major wireless carriers: AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile. However, there are plenty of MVNO carriers to consider and that means you have a wide variety of potential options. By looking at the MVNO carriers you can often find a wireless plan that suits your specific needs and you can often save some money. Today, we’ll be taking a look at one MVNO in particular — US Mobile.
What is an MVNO?
The term MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator. Basically, an MVNO carrier provides wireless services using the network of one, or more, of the big four wireless carriers here in the US. An MVNO carrier often operates on a BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) basis and offers services month-to-month, on a pre-paid basis. In many cases, users can also save some money using an MVNO carrier.
What network does US Mobile use?
US Mobile uses the T-Mobile and Verizon networks to deliver 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G services. On the US Mobile website, you’ll see these noted as the GSM LTE Network and the Super LTE Network. However, thanks to the network coverage page on the US Mobile website — you will not have to worry about which to choose. Instead, you will be guided to which network is best based on your current carrier, current device, and your location.
Getting started with US Mobile
You can get started with US Mobile in just a few steps.
- Visit the networks page on the US Mobile website to determine which network, the GSM LTE or the Super LTE, will be best for you.
- Order your SIM Starter Kit.
- Activate the SIM card and select your US Mobile plan.
The SIM Starter Kit is currently priced at $3.99, and as US Mobile is a PAYG (Pay As You Go) carrier — you should expect to pay for your first month of service when you activate your SIM card.
Does US Mobile offer unlimited data?
Yes, US Mobile offers plans with unlimited data. US Mobile users will not have to worry about getting cut off, or paying any overage fees, for reaching a certain data level. But the carrier does make use of a soft-cap. This means some users could experience a slow-down in speeds if they reach a certain limit in a month. For example, users with a Super LTE plan “may notice reduced speeds” if they cross the 50GB level.
US Mobile plans and prices
Along with the unlimited plans — US Mobile also has an option to build your own plan. First though, the US Mobile Unlimited All plan is priced at $40 per month (plus taxes and fees).
US Mobile Unlimited All plan:
- Unlimited Talk
- Unlimited Text
- Unlimited Data
- 5GB of International Roaming Data
The $40 per month Unlimited All plan includes “Fast” data, which is noted as being up to 5 Mbps (good for video streaming, social media, and more). Upgrades for the Unlimited All plan include hotspot and faster speeds. The upgrade pricing is as follows:
- Fast data (5 Mbps) + Hotspot (10 GB) – $5 per month
- Ludicrous data (200 Mbps) + Hotspot (10GB) – $10 per month
An unlimited plan can be nice in that it takes some of the worries away — you can just use your phone and not have to worry about running out of minutes, text, or data. But not everyone will need unlimited, and this is where the US Mobile build your own plan option comes into play.
The build your own plan option allows the user to choose the number of voice minutes, text messages, and data. Prices for the build your own plan break down as follows:
| Voice Minutes | Price | Text Messages | Price | Data | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | 0 MB | $0 | ||
| 75 | $2 | 50 | $1.50 | 50 MB | $1.50 | ||
| 150 | $3 | 100 | $2 | 100 MB | $2 | ||
| 300 | $4 | 300 | $3 | 500 MB | $5 | ||
| 500 | $5 | 1,000 | $4 | 1.5 GB | $10 | ||
| 700 | $6 | 2,000 | $5 | 2.5 GB | $15 | ||
| Unlimited | $8 | Unlimited | $6 | 5 GB | $20 | ||
| Unlimited Voice + Text | $10 | Unlimited Voice + Text | $10 | 8 GB | $26 | ||
| Unlimited All | $40 | Unlimited All | $40 | Unlimited All | $40 |
US Mobile perks
The perks come available for users with more than one Unlimited All line on their account. US Mobile has 10 different perks available, and users are able to get one perk with 2 unlimited lines, two perks with 3 unlimited lines, and three perks with 4 (or more) unlimited lines.
2 Unlimited lines can choose one of the following perks:
- Slacker Plus LiveXLive
- Pandora Plus
- Apple TV Plus
3 Unlimited lines keep the first perk, and also choose one of the following perks:
- Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Plus
- Netflix (Standard)
- Audible
- Spotify (Family)
- Apple Music (Family)
4 Unlimited lines keep the first two perks, and also choose one of the following perks:
- Playstation Plus
- Xbox Live Gold
Aside from needing multiple Unlimited All lines on your account to get the perk(s) — you will need to have your US Mobile account set up with autopay.
US Mobile phones
We’ve outlined US Mobile plans, prices, and how to get started, but you will also need a phone to begin using the service. As with many MVNO carriers — you can easily bring the phone you already have, or the phone you plan to purchase.
With US Mobile using two networks, finding a phone that is compatible should be relatively easy. The carrier claims that 99% of devices will work with US Mobile. Further noting that “any unlocked device that has a SIM card slot will most likely work.” Of course, it is always better to check — just to be certain.
US Mobile allows you to check your phone on the US Mobile network page. Just click the “Your Device” tab and enter your brand and model, or your phone IMEI. Using this check will not only confirm your specific phone is compatible, but it will also prompt you on which network, the Super LTE network or GSM LTE network, will be best.
If you are looking to minimize your out-of-pocket costs when getting started with US Mobile, you can look for a new-ish phone right here in the Swappa marketplace.
Configuring your phone for US Mobile
Once you’ve purchased a phone you will need to get it set up for use with the carrier. The process will vary slightly depending on your phone and which US Mobile SIM card you are using.
If you have a Super LTE SIM card you will only need to insert your SIM card and restart your phone. If you have a GSM LTE SIM card you may also need to update your APN settings. Updating your APN settings should only take a minute or two, and US Mobile offers a detailed walkthrough on their website, just in case you are not familiar with the process.
Is US Mobile any good?
Aside from plans and prices, other key factors when considering a wireless carrier includes network coverage, customer support, and the carriers overall reputation.
The network coverage will be dependent on the location where you live, work, or play — and depending on the phone you have, you will be looking to the Verizon network or the T-Mobile network. A good starting point for network coverage is asking friends, family, or co-workers which carrier they have, and whether they have any trouble with making calls, sending text messages or using data.
US Mobile covers the topic of reviews right from the main page of their website, however, we also recommend looking for independent customer reviews. Customer reviews can be found on websites such as Trustpilot. We also have independent customer reviews right here on Swappa.
Who is US Mobile for?
With US Mobile making use of two networks and offering unlimited plans, as well as the option to build your own plan — we can see this being a good option for plenty of users. At $40 per month the Unlimited All plan has your talk, text and data needs covered without having to worry about running out or paying overage fees. And, on the flip side, being able to customize your plan means getting exactly what you need at the price you want to pay. Looking for US Mobile customer service or tech support? We’ve got all the details over on our US Mobile contact info page.
