An AT&T MVNO is any wireless provider that doesn’t have its own wireless network and instead uses AT&T’s network to provide you with cellular service. Without having to build and maintain its own cellular towers, an AT&T MVNO can save you a lot of money on your phone bill. In fact, switching to an AT&T MVNO may help you to reduce the cost of your phone bill by more than half.
AT&T MVNOs typically buy cheap talk, text, and data in bulk from AT&T. Each AT&T MVNO then resells the talk, text, and data back to the consumer with a price markup that should be profitable for the company. Even with the markup, the service is generally resold at a significantly cheaper rate compared to what AT&T would sell it to consumers for.
AT&T MVNO Pros And Cons
Pros
AT&T Prepaid/MVNO 4G LTE And 5G Coverage Map. Map Corresponds To AT&T’s Prepaid Network Which Is What Most AT&T MVNO’s Use. Partner Coverage Areas Not Available To Most AT&T MVNOs
AT&T MVNOs offer some of the best overall nationwide wireless coverage per dollar. Other carrier 5G MVNOs may offer cheaper wireless phone plans but their nationwide coverage may not be nearly as good as what you’ll find here.
Cons
Most, if not all AT&T MVNO’s, do not allow roaming on other domestic wireless networks. Roaming is what happens when your provider does not have its own towers and network in a given area, but instead uses another network such as T-Mobile to provide you with cellular coverage. This means that you may see a small drop off in coverage if you switch from AT&T postpaid service where roaming is allowed to an AT&T MVNO where roaming is not allowed. For most though, this should go unnoticed.
Another con, and this is for MVNOs in general, is that service with an MVNO may be prioritized below service directly obtained from the parent network. As an example, this means that if you are subscribed to an AT&T MVNO and AT&T’s network is busy, you may see your data speeds temporarily slowed down or an increase in network latency compared to other subscribers on a higher priority plan. This isn’t very common though.
Customer Support
Just like with the major wireless carriers, customer support will vary based on which AT&T MVNO provider you are subscribed to. Some MVNO’s you may find to offer excellent customer support, while others not so much.
Buying A Phone From An AT&T MVNO
About half of all AT&T MVNO’s do not sell phones. This is one area where the MVNO industry is relatively weak. With the exception of a few major MVNO providers such as Red Pocket Mobile, or AT&T owned Cricket Wireless you typically don’t see great deals or BOGO offers on cell phones.
AT&T MVNO BYOD Options
Most unlocked phones should work with AT&T MVNOs, although AT&T can be picky about what phones it allows onto its network. If you are unsure about your phone, you can check AT&T’s whitelisted devices.
AT&T MVNO List
If you’re ready to begin your journey into the world of AT&T MVNO’s here is a list of providers that operate on the AT&T Network.
Each provider listed above offers several different cell phone plans. I sorted through them and in the table below I picked out what I think is the best plan offered by each provider. In order to make it into the price comparison table, plans were picked that contained unlimited talk and text with at least 3GB of 5G data. The current list of plans best describes cell phone plans suited for single lines. If family plans are all you are interested in you can have a look at them here. In some cases though, the below single line prepaid cell phone plans will suffice and be what’s most cost-effective for you, particularly if you are a couple or a family of less than 4.
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Priority data does not guarantee fast data speeds; it simply prevents your data from being slowed down as much as other users’ when the network is busy.
Video streaming
This plan includes video streaming in HD at a resolution of 1080p.
This is an annual plan and requires you to prepay $240 for 12 months of service in advance to get this price.
$20/mo+tax
16GB 5G data
Priority data
This plan includes 16GB priority data.
Priority data does not guarantee fast data speeds; it simply prevents your data from being slowed down as much as other users’ when the network is busy.
New customers get two months free when they prepay $300 for an annual plan. Renews at $300.
Red Pocket Mobile
Annual plan
This is an annual plan and requires you to prepay $330 for 12 months of service in advance to get this price.
$27.5/mo+tax
Unlimited 5G data
Priority data
This plan includes 50GB priority data.
