{"id":7813,"date":"2019-12-25T10:23:55","date_gmt":"2019-12-25T16:23:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/?p=7813"},"modified":"2021-04-19T11:11:27","modified_gmt":"2021-04-19T16:11:27","slug":"tracfone-plans-phones-discounts-reviews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/tracfone-plans-phones-discounts-reviews\/","title":{"rendered":"Tracfone: Plans, phones, discounts, and reviews"},"content":{"rendered":"

Unlike disco balls, fidget spinners, and that questionable rhinestone jacket that\u2019s been hiding away in the back of your closet for years, saving money never goes out of style<\/strong>. Following the introduction of our Smartphone Plan Comparison Tool<\/a>,<\/span>\u00a0we have been hard at work looking at all the best wireless plans<\/a>\u00a0in order to save you more money.<\/p>\n

By now, pretty much everybody with a smartphone is well acquainted with the four largest wireless carriers:\u00a0<\/span>AT&T<\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>Verizon<\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>T-Mobile<\/a>, and\u00a0<\/span>Sprint<\/a>. However, there are quite a few alternatives out there that can save you some cash while delivering access to the same great networks that you\u2019ve grown to love.<\/p>\n

Today, we\u2019re taking a look at Tracfone Wireless<\/a>, one of the longest standing alternative carriers in the North American market. Want to find out if you can save money by switching to Tracfone?<\/p>\n

What is an MVNO?<\/h2>\n

We recently took an in-depth look at how MVNO carriers work and how they can save you money<\/a>, but here’s a quick refresher: MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator<\/strong>. These are typically smaller carriers that lease network access from one (or more) of the big four wireless networks in order to resell it to consumers at a discount. They purchase network access in bulk so that they can negotiate the best possible rates, enabling them to pass the savings to you.<\/p>\n

What is Tracfone?<\/h2>\n

Founded way back in 1996 as Topp Telecom, Tracfone Wireless<\/a>\u00a0is one of the oldest alternative carriers still around. Although branding and services have changed several times since then, Tracfone continues to thrive thanks to its ability to adapt to the ever-changing wireless market.<\/p>\n

Although Tracfone is currently an MVNO carrier, this wasn\u2019t always the case. In its early days, Tracfone locked users to self-branded devices and used its own towers in order to provide a regional network centered around Miami. In 2013, Tracfone began offering another means for users to save money: BYOP, or Bring Your Own Phone. Not too long after, Tracfone shifted focus to become the MVNO carrier it is today. Today, Tracfone not only operates under its own brand, but also under 10 sub-brands of MVNO carriers such as Straight Talk<\/a>, Simple Mobile<\/a>, US Mobile<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n

What network is Tracfone on?<\/h2>\n

Like all MVNO carriers,\u00a0Tracfone Wireless<\/a>\u00a0relies upon one or more host networks to serve as the foundation of its coverage. Unlike most MVNOs that only use one or two host networks, Tracfone uses all four major US carriers<\/strong><\/em> (AT&T<\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>Verizon<\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>T-Mobile<\/a>, and\u00a0<\/span>Sprint<\/a>). This has several notable benefits, including wide device compatibility, class-leading coverage, and more.<\/p>\n

How good is Tracfone’s coverage?<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Since\u00a0Tracfone Wireless<\/a>\u00a0uses all four major US carriers (AT&T<\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>Verizon<\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>T-Mobile<\/a>, and\u00a0<\/span>Sprint<\/a>) as its host networks, you are able to get the best coverage possible. Before signing up for service, just make sure to check Tracfone’s coverage map<\/a>\u00a0for service in your area on the host network you intend on using.<\/p>\n

How much does Tracfone Cost?<\/h2>\n