How-To Geek - Cellular Carriers

T-Mobile Is Pushing Customers to More Expensive Plans, but You Can Opt Out

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:45:44 GMT

On October 17th, T-Mobile will begin notifying longtime customers of a forced mobile plan upgrade. If you're on the Simple Choice, Select Choice, One, Magenta, or Magenta 55 Plus plan, you'll be migrated to a more expensive package during the November billing cycle. Affected customers can opt out of this automatic upgrade by calling T-Mobile’s Customer Care support line.

SpaceX's Starlink Cellular Service Launches in 2024

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:08:21 GMT

SpaceX is using its Starlink satellites for more than just internet service. A new page on the Starlink website teases the company's "Direct to Cell" platform, which is now slated to launch in 2024. It's an interesting proposition—Starlink Direct to Cell is like having a "cellphone tower in space" and works with all existing LTE phones. Other satellite-based phone services require specialized hardware.

T-Mobile’s 5G Network Will Get a Boost From Comcast

Arol Wright — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:52:14 GMT

T-Mobile already has one of the most robust 5G networks in the United States, depending on where you live, but it's not slowing down. With growing competition from both Verizon and AT&T, the carrier needs to step up its development in order to consolidate itself and keep its spot. It's no easy work, by all means, but T-Mobile just scored a notable win as it agreed to buy some wireless spectrum currently owned by Comcast.

Verizon Has a New Way to Stop Spam Texts

Cory Gunther — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:53:55 GMT

No one likes spam texts or calls, and sometimes it feels like a losing battle when blocking numbers never helps. Even worse, many of those messages come from a random email address, making them nearly impossible to fully block. Today, Verizon Wireless just rolled out a new tool that lets customers easily block all email-to-text scam messages in seconds.

Cricket Wireless Now Has Multi-Month Discounts

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 12:00:27 GMT

Prepaid carriers like Mint Mobile have embraced multi-month discounts over the past few years, which offer lower per-month prices if you pay for several months at once. Cricket Wireless, the prepaid network owned and operated by AT&T, is now joining the party with its own multi-month unlimited plans.

T-Mobile’s New Go5G Plan Gets You Yearly Phone Upgrades

Cory Gunther — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:01:59 GMT

Earlier this year, T-Mobile announced a pair of new 5G plans with extra hotspot data and the ability to trade in phones from other carriers for a limited time. And while those were great, the latest T-Mobile Go5G Next plan is even better, with the promise of guaranteed yearly phone upgrades for new and existing customers, fast 5G speeds, and other perks.

How Does Mint Mobile Compare to AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile?

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:00:28 GMT

Beyond AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, there are several smaller mobile carriers in the US. Thanks to spokesperson Ryan Reynolds and aggressively affordable plans, Mint Mobile is one of the bigger names. How does it actually compare to the Big Three?

Apple Card iPhone Financing Now Requires an Active Mobile Plan

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 20:29:04 GMT

The Apple Card just became a lot less useful, at least for some shoppers. New iPhones purchased on the Apple Card Monthly Installment Plan must be connected to AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile cellular service during checkout. In other words, the Apple Card no longer offers financing for SIM-free iPhones.

Verizon’s 5G Network Is Getting Better, With a Catch

Arol Wright — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:59:08 GMT

The three-way race for which carrier has the best 5G network has been officially going for a long time, but until now, the carrier that has the lead here is widely considered to be T-Mobile. But that doesn't mean that other carriers aren't competing. Verizon, as it turns out, just got a big win with its own 5G network, as it just got an important boost in several parts of the country.

Amazon Wants to Sell You a $25/mo Unlimited Cell Phone Plan

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 19:53:51 GMT

T-Mobile completed its acquisition of Sprint in 2020, and one of the conditions of the deal was that it had to give Dish Network some wireless spectrum and roaming agreements, so that Dish could have its own wireless network. Dish has been slowly building up its infrastructure since then, and now it has struck a deal with Amazon to sell its unlimited wireless plan through the biggest online store in the world.

What Does "5G+" Mean On iPhone and Android Phones?

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:00:10 GMT

5G is the latest mobile network---at least until 6G comes around---but it doesn't come in just one flavor. You may have noticed a "5G+" icon in your iPhone or Android phone's status bar. What's up with that?

6G: What Is It, How Fast Will It Be, & When Will It Launch?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 24 May 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Network planning initiatives in the U.S. and around the world have 6G all over the news, but you may be wondering when it'll be all over your town. Curious about 6G and when upgrading to 6G will even a possibility? Here's what we know.

