Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki
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Their starter packs are called “activation kits” and consist of a SIM card and an explanation leaflet in English and Spanish. They are available [http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/t-mobile-prepaid-3-in-1-sim-starter-kit online] to be sent to an US postal address, at T-Mobile branded stores ([http://www.t-mobile.com/store-locator.html locator]) and other stores without ID. Note, that activation kits sold in T-Mobile stores need to be activated at time of purchase. You can not buy just the SIM card. Micro-, mini- and nano-SIMs are available.
 
Their starter packs are called “activation kits” and consist of a SIM card and an explanation leaflet in English and Spanish. They are available [http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/t-mobile-prepaid-3-in-1-sim-starter-kit online] to be sent to an US postal address, at T-Mobile branded stores ([http://www.t-mobile.com/store-locator.html locator]) and other stores without ID. Note, that activation kits sold in T-Mobile stores need to be activated at time of purchase. You can not buy just the SIM card. Micro-, mini- and nano-SIMs are available.
   
The official price in stores is now a whopping $10 (plus local taxes) containing only about $3 credit. Stores such as Best Buy sell the SIM starter kits with prepaid value included at no extra charge. (E.g. a $50 value SIM kit includes a SIM card without extra charge). Some shops want to charge even higher prices or hefty fees for cutting. So it's a better idea to buy the SIM in advance by independent merchants on eBay.com (search for “T-Mobile Activation Kit”), [[htps://simcallus.com|simcallus]] or Amazon.com that are also shipped overseas for a small fee to avoid being overcharged. As of November 2018, activated SIM cards are selling on eBay at around $10. They have often bought the activation kits at one of T-Mobile's many promotions for $1. But you can't rely on getting one for this start-up price in a T-Mobile shop and promo codes are only for online orders to be sent to an US postal address. '''Do not buy an un-activated T-Mobile SIM on eBay, etc. unless it includes a prepaid plan activation code.''' Without an activation code the SIM can't be activated on prepaid.
+
The official price in stores is now a whopping $10 (plus local taxes) containing only about $3 credit. Stores such as Best Buy sell the SIM starter kits with prepaid value included at no extra charge. (E.g. a $50 value SIM kit includes a SIM card without extra charge). Some shops want to charge even higher prices or hefty fees for cutting. So it's a better idea to buy the SIM in advance by independent merchants on eBay.com (search for “T-Mobile Activation Kit”), [https://simcallus.com simcallus] or Amazon.com that are also shipped overseas for a small fee to avoid being overcharged. As of November 2018, activated SIM cards are selling on eBay at around $10. They have often bought the activation kits at one of T-Mobile's many promotions for $1. But you can't rely on getting one for this start-up price in a T-Mobile shop and promo codes are only for online orders to be sent to an US postal address. '''Do not buy an un-activated T-Mobile SIM on eBay, etc. unless it includes a prepaid plan activation code.''' Without an activation code the SIM can't be activated on prepaid.
   
 
===='''Activation'''====
 
===='''Activation'''====
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===='''Recharges and validity'''====
 
===='''Recharges and validity'''====
   
You can try to [https://simcallus.com/ recharge T-Mobile online], but looks like it accepts only US-issued credit cards. Non-residents should use vouchers instead, called 'refill cards' available at T-Mobile stores, many supermarkets, gas stations, Walgreen’s and CVS drugstores, 7-Eleven and many other places. Minimum top-up value is $10.
+
You can try to [https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/direct-to-account recharge T-Mobile online], but looks like it accepts only US-issued credit cards. Non-residents should use vouchers instead, called 'refill cards' available at T-Mobile stores, many supermarkets, gas stations, Walgreen’s and CVS drugstores, 7-Eleven and many other places. Minimum top-up value is $10.
   
 
For refill cards, be aware that you are likely to pay more than the 'face value' of refills in stores due to the recently-introduced '911 Prepaid Wireless Emergency Service Fee', which for example in Los Angeles is around $5.80 on a $30 refill.
 
For refill cards, be aware that you are likely to pay more than the 'face value' of refills in stores due to the recently-introduced '911 Prepaid Wireless Emergency Service Fee', which for example in Los Angeles is around $5.80 on a $30 refill.

Revision as of 13:01, 25 October 2019

T-Mobile US

Tmobile-logo

T-Mobile US is the rising star amongst the “Big 4” providers. Within the last few years, it gained the most customers by pursuing a very aggressive pricing and innovations strategy, surpassing Sprint at #3 in the US market. It had more than 60 million subscriber and tries to merge with Sprint in 2018/9 pending approval of regutating authorities.

