Did you buy your iPhone straight from Apple? It's best to buy iPhones straight from the manufacturer as they come unlocked.
I would suggest you try Mint service first, then commit to a plan. Mint has a trial kit on Amazon for $1.
If you do decide to switch over to Mint then to get the most savings you'll have to commit to a year-long plan.
You can but it won’t be the greatest experience if those bands are heavily used in your area. I would recommend getting a Mint 7 day trial SIM from Amazon for a buck first and making sure that you have coverage.
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit | Verify Compatibility with Our Talk, Text & Data Plans (3-in-1 GSM SIM Card) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/
It’s all depends on the spectrum to customer ratio in your area. It’s impossible for anyone to give you an accurate idea. The best thing to do is pick up a Mint Mobile Starter Kit and try it for yourself.
Bestbuy is the only place I've seen it.
Could also buy a cheap Amazon gift card from a B&M. (If credit card is your problem).
Add it to a Amazon account and buy this
Get it shipped to a amazon locker. (If shipping address is a problem)
Mint will refund the 5$ when you activate your account.
Not a direct answer to your question, but I don't know another way, goodluck.
Here it is on Amazon. Two SIM cards are included. One to try. One to port your number over, should you decide to switch.
I ordered one from amazon, its only 99c
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0786RD524
And yes, they come with 2 sims, one is the trial and the other you use when porting your existing number over (follow the instructions from the app before switching the sim)
If you want to try out service before you take the plunge you can get a starter sim card from Mint Mobile on amazon. $5 gets you a 7 day trial. https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=B0786RD524&qid=1590690583&sr=8-1
>Also, many people were using the 99 cent sim as a port in port out flyover zone, if anyone knows of other good flyover places I'd be curious to know them.
I haven't done this myself, but perhaps Mint Mobile's 99 cent trial SIM. Assumes you have Amazon Prime for hte free shipping. https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/
One week trial of mint mobile for 99 cents. After that you can pay 25 for one month or pre pay 6 months for the 15/ month rate.https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/ref=asc_df_B0786RD524/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312192298006&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7949848997808825744&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&a...
While your latency and download speed are good, the upload speed is extreme low. This would effect your user experience.
My suggestion is probably trying another network (t-mobile) in your case and hope for a better user experience. I wouldn't recommend commiting until you know the network works. You could try mintmobie via amazon. Mint mobile is deprioritize but it'll still be a good way to test the network.
like said below, just get it from amazon. Not worth your effort.
https://smile.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/ref=sr\_1\_2\_sspa?crid=1V4PJ0OBWZ65V&keywords=mint+mobile&qid=1651691587&sprefix=mint+mobile%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkU...
I see them for $0 on Amazon at the moment, hard to beat that price :-) :
I can't afford to buy you the $45 card but can certainly order this for you right now. Let me know if you'd like to have it as a backup plan in case you can't find anyone to commission you today or tomorrow.
Mint uses the T-Mobile network, but data is deprioritized compared to official T-Mobile prepaid or postpaid plans, so data performance on Mint will be lower if/when the network is congested.
Coverage in Mesa should be good since it's a heavily populated area with no geographic impediments (i.e. mountains, tall buildings, etc.). I don't know what the data speeds are like, but should be the same as other T-Mobile based MVNOs.
Mint has a cheap 7-day trial so you can check it for yourself:
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Went from AT&T to Mint Mobile (runs on T-Mobile and $15/month for 4 GB if you pay for a year in advance and scales to $30/mo for unlimited) and service is great in most places of Tulsa and Broken Arrow. We were paying like $120-150 for two lines with AT&T and now pay just over $400 including fees for two lines for a full year. We don't need unlimited data as we use majority Wifi to stream and such at home.
You can buy one of the SIM cards on Amazon and test out coverage with your phone which would verify the T-Mobile coverage where you live: https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Recommend checking out our See for Yourself Kit, allows you to check out what our coverage is like in your area and verify device compatibility. You can get it at Amazon, Target and Best Buy.