What Does "5G UW" Mean on My iPhone or Android Phone?

Gaurav Shukla — Mon, 22 May 2023 12:00:19 GMT

5G comes in various flavors. As a result, you may notice different 5G icons on your phone. 5G UW is one of these icons. Here's what it signifies and everything you need to know about it.

Verizon's New 5G Plans Are Less Complicated (for Now)

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 16 May 2023 11:02:07 GMT

Picking a phone plan on a major US carrier can be surprisingly complicated, especially with the multiple tiers of "unlimited" that has become popular recently. Verizon is promising to overhaul its unlimited plans with fewer distinct plans and an emphasis on choice.

T-Mobile Will Let You Stream MLB or MLS Sports for Free

Arol Wright — Mon, 15 May 2023 16:45:48 GMT

T-Mobile has successfully drawn in many customers with its constant promotional bundles, some of which are brand new, while others have been running for some time. Now, T-Mobile has just renewed one of its longest-running promos --- and you'll really like them if you're a sports fan.

T-Mobile Just Had Another Security Breach

Arol Wright — Tue, 02 May 2023 12:00:32 GMT

It hasn't even been a long time since T-Mobile had its last big breach, and we're already seeing the second one in 2023. T-Mobile had yet another breach, and even though it affects far fewer customers than the last one, it's still bad.

Verizon's Mobile Protect Plan Is Now a Much Better Deal

Arol Wright — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 09:39:53 GMT

Having a failsafe like AppleCare+ in case your phone breaks, or disaster strikes, can definitely be helpful. Verizon's Mobile Protect program is becoming a much better option for that insurance, as long as you're a Verizon customer.

Google Fi Just Underwent a Huge Rebrand

Arol Wright — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 13:49:43 GMT

As Google Fi has matured, it has undergone several changes. It first started out by the name of Project Fi, before changing to Google Fi to appeal to a wider public. Now, another rebrand has come --- and it's coinciding with several other changes.

T-Mobile Is Enticing AT&T and Verizon Users to Go Magenta

Arol Wright — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 11:47:16 GMT

In the process of expanding its 5G network, T-Mobile also needs to actually pull people into the network. One of its approaches is, of course, to lure customers from other carriers and make them go magenta. Its new plans might just do the job.

Google Fi Will Let You Test Its Network for Free

Arol Wright — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:14:12 GMT

If you're looking for alternatives to traditional carriers, Google Fi is probably one of the best options. Google is so confident of it, that it'll now let you try it out for free.

Mint Mobile Is Joining T-Mobile

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:02:24 GMT

Mint Mobile has been a popular MVNO for years, especially for people willing to sign up for multiple months of service at once to get a discount. The mobile carrier is now being acquired by T-Mobile.

T-Mobile Is Shutting Down Its 2G Network in 2024

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 13:59:18 GMT

Most carriers in the United States shut down their 3G networks in 2022, and 2G a few years before that, but T-Mobile has been an exception. The carrier has kept 2G functioning all this time, but it won't for much longer.

T-Mobile Just Had a Data Breach

Arol Wright — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 11:38:50 GMT

2022 was filled to the brim with data breaches, and it sure looks like 2023 is not going to be any different. T-Mobile has just warned users about another data breach compromising their personal information.

AT&T Subscribers Can Get 6 Free Months of GeForce NOW

Arol Wright — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:53:00 GMT

If you want to get into cloud gaming, it's easier than ever now, at least if you're an AT&T customer. The carrier is giving users six months of access to NVIDIA's premium cloud gaming service, GeForce NOW, to kick off 2023 in the most fun way.

Your Next Flight on Delta Might Have Free Wi-Fi

Arol Wright — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 17:06:42 GMT

Airplane Wi-Fi is, more often than not, a premium perk that you pay for when booking or right after boarding a plane. Delta is switching up that formula with a promise of free Wi-Fi on planes starting in February.

T-Mobile Has New Protections Against SIM-Swapping Attacks

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:49:58 GMT

SIM swapping attacks have been a problem with mobile carriers for years, which can lead to customers being locked out of their phone service and having their personal data stolen. Thankfully, networks are getting more serious about the problem, including T-Mobile.

T-Mobile Is Boosting 5G Speeds for 260 Million People

Arol Wright — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 17:08:59 GMT

You can say that T-Mobile has done a splendid job rolling out its nationwide 5G network. Now the company is looking to solidify its already strong 2022 progress with a new mid-band 5G rollout all around the country.