2G is on 1900 MHz up to EDGE speed. 3G is on 1700 MHz (AWS) and 1900 MHz up to DC-HSPA. 4G/LTE is on 1700 MHz (B4, B66), 700 MHz (B12) and 1900 MHz (B2). In 2017, they acquired spectrum on 600 MHz (B71) for LTE that will be used to enhance coverage (called 'extended coverage'). See Basics chapter for specifics and compatibility.

T-Mobile announced that starting February 2019, 5G will be available in 30 major cities of the US at least to some of its prepaid customers as well.

Availability and start-up

Their starter packs are called “activation kits” and consist of a SIM card and an explanation leaflet in English and Spanish. They are available online to be sent to an US postal address, at T-Mobile branded stores (locator) and other stores without ID. Note, that activation kits sold in T-Mobile stores need to be activated at time of purchase. You can not buy just the SIM card. Micro-, mini- and nano-SIMs are available.

The official price in stores is now a whopping $10 (plus local taxes) containing only about $3 credit. Stores such as Best Buy sell the SIM starter kits with prepaid value included at no extra charge. (E.g. a $50 value SIM kit includes a SIM card without extra charge). Some shops want to charge even higher prices or hefty fees for cutting. So it's a better idea to buy the SIM in advance by independent merchants on eBay.com (search for “T-Mobile Activation Kit”), simcallus or Amazon.com that are also shipped overseas for a small fee to avoid being overcharged. As of November 2018, activated SIM cards are selling on eBay at around $10. They have often bought the activation kits at one of T-Mobile's many promotions for $1. But you can't rely on getting one for this start-up price in a T-Mobile shop and promo codes are only for online orders to be sent to an US postal address. Do not buy an un-activated T-Mobile SIM on eBay, etc. unless it includes a prepaid plan activation code. Without an activation code the SIM can't be activated on prepaid.

Activation

The activation kit comes only with an activation code and without a number assigned to it. Activation is done by calling 877-778-2107 from any phone, *611 from T-Mobile phone or online HERE. This is where you can choose your number and plan too. Signing up can be done while you are in the US or before at home. You will get a text message for verification. This SMS used not to be forwarded abroad when roaming on a network other than T-Mobile US. Recently, first users succeeded in activating it through non-US roaming networks. So you might give it a try before leaving for the US.

In 2016 T-Mobile changed their policy and started to ship SIM cards already pre-activated on the $3 "pay as you go plan". This gives the advantage that you only have to change the plan, but the highly popular $30 plan (see below) becomes now only available to un-activated kits or at Walmart stores.

Recharges and validity

You can try to recharge T-Mobile online, but looks like it accepts only US-issued credit cards. Non-residents should use vouchers instead, called 'refill cards' available at T-Mobile stores, many supermarkets, gas stations, Walgreen’s and CVS drugstores, 7-Eleven and many other places. Minimum top-up value is $10.

For refill cards, be aware that you are likely to pay more than the 'face value' of refills in stores due to the recently-introduced '911 Prepaid Wireless Emergency Service Fee', which for example in Los Angeles is around $5.80 on a $30 refill.

For refills by (foreign) credit cards the online site Callingmart is a great source. They previously charged a 2% fee, but as of November 2018 this is waived, and they charge no taxes and accept PayPal too.

The SIM card is valid for 90 days after the last refill. After 90 days since last recharge, it will be terminated and the remaining credits will be lost. Since 2014 T-Mobile has a $3 monthly minimum charge.

There is one exception to this termination rule and minimum charge: for iPads with LTE connectivity and other certified tablets too, T-Mobile offers a 200 MB per month free plan which doesn't expire after 90 days or charge a monthly fee. According to T-Mobile, these accounts expire after 365 consecutive days without any activity. Since free activity counts, you should use mobile data once per year to keep this free plan alive.

Re-activation of old SIM cards

It's verified that you can re-activate old T-Mobile SIM cards that have been terminated before and shut off. You can buy an T-Mobile Activation Code (without the SIM card) on eBay for a few $ and activate it online using your old expired T-Mobile SIM card. Thus, you will get a new number, but don't have to buy a new SIM card (at $20+) or obey expiry rules and waste money on useless monthly minimum charges.

You can also re-activate old T-Mobile SIM cards that are on the $3 per month Pay As You Go Plan by simply recharging the SIM card online with you T-Mobile web login. When you visit the US, just top up enough to pay for the $3 monthly charge and the data pass you want and then just let the plan lapse when you leave. DO NOT sign up for autopay or your account will always be charged when the balance goes below $0. Recharging $20 when arriving is usually enough to pay for the $3 minimum and then a $10 1 week 1GB data pass, with a few dollars left over for any voice calling you may want to do.