It's locked to T-Mobile, but I've seen locked devices accept a Mint SIM before, so it's possible it'd work. You could grab a trial SIM off Amazon and check. They're going for $0.99 right now.
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit | Verify Compatibility with Our Talk, Text & Data Plans (3-in-1 GSM SIM Card) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6C58WKP115HPHQZ9KSHD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hopefully, some of the comments are from people who haven't used T-mobile in a while. They have added a ton of Band 71 antenna arrays all over NWA and elsewhere. Band 71 is in the 600mhz band - formerly used for TV stations, which had to vacate that band recently to allow mobile providers to use it; namely, T-mobile, who won the Band 71 auctions. Band 71 is more robust than other mobile phone bands and can travel much farther. I switched to it recently and get service where friends on vzw do not. I also love the wi-fi calling.
Of course, it all depends on where the towers are that you need to use.
Get a Mint Mobile Starter Kit. It has a SIM good for about a week of mobile service and uses the T-mobile network. If you like it, sign up for Mint or directly with T-mobile. https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Hey there! I just looked up the band support on the model number you provided, and you’re right, it’s not looking good. Your phone supports cellular bands 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26 & 41. Sprint used 25, 26, & 41, so your phone was fully compatible with sprint. This also means your phone is essentially useless on AT&T or Verizon. You do have a chance with T-Mobile. T-Mobile uses 2, 4, 5, 12, 66 & 71. Because your phone is missing 66 & 71, you won’t get the greatest coverage or speeds (& this is most likely what tripped the compatibility checker), but your phone should definitely work. I’d recommend picking up a Mint trial SIM card to confirm if your phone will work on the T-Mobile network.
Correct. So if you’re at home on wifi, you won’t use any of your data. Everybody has different data needs, but this month was the first time I’ve ever exceeded my limit, and that was because we didn’t have internet at home for over a week. And even then, Mint refunded any additional data purchased due to the storm.
If you’re curious, you can buy a trial SIM from Amazon for $1, and pop it in and see if your phone works with it. They come with a little data too, so you can try it at work and places you regularly go to make sure service is to your liking.
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit | Verify Compatibility with Our Talk, Text & Data Plans (3-in-1 GSM SIM Card) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JNGBASFXYMVEPKMNB5PJ
Mint mobile trial sim.
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit | Verify Compatibility with Our Talk, Text & Data Plans (3-in-1 GSM SIM Card) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_09R2F4K6R7YZK0AT7E5F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It's a great option for people who have excellent T-Mobile coverage and uses minimal data. Mint does have a trial kit on Amazon for 7-days for you to try out their service before you commit to a full plan.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Mint uses the T-Mobile network, and with the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile I think you should switch over to Mint.
It's best to buy the iPhone directly from Apple, unlocked. That way you can jump to any carrier you want.
Mint has a starter kit on Amazon to let you test the network out before buying a plan.
It worked on my Sprint v50 as of a couple weeks ago (I'm on a free month of US Mobile). I'm guessing the IMEI lookup failed due to a lack of VoLTE support You can get a 7 day trial of Mint Mobile for $0.99 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=mint+mobile+sim+card&qid=1622673340&sprefix=mint+mobile&sr=8-4
I recommend looking into getting the starter kit. It is only a dollar for a trial of the service. So you can see the speeds in your area and if your device is capable.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_P3GPH6X3MZYSJHFF86AD
You can get the trial here at Amazon for $1. Cheap way to see if it works and it worked for me for a couple of Sprint iphones, an old 5c & 5s, despite Mint's site saying they wouldn't.
Some phones that Mint site says won't work, will work. I have 2 sprint iPhones, a 5c and 5s that Mint's site says won't work and they do work. They obviously won't have all the bands, but as a back up, it was useable.
Try buying this, 7 day trial sim on Amazon, only $1 free shipping if you have Prime. Cheap way to check if the phone works.
You can get a Mint Mobile test kit from Amazon for $0.99 that includes 250 MB/texts/minutes. And most speed tests, besides Netflix’s fast.com, are zero rated so speed tests won’t count against that data cap.
