How do the Prepaid Wireless Services work?
Posted May 5, 2020, 9:22 a.m. by Emil S.Did you know that prepaid carriers are using the services of more prominent network operators? For example, Jitterbug uses the services of Verizon Wireless and Boost Mobile uses the services of Sprint.
In the United States, the four major wireless carriers are Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint, and AT&T. They are often referred to as mobile network operators (MNOs). They have their own network, and these MNOs can compete aggressively with each other when it comes to their phones, plans, and prices.
Prepaid wireless services can provide lower prices because they do not have to maintain a licensed radio spectrum and a network infrastructure. Prepaid wireless carriers are also known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). They buy minutes from the MNOs at a wholesale price, and they resell them to their clients at a retail price.
What Network Is Your Prepaid Service Using?
When you get a prepaid phone, you should know what network it uses. Some networks will have a more reliable signal in some areas and a weaker signal in one. You should know which network works best in your area. Here is a list of prepaid services and the networks they use:
Boost Mobile: Uses Sprint
Virgin Mobile: Uses Sprint (USA) and T-Mobile (U.K.)
Consumer Cellular: Uses AT&T
Jitterbug: Uses Verizon Wireless
Kajeet: Uses Sprint
Cricket: Uses AT&T
Page Plus Cellular: Uses Verizon Wireless
Metro by T-Mobile: Uses T-mobile
Straight Talk: Uses Sprint, Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile
Visible: Uses Verizon Wireless
TracFone Wireless: Uses AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular
Other prepaid wireless services that operate and owns their own network: AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular
Reasons Why People Use Prepaid Wireless Services
Prepaid wireless services can give the services of a mobile network operator without the required long-term contract. The smartphone you get will operate the same way with the smartphone you can get from these mobile network operators.
You buy your own credits for a set number of services or features for a limited time. And when you use up the credits or reach the time limit, all you have to do is buy more credits.
Since you do not have a contract, this means no monthly fees, and these MNOs will not be able to overcharge you. You only pay for the specific services that you use. In a way, you get to save money.