Priority data does not guarantee fast data speeds; it simply prevents your data from being slowed down as much as other users’ when the network is busy.
Video streaming
This plan includes video streaming in HD at a resolution of 1080p.
New customers save 50% on their first month and get this plan for $15. Renews at $30/mo.
Red Pocket Mobile
$30/mo+tax
Unlimited 5G data
Priority data
This plan includes 50GB priority data.
Priority data does not guarantee fast data speeds; it simply prevents your data from being slowed down as much as other users’ when the network is busy.
Video streaming
This plan includes video streaming in HD at a resolution of 1080p.
Port your number into US Mobile and use code REFUND300 and you can get this plan for $300 or an average cost of $25/mo for your first year.
US Mobile
Annual plan
This is an annual plan and requires you to prepay $390 for 12 months of service in advance to get this price.
$32.50/mo
Unlimited 5G data
Priority data
This plan includes Unlimited priority data.
Priority data does not guarantee fast data speeds; it simply prevents your data from being slowed down as much as other users’ when the network is busy.
Video streaming
This plan includes video streaming in 4K UHD (2160p).
Priority data does not guarantee fast data speeds; it simply prevents your data from being slowed down as much as other users’ when the network is busy.
Priority data does not guarantee fast data speeds; it simply prevents your data from being slowed down as much as other users’ when the network is busy.
Video streaming
This plan includes video streaming in 4K UHD (2160p).
Still having trouble finding exactly what you are looking for? Try comparing all phone plans with our search tool.
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brad
3 months ago
why do you choose such expensive plans for the “best deals” category when many of us are in wifi zones and need barely any data? 1-3 GB is fine for us and is priced from $5 to $10 a month.
Mindi Ritter
3 years ago
I cannot find any APN number that will work for my Airtalk Wireless iphone. I’ve tried each and every one, tried so many other plans as well, and nothing will work. I can’t even connect to any Wi-Fi now?? totally pissed off about ready to cancel this service and smashthe fucking phone! ????
moin
5 years ago
which MVNO sim work AT&T network with international roaming service provide + international calling also free in plan .
please inform me ,
Erik Holmstrom
6 years ago
We have Total Wireless service and use Iphones we purchased from Straight Talk at Walmart. We are moving to an area with very bad Verizon coverage, so we need to move to a MVNO using AT&T towers. Can we use our phones if we move to Cricket?
KML
7 years ago
We’ve had Black Wireless for four years, with our own unlocked GSM phones. They provide a prepaid service, no added taxes or hidden fees, and no contract. They’ve never increased our cost, but HAVE increased our data allowance over the years from 500 mb to 2.5 gig. We’ve been very happy with them. Customer service has sometimes been a touch limited, but they have always been honest, kind, and helpful. Unfortunately… my husband just got an iPhone… and he cannot receive MMS on it. (Go apple, who apparently charge the wireless provider for this service…) Since he HAS to be able to receive all of his text communications… I am sad to report, we are looking for another GSM provider. Ever read BBB reviews on your wireless carrier? It’s a spooky world out there!
James Reedy
7 years ago
I currently use the “Obama phone” plan which is serviced by TracFone and which I believe is provided by AT&T. On this plan I am provided free of charge every month with free unlimited text, 300 and some odd talk minutes and approximately 500 MB of data. If you’d like more data they offer a truly great unlimited, true gig speed internet connection the world 40 in dollars in change.
Kevin
7 years ago
Can anyone recommend an AT&T MVNO offering mobile hot spot without having to buy a new high priced phone? I have an unlocked S7 (currently on Straight Talk Verizon), but no luck finding any AT&T MVNOs that support mobile hot spot with it. I don’t mind paying a monthly upgrade fee. Just hate to buy a new phone if I don’t have to.