First off, in order to truly test you will need a newer phone that supports all of both Sprint and T-mobile's bands, especially Band 12 (700 MHz), Band 66 (Extension of band 4 on 1700/2100 MHz) and Band 71 (600 MHz), as well as 5g Bands. T-mobile is starting to use Sprint's band 41, and in some places band 25 and band 26, so maybe in your area that is what they will do but unsure until you test. Buy an unlocked phone of Swappa, or for testing purposes borrow a friend or their phone.
Mint and US mobile offer trial SIMS to test -get 99 cent trial Mint SIM from amazon (you have $5 credit if you sign-up) or sign up at US Mobile with promo code TENDIES to get 2 free months.
My coverage is great, but we have opposite living situations lol. I live in New Orleans, really close to the Central Business District. I have heard of people having difficulties with Mint's coverage in more rural areas, so you may want to do the $5 trial to be sure before you commit and make the actual switch.
They use T-Mobile's towers/network as far as I know.
You could try Mint out by getting their Starter kits.
I wish you the best of luck in finding others to do OSINT with you.
If you do want a temporary 'real' number. For $1 you can get two sim cards with a week's worth of calls, texts, and data. Here's the link
At $0.50 a phone number for a week, I open up a few accounts at like Twitter and discord where they require a non VoIP number before that week is over.
You can get a Mint starter kit to try the service out before you switch. It includes 100MBs of data, 100 texts, and 100 minutes.
@ /u/MintMobileAlex
"expired after a week" makes me think you were using the 7-day trial sim, are you sure you weren't using one of those, but the sim from the 3 month plan?
Here's what the packaging for the 7 day trial kit looks like https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
For $0.99, you can check if your 2FA or SMS confirmation code will work with Mint.
This includes: 100MB of 4G LTE data, 100 text messages, and 100 minutes of talk—all of which is good for 7 days after activation.
I think 100 text messages will be enough to check all the companies you do business with.
An older phone would not be a good gauge of potential reception because new radio bands have been added recently that greatly improve coverage in podunk. The cellular radios in phones have also been significantly improved recently. Certain older iphones in partular don't have very good reception, compared with newer phones.
As for trying different SIMs, you can get cheap 1-month prepay plan SIMs and try them in your phone. Mint (by T-Mobile) even has a SIM starter kit for $1 (Amazon Prime) that will let you try out their service for 1 week, in your existing phone. But if your phone is very old, it won't have the long-range band 71, which T-mobile is using to greatly improve coverage in rural areas.
Are you wanting to keep the number to actually use, or just to verify GV, whatsapp, etc. accounts so you can set them up?
If you just need a real cell# for verification purposes, order a T-mobile starter kit for 99¢ on Amazon. The starter kit gives you a SIM you can activate and a phone number that's good for 7 days.
With GV, once you do the verification process and get a GV# you can removed the Linked Number from the GV account, in settings.
If you’re based in the US, there is Mint Mobile’s (T-Mobile MNVO) trial SIM card through Amazon which gets you a working phone number with “100MB of 4G LTE data, 100 text messages, and 100 minutes of talk” for $5.
Dude, head over HERE and get the sims for 99 cents, it's a trial that includes 100MB of 4G LTE data, 100 text messages, and 100 minutes of talk—all of which is good for 7 days.
If you buy the Mint starter kit for $5 on Amazon it includes 100MB of data, 100 minutes and 100 texts for you to test it with.
If you only plan on using 5-7GB a month Mint’s $20 plan with 8GB would be perfect for you.
How much hotspot do you need? Metro would be another option. Their $50 unlimited plan includes 5GB of LTE hotspot.
MySudo is you have iOS
If you're in the US, you can get 2 Mint Mobile sim cards for $5 (total) on Amazon. Trial includes 100MB of 4G LTE data, 100 text messages, and 100 minutes of talk—all of which is good for 7 days after activation. This is fantastic because it's a real phone number with a real carrier so it will bypass any system vetting VoIP/temp numbers.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524).
