Our readers rant and rave about mobile virtual network operators, but what about major networks, like AT&T and Verizon?<\/p>\n
Between the latest news of inconvenient network outages and rising smartphone costs due to a RAM shortage caused by the AI boom, mobile carriers are vying for your money and business. So which one do your fellow readers recommend?\u00a0<\/p>\n
CNET\u2019s People\u2019s Picks is a community awards program that surveys our readers to get their opinions on the tech gadgets and services they use and love the most, like internet service providers, headphones and TVs. The latest People\u2019s Picks awards zoom in on what readers think about their mobile carriers \u2014 that includes everything from price to signal reliability and even data.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The results are surprising. We hear a lot about major network carriers with lots of perks, data and infrastructure. However, our readers\u2019 opinions indicate that mobile virtual network operators have more to offer than cellphone plans from the big three carriers, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.<\/p>\n
CNET readers chose Mint Mobile as CNET\u2019s People\u2019s Picks overall mobile carrier winner. It has a strong overall satisfaction average rating of 4.68 out of 5.<\/p>\n
\u201cCustomer satisfaction in general is a fuzzy metric, and Mint Mobile has done an excellent job of reinforcing to its customers that they\u2019ve made the right choice,\u201d said Jeff Carlson, CNET senior editor. \u201cI chalk a lot of that up to its marketing, led by actor and former part-owner Ryan Reynolds, which elevates Mint in a crowded market. But Mint remains affordable and reliable, which solidifies its customers\u2019 choice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mint Mobile beats out other MVNOs and major network carriers, giving you the best bang for your buck. It offers flexibility without costing a fortune.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mint Mobile offers several phone plans depending on your term and data needs. It offers three, six and 12-month plans starting at $15 per month for some plans, but an upfront payment is required. Mint Mobile also offers family plans that let you choose the data amount for each included line at one set price. You\u2019ll also have the option to use your existing phone or buy one through Mint Mobile.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe position of Mint Mobile and the other MVNOs on this list really shows how much people value simplicity in pricing and features,\u201d said Carlson. \u201cYes, Mint requires up-front payment to get the best value, but customers can see what that is. They can budget a set amount for the next six months, pay it, and then not worry about fluctuations during that time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carlson also noted that Mint Mobile isn\u2019t trying to load up its plans with features to justify higher costs. It has core features such as 5G coverage and high-speed data, which is what most people are looking for.<\/p>\n
Comparatively, major networks struggle in this category. For comparison, Verizon and AT&T are 2.98 and 3.05, respectively. It\u2019s also worth noting that readers are happy with Mint Mobile\u2019s pricing \u2014 90% say their bill has remained consistent over the past year, and 5% say it has decreased.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Usually, if your carrier\u2019s cellular data connection isn\u2019t reliable enough, you\u2019ll go looking for a Wi-Fi network. Most CNET readers with Mint Mobile service (70%) give the mobile carrier high ratings for how well they\u2019re able to rely on Mint Mobile\u2019s cellular data without connecting to a Wi-Fi network.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Over half (59%) of CNET readers with Mint Mobile service rarely have that problem, and for some, not at all. Eleven percent of CNET readers with Mint Mobile service say they leave Wi-Fi off entirely because their cellular data is faster.<\/p>\n
Carlson said it is surprising that MVNOs, including Mint Mobile, win against major network categories for cellular data connection, but there are many reasons people connect to Wi-Fi instead of relying on their mobile carrier \u2014 like downloading files quickly or watching YouTube videos.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Consumer Cellular wins a few categories in CNET\u2019s People\u2019s Picks, including signal reliability, customer service and the mobile carrier that\u2019s least likely to drop calls. It also comes close to winning in two categories: cellular data connection and unlimited data.\u00a0<\/p>\n