The family plan is being discontinued at that rate in just a few days. Also the family plan page is here
Richard B
8 years ago
Freedompop is a scam, charged me , never sent SIM cards, then charged for a month service 20 days later with no sims ever delivered, BUYER BEWARE
Carl Falcone
8 years ago
Just got a text from Puretalkusa that my $35 a month plan will now have 5gb of data from 2.5. Great deal great company. Not sure if this is for new customers or a perk for existing ones. Website doesn’t feature change to their plans yet. Supposed to start in July.
Cjf
8 years ago
Pure talk USA now offers 1.5 gigs of data on their $29 plan and 2.5 gigs of data on their $35 plan
Zac
8 years ago
Your H20WIRELESS wireless price is wrong it’s $27 a month unlimited talk unlimited text 3gb high speed data.. $36 gets you 8gb high-speed data
BY0100-51H
9 years ago
using straight talk for a little over a year not a single complaint I have the $45 5gb plan but I can find 90 days refills online for $105-$110
Carl Falcone
9 years ago
I used Puretalk USA from December of 2015 to June of 2016 and it was excellent, but at the time there plans did not offer as much data for the $ as they do now. I switched to Cricket and it has been awful. I constantly miss MMS and have tried different APN settings without any improvement. Sometimes MMS come in hours late. Customer service says it’s because I don’t have a Cricket branded phone (I brought my own unlocked Moto e) but my friend and his wife have Cricket branded Moto e’s and they have the same problems. Now Puretalk offers 2gb data for $35 a month and unlimited MMS vs Cricket’s 2.5gb. I only use about 1gb a month so I’m switching back. Also Cricket compresses video messages so they come in as thumbnails. Very annoying. Just ordered a Puretalk SIM card. Can’t wait to switch back.
Andrew
9 years ago
I just got a text from EasyGo informing me that their $10 1 GB data top up is going down to 500MB.
esc0
9 years ago
@Bestmvno.com Is there any ATT MVNO who offers free roaming in the U.S.?
esc0
10 years ago
@bestmvnocom:disqus Would you by chance know what is the slow speed for AirVoice Wireless once one hits the half mark of their data allotment.
Tim Brooks
10 years ago
I have Cricket Wireless but had AT&T Mobile Share prior to that. I am leaning toward a switch to GoPhone for a few reasons. Uncapped speeds, wireless hotspots, and rollover data from the prior month are my reasons for considering the switch.
alex hatcher
10 years ago
H20 online wants $10 to $25 to ship a SIM card.
disqus_UGZNiaB0I8
10 years ago
Regarding Consumer Cellular, as stated above, they may put you on T-Mobile rather than AT&T.
When I put my zip code in on there coverage map, they show the T-Mobile map, not AT&T, so for those interested, check your coverage with them online so you know which network they will put you on.
disqus_UGZNiaB0I8
10 years ago
So I mentioned the $199 RedPocket e-bay annual deal below. After reading some reviews I have decided not to purchase it and I would caution others as well. It seems this year they were offering data plans over T-MO and then dropped there T-MO service and did not tell subscribers. People had to contact RP to find out that service was d/c. A few mentioned that the company was having financial issues but I cannot confirm that. The $199 does work out to be $16.67 a month which is less then half off of there $35 dollar plan so in theory if you used them for 6 months you would at least break even.
disqus_UGZNiaB0I8
10 years ago
So I reviewed the plans and company websites. I just don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t choose Cricket since it’s cheapest. 2.5GB compared to 1GB for the same or more on other providers. This is my first smartphone so I’m just wondering if I am missing some information as to why Cricket is giving you so much more for so much less. Is it not as good?
Donna Falcone
10 years ago
Perhaps I can ask your opinion. I’m with Puretalk USA right now for a trial month until my Verizon contract is up. Phone and customer service has been great, but Cricket gives 2.5gb of data for $35 vs 1gb on Puretalk for the same price. Both run on AT&T. Seems I would be foolish not to go to Cricket unless I’m missing something. Puretalk only seems like a good deal for light users. Thanks.