If you're considering Mint, go order this from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/
Do a test run to see how the coverage/data prioritization affects you. I went this route before jumping ship to Mint.
Don't buy it. It's an international phone that wasn't released in the US. You'll likely have problems.
That said, if you already own the phone and have no way of returning it, there's no harm in trying a 99 cent trial kit
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Also worth mentioning that mint has a strong reddit presence at /r/mintmobile
My Sim was one from a trial starter kit I purchased through Amazon for 99 cents if that makes any difference. I ported my number over to it. 99 cents and it shipped through Prime. https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
This is what I did for my mom. I ordered a starter kit from Amazon. I have prime, it was sent to her house one day after.
The kit came with 2 sim cards. You insert the left one (I don't think it matters which one you use here, but instruction says left), activate it (I recommend doing this with the Mint Mobile app), and you get a throw-away number. You can try their service if you like.
If you're happy and wants to purchase a 3-month plan, then you simply buy it from their app. Select the port number option, fill out all the necessary information, including the number from the second sim card.
After the porting is complete (took about 20 minutes for my mom, who was on Verizon), you're done. Throw away the first sim card and insert the second.
Do NOT cancel your current service before porting is complete. You will lose your number if you do that.
You can test T-Mobile's coverage for $5 (or $0.99 right now on sale on Amazon) with Mint Mobile
https://smile.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
That starter kit comes w/ a SIM card preloaded w/ 100MB of data and a few texts and minutes, so basically drive out to the property, stick the SIM into your phone, and run a bunch of speed tests. If you can get inside that is your best bet, otherwise just try from different locations near the house and in your car. If you have a 5G capable device, even better as TMobile 5G is live on Mint now. Verizon typically has the best coverage (not speeds, but coverage) in rural areas, so if Mint doesn't work, you can also try the same thing Red Pocket which has a $10 500MB SIM card. That will give you an idea of what kind of ping and speeds you can expect if you go the cell modem route.
Also, on the fiber topic, to get an idea of what it's going to take to possibly get a fiber drop installed, drive around the area (be systematic about it, covering all streets) and look for poles that are either full orange or orange on top and white on the bottom, about 3' tall and around 4" in diameter. If you find one it'll say something like "fiber optic buried cable"; mark the locations on a Google map and you can get a pretty good idea of where they are running. That cell tower is a good place to start as it has a fiber drop for sure. Once you find the closest point to your house, a good estimate for getting it there to your house is $12k/mile, $5k/road crossing, $25k/railroad crossing, $100/pole, and unless the closest point is an actual fiber node (read a box w/ fiber equipment in it), a fixed cost of about $25k to set up a powered endpoint there.
It used to be 100-100-100 but I think they recently upped the amount. It probably is old inventory that they had on hand before the switch, so it would make sense to still give those out instead of throwing them all away.
/u/MintMobileAlex you may want to update your Amazon listing as well since it shows the old amount as well. https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524#customerReviews
Any interest in switching? I use Mint (on TMobile's network) and get good speeds almost everywhere. I was happy I switched. Even though I went from Unlimited Data with AT&T to like 8GB with Mint, I could never get fast enough speeds to actually use all that unlimited data.
I just ran a speed test inside a building and got: 25ms ping, 27.64Mbps down, 15.80 Mbps up. Definitely not super quick, but more than usable.
EDIT: I'm in no way connected to them and make no money from this (but hey, I can do referrals, just not this way), but Amazon has the Mint trial pack on sale for $0.99. It lets you try out service before actually bothering to port your number over. If speeds suck, you can just toss it. Of course your phone would need to be unlocked. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0786RD524
If you're considering Mint, go order this from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/
Do a test run to see how the coverage/data prioritization affects you. I went this route before jumping ship to Mint.
I'm not in your area, but the deprioritization is noticeable, but acceptable for the price difference between Mint and my previous TMo plan. YMMV
Get a trial SIM to test the service out, if you're satisfied with the service then I would recommend you to switch over.