Default plan: "Pay as you go"

Their default rate for voice and data costs a $3 monthly fee. This includes 30 minutes voice (incoming or outgoing, domestic only) OR 30 text messages (domestic only). These two data passes can be added:

  • $5: 500 MB for 1 day (based on one calendar day on Pacific Time)
  • $10: 1 GB for 7 days

Activating one of the data packs can be done online at the "mobile" My Account site ma.web2go.com[1], in person at a T-Mobile store, or by calling customer service. The $10 data pack can be renewed within the 7 days when the data is used up (or before, but you lose any remaining data for that pass).

Monthly plan: Simply Prepaid and ONE Prepaid:

For monthly use, T-Mobile sells these plans with unlimited national voice and texts and a data quote:

Plan Cost Data
Simply Prepaid $ 45 4 GB
$ 50 10 GB (*)
$ 55 5 GB
T-Mobile ONE $ 75 33 GB

(*) = The $50 plan is available only online to new and changing customers. For overuse data is throttled to 128 kbps speed in the Simply Prepaid plans and depriotized in the T-Mobile ONE plan. Hotspot use is included in Simply Prepaid plans and on 3G speed only in T-Mobile ONE.

To reduce data consumption video streams are compressed and reduced to 480p quality. Their Data Maximizer is enabled by default on all plans, but users can disable at no charge on all plans except the $75 ONE plan. These users can't opt out of Data Maximizer but they can purchase 24 hour HD passes for $3. The HD passes provide un-throttled video streaming on the phone only, streaming over hotspot is throttled to 1.5 mbps

Unlimited international texts are included at no-extra charge on $45 and higher plans. Two add-on packages can be activated on Simply Prepaid plans:

  • for calling abroad from the US, you can have a special add-on called "Stateside International Talk" at $15 with unlimited calls for landline phones of over 70 countries and 1000 minutes for mobile phones of over 30 countries (list, all countries)
  • for Mexico and Canada, you can add a package at $5 with unlimited calling to and from Mexico and Canada and unlimited roaming data in Canada and Mexico.

Plans renew automatically if there's sufficient balance to cover the monthly charge. When the plan renews the expiration date of any unused funds is extended 30 days.  If the balance is insufficient to renew the account will be suspended. You have 120 days to add money and restart the plan. After 120 days, the account will convert to the $3/month Pay As You Go plan for as long as the account has sufficient balance to renew.

The legacy daily Pay as you go plans have been discontinued in 2015.

Tourist Plan

T-Mobile has discontinued their Tourist plan as well. It now directs visitors to their subsidiary Ultra Mobile instead (see below) for their similar Tourist SIM Kit.

Data-only plans

T-Mobile sells data-only packages too. They are called “Pay in Advance Mobile Internet” and don’t have voice or text. You can activate any un-activated starter pack to it, but once a SIM is activated to a phone, it's not eligible for data plans. Special starter kits are reduced to $10 for data-only SIM cards. These data plans advertised for non-telephony devices only as "tablet plans", but work in smartphones too without voice or text.

  • Data passes (on demand)
Price Data Period
$5 500 MB 1 day
$30 3 GB 30 days

These packs can be activated online on demand through your account and don’t renew themselves. One day is based on 0.00am-11.59pm in Pacific Time. They can also be added to a new SIM card for a $10 set-up price.

  • Monthly packs

Furthermore there are Simple Choice data only monthly packages (for 30 days) with automatical renewal. They include up to 5 GB data roaming in Canada and Mexico. Full LTE speeds are available up to the monthly allotment, including tethering, then service is slowed to "up to 2G speeds" for rest of service period. Prices do not include possible taxes and fees and a starter kit is at $10:

  • $10: 2 GB
  • $25: 6 GB
  • $40: 10 GB
  • $55: 14 GB
  • $70: 18 GB
  • $85: 22 GB

Settings and info

  • APN: epc.t-mobile.com
  • APN for LTE devices: fast.t-mobile.com
  • Customer Support Line: 877-453-1304

Metro by T-Mobile (rebranded from metroPCS)

Metro by t-mobile

new logo

Metro by T-Mobile, formerly under the brand MetroPCS used to be an own CDMA provider until it was acquired by T-Mobile in 2013. The parent company then moved customers from CDMA to its own GSM-based network. In June 2015, the CDMA network was shut down, but MetroPCS remained a separate brand reselling T-Mobile's GSM network in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE (for coverage and frequencies see T-Mobile).

Since 2014, MetroPCS supported BYOP (Bring your own phone) of any T-Mobile capable, unlocked devices. In 2018, it was rebranded to 'metro by T-Mobile' with new offers added.