Donna Falcone
10 years ago
H2o now offering $20 plan unlimited talk text and MMS with 100gb of data and for $10 add 1gb of data to plan and remaining data rolls over. Seems like a good deal.
joeinmd
10 years ago
I use H2O Wireless in the pay as you go mode. I like it a lot – 5¢ a min, message, or mb. No monthly charges.
escs0
10 years ago
@bestmvnocom:disqus This morning I decided to take a quick glance at AirVoice Wireless website and to my surprise, their plans have been updated. I also noticed a monthly $5 plan has been added and their $40 monthly plan is no more.
On a not so good move their data allotment comes with stipulation. Once one hits half their allotted data, your speeds will be reduced. Not sure where but I am assuming 128Kbps since it seems to be the norm with most carriers. I could be wrong here.
I’ve got a question about switching to a GSM MVNO. I’m currently with Virgin Mobile (which is CDMA) and using an iPhone 5s. Per the new government regulations and VM’s own guidelines, I can at least get the GSM part of the phone unlocked.
I’m actually happy with their service, but they recently grandfathered my plan (2.5 GB LTE, 1200 minutes for $40 a month), and the new plan at that price point is only 1GB of data. I’m gathering info now in case they pull the plug on my plan.
Does anyone have any experience with using unlocked, GSM-capable VM phones on a GSM network? VM is issuing this kind of weasly “Welllll, we *can* unlock your phone, but it probably isn’t going to work with anyone else” statement.
TIA for any help.
Wunder
10 years ago
Cricket Wireless also offers free Mexico calling and texting with the smart and pro plans.
esc0
10 years ago
@bestmvnocom:disqus As of my last monthly renewal with AirVoice I noticed that my full monthly data allotment has been issued to me. I have two lines with them on the $30 monthly plan and both show 500MB after payment.
I can’t say whether this applies to all plans but I am sure they wouldn’t just do it for one plan which is the cheapest and not the others.
Maybe they were inundated with calls for adding the other half of data?? And, if yes I am sure their guys can spend more time resolving more important issues for customers and their service.
Anyone else on AV with a higher monthly tier plan and can verify my findings??
Subhani
10 years ago
Does the AT&T Roll over data work with any of these MVNOs? I’m looking for Cricket, Straight Talk or Net10.
benodiktine
10 years ago
@bestmvnocom:disqus in the fine print above it says “9 = H20 wireless. Price is with autopay enabled”, omitting that they do not support short code. I just chated with H20 support and confirmed that H20 does not support short code. This is driving me nuts! I wish there was a list of MVNOs that support and do not support short codes.
esc0
10 years ago
@bestmvnocom:disqus As of last week I started noticing a few words under my pictures when sending an MMS via AirVoice Wireless. The words are “Queued for Sending”. As you mentioned above it seems ATT plays favorite with its pipeline when servicing its postpaid and prepaid customers versus their MVNO customers.
It is my first time seeing the words in the two month’s of service with AV. It doesn’t seem to matter what time of the day it is or whether weekdays or weekends. Just thought I would share.
Spencer Walker
10 years ago
Cricket wireless is the best deal hands down
mike
10 years ago
Are the AT&T go phone LTE speeds limited?
Nicholas Landry
10 years ago
i am on straight talk’s att sim card byod plan and i get LTE. your chart needs updating!!!
Techie
11 years ago
Blackwireless throttles data to 2G speed after initial 1GB usage (this is for $50 plan) .. not worth using this provider.
why do you choose such expensive plans for the “best deals” category when many of us are in wifi zones and need barely any data? 1-3 GB is fine for us and is priced from $5 to $10 a month.
I cannot find any APN number that will work for my Airtalk Wireless iphone. I’ve tried each and every one, tried so many other plans as well, and nothing will work. I can’t even connect to any Wi-Fi now?? totally pissed off about ready to cancel this service and smashthe fucking phone! ????
which MVNO sim work AT&T network with international roaming service provide + international calling also free in plan .
please inform me ,
We have Total Wireless service and use Iphones we purchased from Straight Talk at Walmart. We are moving to an area with very bad Verizon coverage, so we need to move to a MVNO using AT&T towers. Can we use our phones if we move to Cricket?