You Can Get Unlimited T-Mobile Home Internet for $25/Month (50% Off)

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 11:26:57 GMT

T-Mobile has spent the past year expanding its home internet service to more areas across the United States. Now you can try out the 5G-powered home internet for half off the usual price, with a few catches.

T-Mobile's 5G Now Doesn't Always Need LTE

Arol Wright — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 10:03:47 GMT

5G comes with promises of high-speed connectivity, but depending on where you live, your carrier, or your phone model, it might not be living up to the hype. T-Mobile is now deploying an update that might make a significant difference.

Verizon's Prepaid 5G Plans Are Now Cheaper and Better

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:39:38 GMT

Verizon already offers some of the best phone plans in the United States, especially if you need unlimited data and other premium features. If your first priority is saving money, you should take a peek at Verizon's new prepaid plans.

Verizon Just Had a Security Breach

Arol Wright — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 11:37:54 GMT

In this day and age, we're rightfully worried about security breaches and our online lives. If you're a Verizon subscriber, you might've noticed some suspicious activity on your account. The company has informed customers that it suffered from a security breach that resulted in some SIM swaps.

Verizon's Total Wireless Has a New Name and Cheap 5G Plans

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 10:59:06 GMT

Total Wireless is a pre-paid mobile carrier in the United States, which has been owned by Verizon for almost a year now. Under new management, Total Wireless is now "Total by Verizon," with updated mobile plans that could save you some money.

T-Mobile Will Offer Free In-Flight Wi-Fi on More Planes

Arol Wright — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 10:35:15 GMT

Airplane Wi-Fi is great to have, but often, it's an expensive perk that you need to pay extra for when you're booking your tickets. If you're on T-Mobile, though, you might just get it as a perk if you're flying United.

Google Fi Expands 5G Roaming to 26 More Countries

Arol Wright — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 10:06:26 GMT

Google has long sought to position its Fi mobile network as a competitive network option for US customers. It has always been great for international roaming, but now, your Fi line is about to get even faster when travelling.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet Now Reaches 9 Million More Homes

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 11:50:15 GMT

T-Mobile has been rolling out its 5G and LTE-based home internet service across the United States, giving traditional internet service providers a run for their money. Now the company has officially expanded Home Internet to more areas in the United States.

You Can Try T-Mobile Free for 3 Months, Without a SIM Card

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:25:17 GMT

Even though eSIM has been around for a few years now, carriers have been slow to fully embrace the option to go without physical SIM cards. T-Mobile has now introduced a three-month network trial utilizing eSIM.

Apple TV+ Is Now Free With Some T-Mobile Plans

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 13:06:21 GMT

T-Mobile already includes a Netflix subscription with all "Magenta" cell phone plans, which is increasingly a better deal as Netflix on its own continues to increase in price. Now the carrier is adding another freebie: an Apple TV+ subscription.

T-Mobile Will Fix Dead Zones With SpaceX Starlink Satellites

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 10:38:23 GMT

SpaceX already operates a network of low-orbiting satellites that provide internet access in remote areas, called Starlink. T-Mobile has now announced that regular phones on its network will use Starlink internet as a fallback for dead zones.

Dish's Boost Infinite Will Use "The Power of Three Networks"

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 16:45:00 GMT

Dish Network has been rapidly building up its 5G mobile network, becoming a new fourth carrier to compete with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Now the company is teasing a future cell phone plan called "Boost Infinite."

Unlimited Verizon Data Is Now $30/Month, Through Visible

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 11:31:49 GMT

Visible is a popular mobile network in the United States owned by Verizon (and using the company's network), with cheaper unlimited phone plans and a focus on paying as a group. Now the carrier is switching up its plans.

Verizon's C-Band 5G Is About to Get Much Faster

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 13:23:03 GMT

Earlier this year, Verizon and T-Mobile started deploying 5G service on C-Band, a mid-band frequency that offers faster speeds at farther distances. Verizon is now preparing an upgrade that could make C-Band even better.

Is Verizon's Cheap New Unlimited 5G Plan Right for You?

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 09:00:06 GMT

Verizon already offers several different phone plans with unlimited data and 5G access, but they are pricey, especially if you only get one or two phone lines. Now there's a new cheaper tier, called 'Welcome Unlimited.'

