A new MVNO launched today or sub MVNO if you will, called Mint SIM. Mint SIM is being powered by T-Mobile MVNO Ultra Mobile and as such it runs on the same network as Ultra Mobile. This isn't the first sub MVNO to hit the market, as just a short while ago Campus SIMS rebranded itself as a sub MVNO of Pure TalkUSA.
Mint SIM Plans
All Mint SIM plans include unlimited talk and text, and what differs between each plan is the amount of high speed data that is included. What separates Mint SIM from other MVNOs is that they are offering different rates for the same plan depending on how long you are willing to commit to their network. Plans are offered in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual installments.
Data is unlimited. The chart shows how much monthly high speed data is included before throttling and the price you pay based on how long you are willing to commit to the network. For installments more than monthly, rates shown include how much you must pay upfront and the average monthly cost for the plan.
Mint SIM Cell Phone Plans
Prices Updated: 04/11/2017
| Data | Monthly | 3 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 GB | $35 | $69 ($23/month) | $119 ($19.83/month) | $199 ($16.58/month) |
| 5 GB | $50 | $99 ($33/month) | $169 ($28.17/month) | $299 ($24.92/month) |
| 10 GB | $60 | $119 ($39.67/month) | $209 ($34.83/month) | $399 ($33.25/month) |
Listed prices do not include any fees. Subscribers can expect to pay about 1%-3% more for regulatory fees, and California residents must pay an MTS tax (("Effective January 1, 2016, California law requires all sellers of prepaid wireless service to collect certain taxes, fees and mandatory surcharges from prepaid consumers at the time of purchase")).
Add-Ons and International Calling
Add-Ons
Mint SIM refers to add-ons as bolt-ons, and currently they only offer data bolt-ons. If you run out of high speed data in a month you can add more in allotments of 1 GB and 3 GB. The bolt-ons do not roll over to your next month and expire at the end of your current 30 day plan cycle. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, pricing of the bolt-ons is unknown.
International Calling and Texting
Mint SIM plans do not include international calling and texting, however you can make international calls if you add extra credit to your account. International calling rates vary by location and over 160 countries are offered, too many to list here. For a full list of international calling locations you can visit the following link https://www.mintsim.com/international-rates.
Analysis
Normally with a new MVNO I'd recommend subscribers to be leery of any long term commitments with them given that they often disappear from the market as quickly as they appear. In this case a longer term commitment may be a safer bet since they appear to be backed by Ultra Mobile which has been around for a few years. Still, if you are worried about the financial commitment and the possibility of losing your number you may still want to proceed with caution in regards to subscribing longer term.
Price wise Mint SIM seems to offer mostly par for the course pricing with monthly service, however, if you do decide to commit to a longer term plan you will realize some savings over competitors.
Well, with the promo they are currently running I took the leap and ordered so we’ll see how it goes.
With the promo and signing up for the 2gig/12 month plan I’ll average out to $13.60 a month!
The promo code I used is for 6 or 12 month sign ups – SHOPCLEVER – If you’re curious. 🙂
Thanks, and good luck.
Don’t really care for having to pay 3, 6, or 12 months in advance. That’s not too different from a contract.
You’re right, although some of their offers are tough to beat if you can commit to that.