We’ve had Black Wireless for four years, with our own unlocked GSM phones. They provide a prepaid service, no added taxes or hidden fees, and no contract. They’ve never increased our cost, but HAVE increased our data allowance over the years from 500 mb to 2.5 gig. We’ve been very happy with them. Customer service has sometimes been a touch limited, but they have always been honest, kind, and helpful. Unfortunately… my husband just got an iPhone… and he cannot receive MMS on it. (Go apple, who apparently charge the wireless provider for this service…) Since he HAS to be able to receive all of his text communications… I am sad to report, we are looking for another GSM provider. Ever read BBB reviews on your wireless carrier? It’s a spooky world out there!
I currently use the “Obama phone” plan which is serviced by TracFone and which I believe is provided by AT&T. On this plan I am provided free of charge every month with free unlimited text, 300 and some odd talk minutes and approximately 500 MB of data. If you’d like more data they offer a truly great unlimited, true gig speed internet connection the world 40 in dollars in change.
Can anyone recommend an AT&T MVNO offering mobile hot spot without having to buy a new high priced phone? I have an unlocked S7 (currently on Straight Talk Verizon), but no luck finding any AT&T MVNOs that support mobile hot spot with it. I don’t mind paying a monthly upgrade fee. Just hate to buy a new phone if I don’t have to.
The family plan is being discontinued at that rate in just a few days. Also the family plan page is here
Freedompop is a scam, charged me , never sent SIM cards, then charged for a month service 20 days later with no sims ever delivered, BUYER BEWARE
Just got a text from Puretalkusa that my $35 a month plan will now have 5gb of data from 2.5. Great deal great company. Not sure if this is for new customers or a perk for existing ones. Website doesn’t feature change to their plans yet. Supposed to start in July.
Pure talk USA now offers 1.5 gigs of data on their $29 plan and 2.5 gigs of data on their $35 plan
Your H20WIRELESS wireless price is wrong it’s $27 a month unlimited talk unlimited text 3gb high speed data.. $36 gets you 8gb high-speed data
using straight talk for a little over a year not a single complaint I have the $45 5gb plan but I can find 90 days refills online for $105-$110
I used Puretalk USA from December of 2015 to June of 2016 and it was excellent, but at the time there plans did not offer as much data for the $ as they do now. I switched to Cricket and it has been awful. I constantly miss MMS and have tried different APN settings without any improvement. Sometimes MMS come in hours late. Customer service says it’s because I don’t have a Cricket branded phone (I brought my own unlocked Moto e) but my friend and his wife have Cricket branded Moto e’s and they have the same problems. Now Puretalk offers 2gb data for $35 a month and unlimited MMS vs Cricket’s 2.5gb. I only use about 1gb a month so I’m switching back. Also Cricket compresses video messages so they come in as thumbnails. Very annoying. Just ordered a Puretalk SIM card. Can’t wait to switch back.
I just got a text from EasyGo informing me that their $10 1 GB data top up is going down to 500MB.
@Bestmvno.com
Is there any ATT MVNO who offers free roaming in the U.S.?
@bestmvnocom:disqus
Would you by chance know what is the slow speed for AirVoice Wireless once one hits the half mark of their data allotment.
I have Cricket Wireless but had AT&T Mobile Share prior to that. I am leaning toward a switch to GoPhone for a few reasons. Uncapped speeds, wireless hotspots, and rollover data from the prior month are my reasons for considering the switch.
H20 online wants $10 to $25 to ship a SIM card.
Regarding Consumer Cellular, as stated above, they may put you on T-Mobile rather than AT&T.
When I put my zip code in on there coverage map, they show the T-Mobile map, not AT&T, so for those interested, check your coverage with them online so you know which network they will put you on.
So I mentioned the $199 RedPocket e-bay annual deal below. After reading some reviews I have decided not to purchase it and I would caution others as well. It seems this year they were offering data plans over T-MO and then dropped there T-MO service and did not tell subscribers. People had to contact RP to find out that service was d/c. A few mentioned that the company was having financial issues but I cannot confirm that. The $199 does work out to be $16.67 a month which is less then half off of there $35 dollar plan so in theory if you used them for 6 months you would at least break even.