Start up

SIM cards for BYOP are available online to be sent to an US postal address or at metro stores and authorized dealers (locator) for $10 each, but not in branded T-Mobile stores. All SIM sizes are offered.

Recharge and Balance

Metro offers a number of ways to pay without surcharges: Online using a credit/debit card or a Metro payment card sold at Walmart, BestBuy and other retailers. For a fee of $2 you can use a 24-hour payment machine at a Metro store. For $3 you can top-up over the counter at a Metro store or authorized dealer.

Check your balance and expiration date in the MyAccount section of the Metro website, using the MyMetro app on the phone or by calling *611 from your Metro phone, or 888-863-8768 from any phone.

You can activate monthly packages online, at a Metro store or an authorized dealer.

SIM swapping

Unlike other GSM operators, MetroPCS restricts users from switching SIMs between phones. SIM swaps are possible but require a call to the *228 or 611 automated voice response system or a visit to MetroPCS store to have the SIM linked to the new device. Stores may charge a fee to swap SIMs between to phones. As of late 2018 there are numerous reports of people being charged a $15 fee (plus tax) for putting their Metro SIM card in another device in a store.

To do a SIM swap using the automated voice response system: on the phone you want to swap the SIM from, dial *228 if it's a MetroPCS phone or 611 if it's a non-MetroPCS phone, at the first prompt, say "My Phone", then "Change Device", when prompted if you are using the same SIM, say "Yes", when prompted, enter the IMEI of the phone you are switching to and wait for the confirmation message, hang up and switch the SIM to the new phone.

Data packages

Metro by T-Mobile offers only monthly combo packages with unlimited US talk and text and this data quota:

  • $30: 2 GB data, hotspot use allowed
  • $40: 5 GB data, hotspot use allowed
  • $50: unlimited data, no hotspot use
  • $60: unlimited data, max. 10 GB hotspot use

Beyond the included data quota, speed will be throttled to 128 Kbit/s. On the unlimited data plans data speeds are subject to deprioritization after 35 GB when the network is congested. Beyond some customers may get slower speeds in times of congestion. Video streaming is always limited to 480p. For a $10 add-on, you can get HD.

Settings and info

  • APN: fast.metropcs.com
  • Customer support: *611 from a Metro phone or 888-863-8768 from any phone
  • Website: http://www.metropcs.com

US Mobile

US Logo

US Mobile is a prepaid wireless carrier, operating on the T-Mobile network. It started in 2014 and has an a la carte approach to talk, text and data plans with 252 possible combinations to choose from. They have a SIM for the Verizon network, but here we stick to T-Mobile.

Start up

You can only get their SIM cards online, through their website. A starter kit bought online costs $3.99. The smallest plan costs $2/month. The smallest talk, text and data plan is $10 per month, which includes the $4 monthly service fee per device. SIM cards are shipped within 3 to 7 business days to a postal address in the US or Canada only. The activation of the SIM card is done online on their website. US Mobile officially accepts international credit cards and both credit cards that have been tested (Irish Visa and German Mastercard) worked without any issues for recharges.

Data packages

In addition to 10 talk and text packages, they have these monthly data packages to choose from:

  • $2: 100 MB
  • $5: 300 MB
  • $9: 500 MB
  • $14: 1 GB
  • $20: 3 GB
  • $28: 5 GB
  • $35: 8 GB

There are no surcharges on top-ups and they are valid for 30 days after the day of the purchase. If you're on auto-pay, the last chosen plan will be renewed. There is no roaming abroad, hotspot use is allowed without surcharge.

Settings and info

  • APN: pwg
  • Customer support: 888 878 1488

GoSmart mobile

Gosmart

GoSmart is a subsidiary of T-Mobile on their US network (check frequencies in Basics and T-Mobile section). It offers 3G speeds for data except for Facebook and Facebook Messenger which are unlimited. 3G speeds don't exclude the 4G/LTE network, but speed is throttled to 1 Mbps on any network.

Start up

The SIM is sold as a Mobile SIM Kit online or offline at various independent shops (locator) and Target branches, but not at T-Mobile stores, for $8, where refills can be found too. SIM come either in mini and micro size or in nano.

Data packages

They have these monthly packages on offer. All packs include unlimited domestic calls, internatl. SMS and unlimited Facebook and Facebook Messenger in 4G/LTE, all other data is in max. 3G speed (around 1 Mbps):

  • $15: 250 MB
  • $25: 1 GB
  • $35: 5 GB
  • $45: 20 GB
  • $55: unlimited with 10 GB for hotspots and $10 internatl. call credit

Beyond the allowances speed will be further lowered to 128 kbps. All packages will auto-renew, if there is credit. If not, service will be suspended. Tethering is allowed without surcharges.