T-Mobile Is Selling Your App Activity: Here's How to Opt Out

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 15:31:44 GMT

T-Mobile has positioned itself as a better alternative to other carriers over the past few years, but it also plays many of the same tricks as other networks, including selling user data. The network is now targeting advertisements based on app usage data, but there's a way to opt out.

What Is Data Roaming, and How Can You Avoid Paying for It?

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 12:00:09 GMT

"Roaming" is a term that often gets mentioned in data plans for smartphones. Aren't you always technically "roaming" when you're out and about? Well, that's not exactly what it means in the eyes of your mobile carrier.

Verizon Home Internet Might Be $25 per Month for You

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 10:31:07 GMT

Verizon launched its '5G Home' internet service a few years ago, which uses the company's wireless network to connect all your devices at home. Now it's cheaper than ever... if your phone is also on Verizon.

What Is C-Band 5G, and Why Is It So Much Better?

Gaurav Shukla — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 09:00:36 GMT

From mmWave to 5G UC, there are already several 5G-related monikers to keep track of. And now mobile carriers have thrown another term into the mix: C-band 5G. So how is it different, and why does it matter?

Do You Need a Senior Cell Phone Plan for Your Loved One?

Jon Bitner — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 11:00:34 GMT

Cell phone plans come in all shapes and sizes nowadays, and there's a surprisingly robust selection that caters directly to seniors. Here's everything you need to know about senior cell phone plans before signing up.

Dish Says Its 5G Network Is Now Live In Over 120 Cities

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:28:34 GMT

Dish Network (yes, the TV company) has been building its own cellular network in the United States, competing with other cell phone plans, which finally started going live in Las Vegas back in May. Now it's supposedly available in over 120 cities.

Which Mobile Carriers Have Truly Unlimited Plans in the U.S?

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 08:00:27 GMT

Most mobile data plans that are advertised as "unlimited" are not really unlimited. There are little things that limit how much data you can realistically use. Do any carriers offer truly unlimited plans? Not as many as you might think.

Verizon Will Boost 5G Service With More Mid-Band Frequencies

Corbin Davenport — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 12:50:48 GMT

The rollout of 5G networks in the United States has been slow-moving, especially for Verizon and AT&T. However, Verizon is now testing a new network feature that should improve coverage in some areas.

AT&T's New Unlimited Plan Drops HBO Max

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:17:31 GMT

AT&T used to own Warner Media, which in turn owns HBO and its associated streaming services, but AT&T completed its sale of Warner to Discovery earlier this year. Now we're seeing the first real-world effects of the deal: no more free Game of Thrones for AT&T unlimited subscribers.

Do You Really Need Unlimited Data?

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 12:00:00 GMT

The holy grail of cellular plans is unlimited data. Everyone wants to be able to stream and download without worrying about going over limits. Do you actually need unlimited data, though? Here are some things to consider.

Google Fi Takes a Page From Comcast Xfinity With "W+"

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 16:12:19 GMT

Google Fi is a wireless network operated by Google that originally focused on low data usage, but recently expanded into unlimited plans. Now the carrier has a new "W+" feature to help expand network coverage.

T-Mobile Starts Rolling Out 5G-Powered Phone Calls

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 12:56:05 GMT

We're firmly in the 5G era now, but most phones still have to switch back to 4G or LTE to make calls. That's now changing, as T-Mobile has started rolling out 'Voice over 5G' on select phones.

What Does "LTE" Mean on a Phone?

Gaurav Shukla — Sun, 29 May 2022 11:00:57 GMT

Curious about the LTE symbol on your smartphone? It's one of the many wireless standards that allow you to communicate on the go. But what does LTE mean, and how is it different from 5G?

Why Unlimited Mobile Data Isn't Actually Unlimited

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 14 May 2022 16:20:00 GMT

"Unlimited" is a big word in the mobile world. Everyone wants a data plan with no limitations. That's why carriers love to use the word, but "Unlimited" rarely means truly unlimited. There are a few reasons for that.

Dish's Long-Awaited 5G Network Arrives As 'Project Genesis'

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 05 May 2022 15:27:30 GMT

Dish Network has been building its own cellular network in the United States, mostly with leftover wireless spectrum acquired from T-Mobile's merger with Sprint. Now the network is starting to go live... in one city, anyway.

AT&T Is Raising the Price of Grandfathered Cell Phone Plans

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 04 May 2022 10:30:19 GMT

Mobile carriers like AT&T and Verizon rarely raise prices on existing phone plans, but it does happen from time to time. AT&T is now raising the monthly cost on select legacy plans, in an effort to push people to newer services.