So I reviewed the plans and company websites. I just don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t choose Cricket since it’s cheapest. 2.5GB compared to 1GB for the same or more on other providers. This is my first smartphone so I’m just wondering if I am missing some information as to why Cricket is giving you so much more for so much less. Is it not as good?
Perhaps I can ask your opinion. I’m with Puretalk USA right now for a trial month until my Verizon contract is up. Phone and customer service has been great, but Cricket gives 2.5gb of data for $35 vs 1gb on Puretalk for the same price. Both run on AT&T. Seems I would be foolish not to go to Cricket unless I’m missing something. Puretalk only seems like a good deal for light users. Thanks.
H2o now offering $20 plan unlimited talk text and MMS with 100gb of data and for $10 add 1gb of data to plan and remaining data rolls over. Seems like a good deal.
I use H2O Wireless in the pay as you go mode. I like it a lot – 5¢ a min, message, or mb. No monthly charges.
@bestmvnocom:disqus
This morning I decided to take a quick glance at AirVoice Wireless website and to my surprise, their plans have been updated. I also noticed a monthly $5 plan has been added and their $40 monthly plan is no more.
On a not so good move their data allotment comes with stipulation. Once one hits half their allotted data, your speeds will be reduced. Not sure where but I am assuming 128Kbps since it seems to be the norm with most carriers. I could be wrong here.
Link below.
https://www.airvoicewireless.com/
Great article, thanks for the info.
I’ve got a question about switching to a GSM MVNO. I’m currently with Virgin Mobile (which is CDMA) and using an iPhone 5s. Per the new government regulations and VM’s own guidelines, I can at least get the GSM part of the phone unlocked.
I’m actually happy with their service, but they recently grandfathered my plan (2.5 GB LTE, 1200 minutes for $40 a month), and the new plan at that price point is only 1GB of data. I’m gathering info now in case they pull the plug on my plan.
Does anyone have any experience with using unlocked, GSM-capable VM phones on a GSM network? VM is issuing this kind of weasly “Welllll, we *can* unlock your phone, but it probably isn’t going to work with anyone else” statement.
TIA for any help.
Cricket Wireless also offers free Mexico calling and texting with the smart and pro plans.
@bestmvnocom:disqus
As of my last monthly renewal with AirVoice I noticed that my full monthly data allotment has been issued to me. I have two lines with them on the $30 monthly plan and both show 500MB after payment.
I can’t say whether this applies to all plans but I am sure they wouldn’t just do it for one plan which is the cheapest and not the others.
Maybe they were inundated with calls for adding the other half of data?? And, if yes I am sure their guys can spend more time resolving more important issues for customers and their service.
Anyone else on AV with a higher monthly tier plan and can verify my findings??
Does the AT&T Roll over data work with any of these MVNOs? I’m looking for Cricket, Straight Talk or Net10.
@bestmvnocom:disqus in the fine print above it says “9 = H20 wireless. Price is with autopay enabled”, omitting that they do not support short code. I just chated with H20 support and confirmed that H20 does not support short code. This is driving me nuts! I wish there was a list of MVNOs that support and do not support short codes.
@bestmvnocom:disqus
As of last week I started noticing a few words under my pictures when sending an MMS via AirVoice Wireless. The words are “Queued for Sending”. As you mentioned above it seems ATT plays favorite with its pipeline when servicing its postpaid and prepaid customers versus their MVNO customers.
It is my first time seeing the words in the two month’s of service with AV. It doesn’t seem to matter what time of the day it is or whether weekdays or weekends. Just thought I would share.
Cricket wireless is the best deal hands down
Are the AT&T go phone LTE speeds limited?
i am on straight talk’s att sim card byod plan and i get LTE. your chart needs updating!!!
Blackwireless throttles data to 2G speed after initial 1GB usage (this is for $50 plan) .. not worth using this provider.