US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
#1
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 10
US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
Hey all,
Moving to LA in a couple of weeks. Just wondering what's the best cell plan for me?
I use lots of data mostly, don't really call anyone if I don't have to. Don't need minutes really just need a good data plan.
I'm with 3 in the UK and they have unlimited data for £15 a month, plus I can use my mobile in a ton of countries with free data. Great deal.
My question is is there any plan/carrier in the US that offers good data rates/unlimited data?
I buy my iPhones outright so I don't need a phone as part of the deal.
Are all deals 12 month contracts? I used pay as you go, month to month in the UK and that worked well for me.
Moving to LA in a couple of weeks. Just wondering what's the best cell plan for me?
I use lots of data mostly, don't really call anyone if I don't have to. Don't need minutes really just need a good data plan.
I'm with 3 in the UK and they have unlimited data for £15 a month, plus I can use my mobile in a ton of countries with free data. Great deal.
My question is is there any plan/carrier in the US that offers good data rates/unlimited data?
I buy my iPhones outright so I don't need a phone as part of the deal.
Are all deals 12 month contracts? I used pay as you go, month to month in the UK and that worked well for me.
#2
Re: US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
T Mobile works really well for me. Search their one plan for unlimited everything. Personally I use a different plan that has 3gb of data.
You'll find that typically minutes and sms are unlimited in most plans and it's data that differentiates the price.
You'll find that typically minutes and sms are unlimited in most plans and it's data that differentiates the price.
Last edited by tom169; Dec 26th 2017 at 4:00 am.
#3
Re: US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
If your iPhones are are 6 or 6+, they will work on any carrier here. If they are 7-8-X, they will work on T-moble and ATT only as they do not have a Qualcomm modem needed for Verizon/Sprint. They have an Intel modem which is GSM only. This is assuming you are bringing your iPhones from the UK. If you bought unlocked phones here in the states, then it will work on all networks here. settings>general>about>model, then Google that to see if it's GSM only phone.
#4
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 10
Re: US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
This is good to know. I have an iPhone X bought in Australia. I'll check the compatibility for networks in the states.
Cheers
Ben
Cheers
Ben
If your iPhones are are 6 or 6+, they will work on any carrier here. If they are 7-8-X, they will work on T-moble and ATT only as they do not have a Qualcomm modem needed for Verizon/Sprint. They have an Intel modem which is GSM only. This is assuming you are bringing your iPhones from the UK. If you bought unlocked phones here in the states, then it will work on all networks here. settings>general>about>model, then Google that to see if it's GSM only phone.
#5
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Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,425
Re: US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
Most every plan is unlimited everything these days. The prices have actually fallen dramatically in the US over the past couple of years but it remains a somewhat expensive country to use a cell in. Without a lease, you're typically looking at $35-$45/mo/line here. This might have something to do with the geographic size of the US. If you have multiple lines, you can sometimes get a deal.
Verizon is traditionally known as having the best network, but I've found Sprint to be excellent these days and significantly cheaper. T-Mobile is also apparently much improved.
It's likely that an Australian iPhone X will work fine here, if it's unlocked.
Verizon is traditionally known as having the best network, but I've found Sprint to be excellent these days and significantly cheaper. T-Mobile is also apparently much improved.
It's likely that an Australian iPhone X will work fine here, if it's unlocked.
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2016
Location: Cambridge, MA
Posts: 237
Re: US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
Most every plan is unlimited everything these days. The prices have actually fallen dramatically in the US over the past couple of years but it remains a somewhat expensive country to use a cell in. Without a lease, you're typically looking at $35-$45/mo/line here. This might have something to do with the geographic size of the US. If you have multiple lines, you can sometimes get a deal.
Verizon is traditionally known as having the best network, but I've found Sprint to be excellent these days and significantly cheaper. T-Mobile is also apparently much improved.
It's likely that an Australian iPhone X will work fine here, if it's unlocked.
Verizon is traditionally known as having the best network, but I've found Sprint to be excellent these days and significantly cheaper. T-Mobile is also apparently much improved.
It's likely that an Australian iPhone X will work fine here, if it's unlocked.
#9
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Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
Posts: 1,379
Re: US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
We use straight talk $45 unlimited except after 10 gigs the speed drops but I don't think I ever use more than the 10 gigs. We also bought used iphone 5s thru them for $ 79 and $49. I bought mine first at $79 and a week later wife got hers for $49. They both work fine and st talk uses Verizon towers.
#10
I approved this message
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,425
Re: US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
Side note: Sprint doesn't seem to throttle unless you're using a truly ridiculous amount of data (25gb/mo+). I use wifi and wifi calling at all times in my house and at work and never get anywhere close to 10gb/mo despite being profligate with data.
Last edited by Hiro11; Dec 27th 2017 at 4:22 am.
#11
Re: US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
As others have mentioned we use T-Mobile, we have unlimited everything, two iPhone X's and two Apple Watches with their own LTE plan and we pay around $94 a month (we do have a very small discount applied through my FiL's work).
Never had an issue with coverage in LA at all, LTE has always been fast and reliable.
Edit - Just to add, we don't purchase any of our devices through T-Mobile, they're all purchased outright and we just get the sim only deal.
Never had an issue with coverage in LA at all, LTE has always been fast and reliable.
Edit - Just to add, we don't purchase any of our devices through T-Mobile, they're all purchased outright and we just get the sim only deal.
#12
Re: US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
Verizon gets expensive quickly. I have 5 lines on my plan: iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone SE, iPhone 6S Plus and iPhone 7 Plus.
8Gb of data (so not unlimited) - that'll be $340 a month please. When the majority of the phones are paid off in August I'm moving them to another plan somewhere cheaper!
That said Verizons service around here is excellent, and the next best (AT&T) is pretty much useless in the sticks.
8Gb of data (so not unlimited) - that'll be $340 a month please. When the majority of the phones are paid off in August I'm moving them to another plan somewhere cheaper!
That said Verizons service around here is excellent, and the next best (AT&T) is pretty much useless in the sticks.
#13
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 520
Re: US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
I would strongly caution against using T-Mobile at the minute - they have a flaw in their two factor authentication system which means users are currently being heavily targeted for online banking fraud/scams.
#15
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 15
Re: US Mobile/Cell Carriers.
They have an Intel modem which is GSM only.
To answer the OPs question; no one can reach a judgement for you. Personally, given the major three providers (TMUS/T/VZW) are all about the same price for unlimited, it's purely up to the OP to make an informed decision based on coverage in their area.
Last edited by SueZ_1; Dec 27th 2017 at 10:39 pm.