FinanceCalcs
Phone Plan Savings Calculator
The big three carriers — Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile — charge $60–$100+ per line per month. Budget MVNOs using the same networks charge $15–$45. Calculate exactly how much you could save by switching, for every line on your plan.
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) run on the same towers as major carriers. The only difference is the price.
Phone Plan Savings Calculator
$0/mo now • $0/mo new • 1 line(s)
Annual Savings: $0
- Cumul. Savings (invested)
- Current Carrier Cost
Cost Comparison
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Per-Line Breakdown
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Year-by-Year Savings
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"Your phone uses the same cell towers regardless of which carrier you pay. The logo on your bill shouldn’t cost you $600 extra per year."
— Consumer Finance Awareness
Why MVNOs cost so much less
MVNOs — Mobile Virtual Network Operators — don’t own cell towers. They lease capacity from major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) in bulk at wholesale rates, then resell it at prices far below retail. Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s network. Visible runs on Verizon’s. Consumer Cellular runs on AT&T’s. The towers, coverage maps, and signal quality are largely identical to the parent network in most areas.
The trade-offs are real but often minor. MVNOs are deprioritized during network congestion (your speed may slow during peak hours), they typically don’t offer subsidized flagship phones or financed device deals, and customer service is usually online-only. In rural areas with limited tower coverage, MVNO performance may differ more noticeably.
For most people in urban and suburban areas who aren’t on cutting-edge flagship phones, the practical difference in daily experience is negligible — while the savings of $50–$100/month per line are very real.
lightbulb Major Carrier vs. MVNO Pricing
| Carrier | Network | Est. $/line | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon (major) | Verizon | $65–$90 | Unlimited |
| AT&T (major) | AT&T | $65–$85 | Unlimited |
| Cricket Wireless | AT&T | $30–$55 | Unlimited |
| Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile | $30–$50 | Unlimited |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | $15–$30 | Up to unltd |
| Visible | Verizon | $25 | Unlimited |
| Google Fi | T-Mobile/US Cell | $20–$35 | Flexible/unltd |
Switching FAQs
Can I keep my phone number?
Yes. Number porting is a legal right in the US. When you sign up with a new carrier, you provide your current account number and PIN and they initiate the port. The process typically takes a few hours to a day. Keep your old SIM active until the port completes — cancelling before porting loses your number.
Will my phone work on a new carrier?
Possibly, if it’s unlocked. After completing any installment payments or after 60–90 days on most major carriers, devices are unlocked by law. iPhones bought from Apple directly are typically unlocked. Most modern flagship phones support multiple frequency bands and work across networks. Call the new carrier with your IMEI number to verify compatibility before switching.
What about international travel?
This is one area where major carriers have an edge. Google Fi is excellent internationally (data included in many countries). T-Mobile and Verizon have international day passes. Many MVNOs have limited or expensive international options. If you travel frequently, factor international data costs into your comparison — a cheaper domestic plan may cost more overall if you pay per-use international rates.
Terminology
MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator)
A wireless carrier that does not own its own network infrastructure but leases capacity from major carriers. Examples: Mint Mobile (T-Mobile), Visible (Verizon), Cricket (AT&T), Google Fi (T-Mobile/US Cellular). Offer the same coverage as parent networks at significantly lower prices.
Network Deprioritization
During network congestion, MVNO customers’ data speeds may be reduced before major carrier customers’. In practice this affects speeds during peak hours in congested areas. Most users in normal usage patterns notice little impact.
ETF (Early Termination Fee)
A fee charged for cancelling a contract before its end date. Most major carriers have moved to device installment plans rather than ETFs, but outstanding device balances may be due upon cancellation. Some new carriers offer bill credits to offset switching costs.
IMEI Number
Your phone’s unique identifier (dial *#06# to find it). Use it to check compatibility with a new carrier before switching. Carriers can verify whether your specific device model supports their frequency bands.
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