International roaming

International roaming is allowed in the following countries of Latin America (but no others) at no extra cost: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.

Settings and more info

  • APN: multibrand
  • Customer support: 877-582-7788

NET10 and Straight Talk

These are two MVNOs of América Móvil by Mexican Tycoon Carlos Slim with similar rates and setups. Both brands can be used on AT&T and T-Mobile network in 2G (T-Mobile only), 3G and 4G/LTE, but you must choose one network, when buying a SIM card and then there is no switching or roaming between AT&T and T-Mobile networks.

Straight Talk

St

The SIM card-only with “bring your own phone” is sold exclusively at Walmart (Store finder), including the monthly combo plans for 30 days:

  • $35: unlimited talk and SMS and 3 GB
  • $45: unlimited talk and SMS and 25 GB
  • $55: unlimited talk and SMS and "unlimited" GB (depriorization beyond 32 GB)
  • $60: unlimited talk and SMS, including international calls to 35 countries and 25 GB data

When included data is used up, speed will be reduced to '2G speeds' of 64 Kbps. For more data, you can only reset your plan ahead of time. Tethering is allowed and without surcharges.

Activation is done online or by calling 877-430-2355 from any phone except the one you are trying to activate. Top-up cards can be bought at some convenience stores and at Walmart only.
Customer support can be reached on 877 430 2355 or online at www.straighttalk.com

Net10 Wireless

Net10

The SIM card-only can be bought for $6.99 at certain retailers like Radio Shack, BestBuy and Walgreens and others: NET10 store locator where refill cards can be purchased as well. They have monthly packs with unlimited domestic calls and texts and a data allowance in 3G and 4G:

Price $35 $40 $50 $60
Data 2 GB 4 GB 8 GB 10 GB

When all data are used up, speeds will be reduced to 64 Kbps. Activation can be done here. Tehtering is allowed and free. It's not possible to send many internatl. SMS. Customer support is 877 836 2368 or online www.net10.com

Settings and more info

For both Straight Talk and Net10:

Tracfone

TracFone

TracFone is another MVNO of the América Móvil family (see above) on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile networks. But you will have to choose one network and can't switch or roam. Starting in 2015 TracFone allowed "BYOP" (= Bring your own phone) GSM devices for their AT&T based SIM cards, but not for other networks. AT&T's 4G/LTE is supported too.

Start up

You can buy the SIM card in stores or the activation kit online for $0.99. Shops include major retailers like Target, Best Buy, Walmart and Costco. GSM phones should activate automatically when the phone is turned on with a Tracfone SIM in it.

Reload cards or codes are available at convenience stores, supermarkets, chain drugstores and big box retailers like Target or online by credit card. To you can check your balance go to http://www.fastactportal.com/static/balance

Data feature packages

They offer three monthly smartphone plans:

  • $20: 1 GB and unlimited talk and text
  • $25: 2 GB and unlimited talk and text
  • $30: 3 GB and unlimited talk and text

Unused data will not expire and roll over if you keep the service active by a new plan.

They also offer so-called airtime cards to be added to the line for service, data, minutes and texts:

Price Data Voice Text Service
$10 1 GB
$15 200 MB 200 mins 500 SMS 30 days
$20 1 GB 300 mins 1000 SMS 30 days
$25 500 MB 500 mins 1000 SMS 60 days
$35 1 GB 750 mins 1000 SMS 60 days
$45 1.5 GB 750 mins 1000 SMS 90 days
$50 2 GB 750 mins 1500 SMS 90 days
$125 1.4 GB 1500 mins 1500 SMS 1 year

All these airtime cards need to be purchased online on http://www.tracfone.com/

Settings and more info

Tracfone users can make calls to 60 countries including Canada, Mexico, China and most Western European countries (list) for the same price as a domestic call. To make an international call you first dial 1-800-706-3839. You will then prompted to select your language (1 for English) and then to dial 011 plus the country code and number. It's not possible to call other countries besides the 60 supported ones and Tracfone doesn't support sending international text messages either.

Simple Mobile

Simple mobile

Simple Mobile started as MVNO, was taken over in 2012 by TracFone and now belongs to the América Móvil family. It uses T-Mobile US in up to 4G/LTE and gives good roaming rates down in Mexico too.

Start up

You can buy the SIM card online , on eBay.com or in small independent stores (locator) for $0.99. Shops are mostly small telco outlets and the SIM card only is refered as BYOP (= bring your own phone). Mini and micro SIM sizes are available.

