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An MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) is a wireless carrier that leases network capacity from one of the three major networks — Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile — rather than building its own towers. This means you get the exact same coverage and cell towers as customers paying $70-90/month, but at prices starting from just $10-25/month. MVNOs like Mint Mobile, Visible, and US Mobile keep costs low by selling primarily online and cutting out expensive retail stores. As of 2026, over 35 million Americans use MVNO plans, and the number is growing by 8% annually.

Yes — keeping your existing phone number when switching carriers is your legal right under FCC regulations. The process is called "number porting" and is free. When you sign up with your new carrier, provide your current account number and transfer PIN (call your current carrier to get these). The port typically completes within 2-4 hours, though it can occasionally take up to 24 hours. Your old service will automatically cancel once the port is complete, so do not cancel your old plan beforehand — that could cause you to lose your number.

Most smartphones manufactured after 2019 are compatible with all three major US networks (T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon). If your phone was purchased directly from a carrier, it may be "carrier-locked" — meaning it only works on that network. However, carriers are legally required to unlock your phone once your contract or financing agreement is fulfilled. Contact your current carrier to request an unlock, which is usually free and takes 24-72 hours. You can check compatibility by entering your phone's IMEI number (dial *#06#) on the new carrier's website before switching.

Deprioritization means that during times of heavy network congestion — typically in crowded urban areas during peak hours — the network may temporarily slow MVNO customers' data speeds to prioritize direct carrier subscribers. In practice, most users rarely notice this: studies show that deprioritization affects less than 1% of total usage time in suburban and rural areas. If you live in a dense city and stream video frequently, consider a premium MVNO tier like Visible+ ($45/month) or US Mobile Unlimited Premium ($44/month), which include the same priority access as direct carrier customers.

The average American wireless bill is $85/month according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while budget MVNOs offer comparable plans starting at $10-30/month. For a single line, switching from a major carrier's $80/month unlimited plan to Visible at $25/month saves $660/year. For a family of four, the savings are even more dramatic: a typical major carrier family plan costs $200-280/month, while four lines on Mint Mobile Unlimited cost just $120/month — saving $960 to $1,920 annually. Over a 3-year period, a family could save $2,880 to $5,760 by switching to an MVNO.

Most prepaid and MVNO plans include all taxes and regulatory fees in the advertised price — the price you see is exactly what you pay. This is a significant advantage over major carrier postpaid plans, which typically add $5-10/month in taxes and surcharges on top of the listed price. Some carriers like Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile include taxes; others like Straight Talk add $3-8/month extra, which we note in our comparison table. None of the plans listed on SaveOnPhone.com require contracts or charge early termination fees — you can cancel or switch at any time with no penalties.