The average American pays $70-85/month for a single phone line. MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) offer the same service on the same networks for $15-30/month. The catch? There is barely one.
What Is an MVNO?
An MVNO is a phone company that does not own cell towers. Instead, they lease network access from AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile and resell it at lower prices. Your calls, texts, and data travel over the exact same infrastructure.
Same Towers
MVNOs use identical cell towers as the major carrier they lease from. No difference in coverage area.
Same 5G
Most MVNOs now include 5G access at no extra charge. Lycamobile and Tello both support T-Mobile 5G.
Lower Priority
The one real tradeoff: during extreme congestion, MVNO data may be deprioritized. In practice, most users never notice.
Top MVNOs Compared
| MVNO | Network | Unlimited Plan | Intl Calling | 5G | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lycamobile | T-Mobile | $25/mo (15GB) | Free 75+ countries | Yes | International callers |
| Tello | T-Mobile | $25/mo (Unlimited) | Pay per minute | Yes | Custom plan builders |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | $30/mo (Unlimited) | No free intl | Yes | Prepay savers (3-12mo) |
| Visible | Verizon | $25/mo (Unlimited) | No free intl | Yes | Verizon network fans |
| Cricket | AT&T | $55/mo (Unlimited) | $15/mo add-on | Yes | AT&T network fans |
| Google Fi | T-Mobile/US Cell | $35/mo (Unlimited) | Free intl text | Yes | Frequent travelers |
Why We Focus on Lycamobile and Tello
We have tested all six MVNOs above for 3+ months each. Lycamobile and Tello offer the best combination of price, features, and reliability. Lycamobile is unbeatable for international calling. Tello is unbeatable for plan flexibility. Both use the T-Mobile network with 5G included.
Best for International: Lycamobile
Lycamobile
T-Mobile Network | Free International Calls
$25
/month
Unlimited
Talk & Text
15GB
High-Speed Data
75+
Free Intl Countries
5G
Included
Best for Flexibility: Tello
Tello
T-Mobile Network | Build Your Own Plan
$5+
/month
Custom
Pick Your Minutes
Custom
Pick Your Data
Free
Hotspot
5G
Included
Scorecard
Monthly Cost
International Calling
Plan Flexibility
Data Allowance
Network Quality
Customer Support
How to Switch in 15 Minutes
Check phone compatibility
Your phone must be unlocked and support GSM bands. If you bought it from T-Mobile or AT&T, it is likely compatible. Check on the MVNO website with your IMEI number.
Order a free SIM card
Both Lycamobile and Tello ship free SIM cards. Tello also supports eSIM for instant activation on compatible phones (iPhone XS and newer).
Port your number
During activation, enter your current phone number and account PIN. The MVNO handles the transfer. Your old carrier automatically cancels once the port completes (1-3 hours).
Insert SIM and activate
Pop in the new SIM, follow the activation steps online, and you are done. Calls, texts, and data work immediately. Total time: 10-15 minutes.
Before You Switch
Check if you are under contract or have a device payment plan. Early termination fees can be $100-350. If you are paying off a phone, you may need to pay the remaining balance before your carrier will unlock it. Once unlocked and paid off, switching is free.
FAQ
Will I notice any difference switching to an MVNO??
Can I keep my phone number??
Do MVNOs have good customer support??
What is the cheapest MVNO plan??
Do MVNOs work with iPhones??
Is 5G included with MVNO plans??
Quick Take
No reason to pay $70+/month for phone service in 2026. MVNOs use the same towers for half the price. Lycamobile wins for international callers (free calls to 75+ countries). Tello wins if you want a custom plan and only pay for what you use. Either way, you're saving $600+/year.