You need to activate you SIM card online or by calling 877-878-7908 from another phone.

Reload PINs are available from their outlets. The PIN code has to be texted to 848484 like this: REUP#<PIN Code>. Alternatively, you can top-up online by debit or credit card. To this card, you can link auto-pay, but don't forget to cancel later. Thus, you will receive a 10% discount on every top-up.

Data feature packages

You can add these combo plans valid for 30 days. All contain unlimited domestic calls, domestic and international SMS, calls to some internal. countries and this domestic data allowance:

  • $25: 1 GB
  • $30: 2 GB
  • $40: 6 GB
  • $50: unlimited data, no tethering, video in 480p
  • $60: unlimited data, max. 10 GB tethering data

The unlimited plan is really unlimited, but requires auto-pay. The other plans will be throttled to 64 Kbps having reached the quota. The plans include data roaming in Mexico on Telcel (debited from the bundle) and calls to 50+ countries (list). For more data, you can renew your plan at anytime.

Settings and more info

Plans will auto-renew every 30 days (or 7 days depending on plan). If you do not have sufficient funds in your account your service will be suspended. If you do not renew within 90 days after your account is suspended you will lose your phone number.

You can check your cash balance, change plans, add PINs and make a payments using a credit or debit card using the My Account option online (free registration required) or by calling ADD (233) from your Simple Mobile phone.

  • APN: simple
  • Customer Support: 611 from your Simple Mobile phone or 877.878.7908 or 877.441.4844 from another phone. Support hours are 8am - midnight (EST) every day.
  • Website: http://www.simplemobile.com

Red Pocket Mobile and Mango Mobile

Red pocket

Red Pocket Mobile is a MVNO on AT&T while T-Mobile was dropped in 2015 and rejoined again in February 2016. 2G with T-Mobile, 3G and 4G/LTE of both networks are supported, but you have to decide which network to use and there is no roaming between them.

Start up

The SIM cards are available for $9.99 online to be sent to an US postal address or offline at Red Pocket outlets. Take care which network you choose. Unfortunately they don’t have a retail outlet list, but on eBay vendors sell them as low as 99c plus postage with international shipping. Reload cards can be found in their stores, supermarkets or at callingmart.com without surcharges. Available top-ups are: $10 for 30 days, $25 for 90 days, $50 for 180 days, $100 for 365 days. If not topped up, account will be terminated and credit is lost. The SIMs can be activated online or by calling 888-993-3888 from another phone.

T-Mobile Plans

They reintroduced T-Mobile plans that include talk and data for 30 days:

Price $10 $15 $20 $35 $45 $65
Data 500 MB 1 GB 1 GB 5 GB 10 GB 20 GB
dom. Calls 500 mins 1000 mins unlimited mins/SMS

Mango Mobile

Mango

In 2016 Red Pocket started a new brand called Mango Mobile on the T-Mobile network in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE. SIM card is available online or from some local dealers (store locator) for $10. To top-up go online and pay with credit card or visit the dealer again. Auto-pay is available too.

The following monthly combo plans are available:

  • $15 Green Mango - 500 mins dom. talk, unlimited global text, 1 GB of data and $2 internatl. call credit. Tethering not allowed
  • $19 Fresh Mango - unlimited global talk and text, 500 MB of data and $2 internatl. call credit
  • $25 Sweet Mango - unlimited globle talk and text, 1 GB of data and $2 internatl call credit
  • $30 Juicy Mango - unlimited global talk and text, 2 GB of data and $2 internatl. call credit
  • $35 Interntional Mango - unlimited global talk and text, 1 GB of data and $10 internatl. call credit

When data is used up, speed will be throttled to 128 kbps. Additional data can be added to any plan at: $2/100 MB, $5/400 MB, $10/1 GB, $25/2.5 GB or $50/5 GB. Global calling includes 74 countries.

Settings and more info

Lycamobile

Lycamobile

Lycamobile USA started 2013 as MVNO on the T-Mobile network in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE (see Basics and T-Mobile section).

Start up

Lycamobile SIM cards can be found in stores (locator) or on Lycamobile website with shipping to the United States only at $7 (free shipping if bought in combination with a plan) or for free, if you buy $10 or more in airtime.

In the US you can activate a new SIM by by calling 845-301-1612 from another phone, but abroad you need to activate on their website instead.

Recharges

You can buy refills on lycamobile.us (even with a non-US credit card). Refill cards are available from local Lycamobile dealers. Some local and online dealers including callingmart.com offer instant PIN-less refills direct to your phone. Lycamobile adds a 5% cost recovery charge to all online recharge purchases including auto-refills. You can also use generic websites (recharge.com) to send refills to Lycamobile phones internationally (including surcharges).

Data packages

Lycamobile offers data only on the following data on monthly plans. The default rate outside packages is $0.06 per MB. All monthly packages include unlimited domestic voice calls and to 75+ countries, domestic and international text, free incoming text, a data quota up to 4G/LTE speed and an international call credit for other international calls.

Price Data Internatl. Call Credit
$19 1 GB
$23 2 GB $1.50
$29 5 GB $2.50
$35 7 GB
$39 15 GB $15
$50 unlimited

All packages include "unlimited" data, domestic texts and voice and "unlimited" free calls among Lycamobile worldwide. The "unlimited" plan faces deprioritsation beyond 32 Gb.

All packages will renew automatically, if there is credit. If you do not have sufficient funds in your account to renew your service will be suspended. Unused call credits rollover provided you top up on time before the account is deactivated for inactivity.

Pay-as-you-go plan

Their pay-as-you-go rate outside of monthly packages doesn't offer data or MMS. Current Lycamobile monthly plan users can switch to the pay-as-you-go plan only by adding a $10 top-up and letting their plan expire. It's the least expensive way to park a phone number as regular top-ups aren't needed. This plan is not mentioned on their website. Funds added to a Lycamobile pay-as-you-go account never expire as long as a non-toll-free call is made or received or a text is sent at least every 60 days. That means, it can cost less than 30¢ a year to keep a SIM alive.

Settings and more info

  • a T-Mobile US locked phone does work on Lycamobile US using the newer 4G SIM cards
  • there are reports that certain VoIP programs like Google Voice don't work
  • APN: data.lycamobile.us (old) /or/ data.lycamobile.com (new)
  • Username: lmus (that's not capital I, but lowercase L)
  • Password: plus
  • as they state in their Terms and conditions 2.18 Data Plans - Permissible and Prohibited Uses: Your Data Plan is intended for Web browsing, messaging, and similar activities on your Device and not on any other equipment. Unless explicitly permitted by your Data Plan, other uses, including for example, using your Device as a modem or tethering your Device to a personal computer or other hardware, are not permitted. (caveat emptor!)
  • Customer Support: 866-277-3221 (toll-free)
  • Website: www.lycamobile.us

ZIP SIM (formerly Ready SIM)

ZIP SIM

ZIP SIM by Ozono Networks, rebranded from Ready SIM in 2016. It's a MVNO on the T-Mobile network in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE (see Basics and T-Mobile section) and aimed at short-time users and visitors.

The SIM card can be bought a shops in the US and Canada (locator) or online on their website. It comes as a tri-cut SIM. As a special service, they also ship overseas in 7-20 business days, which is very rare for an operator. The SIM card is supposed to be self-activating. You only need to text your US ZIP (= postal) code and your SIM ID number for activation.

They have a very rigid top-up scheme: To be eligible for a top-up, your ZIP SIM must either have an active plan, or your plan expired within the last 72 hours.

Data and combo packages

  • Data only
Data Volume 500 MB 1 GB 2 GB
Validity 14 days 14 days 30 days
Value $15 $25 $35

For more data you need to a another package within the rigid top-up period or the card will be discontinued.

  • Voice, text and data
Data volume 500 MB 1 GB 1.5 GB 2 GB
Validity 7 days 14 days 21 days 30 days
Value $20 $30 $35 $40

These packs include unlimited domestic calls, domestic and international text and a data quota. You can add airtime for international calls at purchase.

Settings and more info

  • Tethering is allowed
  • APN: wholesale
  • Customer Support: 611 from ZIP SIM phone
  • Website: www.zipsim.us

Ultra Mobile

Ultra

Ultra Mobile is another MVNO that started in 2012 using the T-Mobile network in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE (see T-Mobile section and Basics for details).

Start up

SIM cards cost $9.99 with free shipping within the US sold on their website or through their dealers (locator). Regular and micro SIMs are available. SIMs are also available from Amazon and eBay for as little as 1¢ with free shipping in the US or for a surcharge abroad. Retailers like CVS have a starter kit for $34 which includes $29 credit which can be applied towards any of their plans (the packaging may have outdated information). SIM size is regular and nano. Activate online or by calling 888-777-0446. Activation is free, you can change plans at any point.

Top-ups can be made by credit card online or over the phone or by vouchers with PIN codes sold at their outlets or online with a discount. Ultra adds a "cost recovery fee" of $1 to all recharges made at retail locations.

Data plans

These monthly combo plans are offered. They all contain unlimited domestic and international SMS and unlimited domestic talk to about 50 countries plus call credit for some others. They also include $5 international roaming credit and a data share:

  • $19: 1 GB
  • $23: 2 GB
  • $29: 5 GB
  • $49: unlimited

Beyond the plan limits are reached data is blocked on the $19 plan and speeds are reduced to 128 Kbps or less for the rest on the month on the others. Ultra offers incentives to customers who pay for three months in advance

Plans renew every 30 days. If you don't have sufficient funds in your account to renew, your service will be suspended. If you don't renew within 30 days after your account is suspended, you may lose your phone number. To check balance and validity, text 'BALANCE' to 6700; to check data consumption, 'DATA' to 6700.

Ultra also offers an Ultra Flex multi-month plan. It includes unlimited domestic calls, unlimited international text, unlimited international calls to 10 countries and 250 MB of rollover LTE data per month. It's priced at $22 for one month, $35 for two months, $45 for three months and $50 for four months. Five of more months are $12.50 each.

Tourist Plan

For visiting tourists T-Mobile has shifted its own legacy tourist plan to its subsidiary Ultra. This plan is also available in some T-Mobile branded stores. It contains a free SIM card and 1000 minutes of domestic talk, 100 minutes to about 80 countries unlimited domestic and international texting and unlimited data with up to 2 GB for 21 days at $30.

To activate your text 'GOGO' and your zip code to 6700 or visit tourist.ultra.me/activate. You can't extend your Tourist plan beyond 3 weeks or load it up with more data. To check balance text 'BAL' to 6700.

Settings and more info

  • Tethering (mobile hotspot use) is prohibited in their Terms of Service
  • APN: wholesale
  • Customer Support: Call 611 from an Ultra Mobile phone or 888-777-0446 from another phone
  • Website: https://www.ultramobile.com

Ting

Ting

Ting started in 2012 on the Sprint network and spread to T-Mobile in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE. As Sprint is CDMA and doesn't allow to bring your own device, only the T-Mobile plans are shown below.

Start up

Their SIM card for T-Mobile is sold online on their website for $9 or other online dealers like Amazon or eBay for less. They are not regulary sold in shops which makes it inconvenient for travellers. You need to activate your SIM on their website.

You need to allow auto-pay on your credit card which makes this SIM a hybrid pre-postpaid offer.

Data rates

Ting has an unusual pricing model: users are charged for separate packs (which Ting calls tiers) of voice minutes, texts and data. If you use up all the allowances in one of your buckets, Ting will automatically upgrade you to the next larger pack for the current month only. You can block these automatic upgrades by setting usage and/or spending limits that cut off your service for the rest of the month when the limit is reached.

  • 1-100 MB: $3
  • 101-500 MB: $10
  • 501 MB - 1 GB: $16
  • 1-2 GB:$20
  • >2 GB: $10 per GB

The same scheme applies to domestic voice and SMS allowances. Ting also charges a $6 per month service fee regardless of usage. Data, voice and SMS tiers can be shared across multiple phones or users on the same account. Tethering is allowed without surcharge.

Settings and more info

  • APN: wholesale
  • Customer support: 855 846 4389 only Mon-Fri
  • Website: http://ting.com/

Google Fi

Google Fi

Google Fi (formerly: Project Fi) is a MVNO service by Google that provides phone calls, SMS, and mobile broadband using 4G mobile networks of Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Three as well as Wi-Fi.

The service was launched in 2015. Google Fi automatically switches between networks depending on signal strength and speed. It automatically connects to Wi-Fi hotspots with encryption through an automatic VPN. Phone calls transition between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. With all networks combined, the service covers more than 180 countries around the world.

Compatible phones

The service can only be activated on a few compatible phones. It started with the Nexus 5, followed by all newer iPhones. As of 2019 the list includes some Android models of HTC, Motorola, LG and Google's Pixel (see full list).

Start up

For a start Google Fi was only available online to be shipped to an US postal address. Since 2018 it's also sold in most Best Buy stores in the US (locator) for $9.99.

Data pricing

A subscription costs $20 per month for unlimited calls and text messaging, plus a customizable data allowance costing an additional $10 per GB in 100 MB increments. Money for unused data is credited back to the user's account, and overuse of data costs an additional $10 per GB. A data-only SIM card can be used on supported tablets, smartphones and car modems (e.g., Volvo) but can't be used for calls.

Google Hangout can be used and VoLTE is enabled. There is a monthly cap of $60 (for 6 GB). Beyond data is throttled to 256 kbps. The service can be used on many LTE networks and WiFi in almost 200 countries (see list) for the same price.

Settings and more info