One thing to note is Mint runs on the T-Mobile network and has no roaming, so coverage might be worst than Verizon. You can refer to the coverage map to make sure that you're covered.
Get a t-mobile starter kit for 99¢ at https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Activate the 7-day trial SIM, which will give you a cell number good for a week, which you can use for verification of GV.
Mint Mobile trial sim. $5 on Amazon. Trial includes 100MB of 4G LTE data, 100 text messages, and 100 minutes of talk—all of which is good for 7 days after activation. Activate it with a random number. Test coverage for a week. Then throw the sim away and decide if you want to move your mom to t-mobile (or Mint Mobile if you don't need postpaid luxuries).
99 cents to try (currently discounted; normally $5): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZpNxFbSRQN7E2
If amazon delivers to your place, than you can order a trial sim from them.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/
Can you order one online before you arrive? Amazon maybe? Mint mobile offers a one week trial for $5 or even $1 on sale. https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Showing great coverage in Pittsburg, check your location to make sure.
https://www.mintmobile.com/coverage/
Or get one of these Trial SIMs off Amazon that gives you 250MBs, 250 texts, and 250mins to try out the service.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_tw\_dp\_470GAQHR4DE4TYG4SQ1J
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/
​
Good for 1 week and hope it google doesn't block the number or gmail for creating multiple GV numbers.
​
But if you need permanent sort of number then cheapest is Red pocket $30 plan for 1 year on Sprint with effective $2.5 pm. Or Tracfone annual plan which varies from $30 to $60 for one year plan. Or Liberty Wireless $60 1 year plan for call and text but you won't be able to make outgoing from that with GV number as to reroute, GV needs internet and that plan doesn't include internet. Or $5 pm plan from HelloMobile on Tmobile which have 500/500/500 pm. Or Tello plans starting at $5 pm on Sprint.
You can pick up a starter pack with a week of service for $5 on Amazon. Just check it out for yourself. If you decide to sign up, they even give you back the $5.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Compatibility-SIM/dp/B0786RD524/
Hmm, I haven't seen a 'one month' plan anywhere but there is a 7 day trial SIM that is $5 and then you get that $5 credit towards your plan if you decide it works for you (3, 6, or 12 month plans). The renewal rates only 'go up' if you decide you don't want to purchase the 12 month plan (see example here). The short of it is that you can get the same price as the introductory 3 months if you purchase 12 months of service. If you don't want or can't afford 12 months you pay more. If you like the service after the 7 day trial and/or the 3 month introductory, plan to have $180-300 (depending on which data cap plan, plus taxes/fees) to purchase a year's worth of service (with the same SIM card).
Alternately, If you don't ever plan to use the assigned number, you theoretically (have not tried this but it should work) could just buy a new sim card from Amazon every 3 months (accepting the fact that you pay an extra $4.99 shipping each time) to get the introductory price every 3 months. This would work if you never give out carrier number and only ever use your Google Voice number.
Personally, I only give out / use my Google Voice number and the only thing I use my carrier provided number for is to receive the MintMobile monthly service text and occasionally for text verification services that don't work with Google Voice.
Test Mint out first by ordering a trial kit, and if it works for you you can switch over to a plan.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524
Also to note, Mint sells plans in bulk. This means paying for a whole year’s worth of service upfront.
I'd get the See-For-Yourself kit on Amazon. Trust me. I didn't, and the coverage & speeds are spotty in my area, but looked perfect on the map.
There could be a number of factors, unfortunately. As other people are stating you could be getting deprioritized. There could also be something local that is happening close to that could be causing interference during this time. I know this sounds weird, but we had a location that the solar inverters when at peak loads were causing interference.
​
If it is congestion you could try using CellMapper.net and seeing if there is another tower that might be usable and switching the location of your T9 to see if you could connect to it. Another way to test this is to get a Tmobile MVNO sim card like a Mint trial https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=mint+mobile&qid=1621615655&sr=8-5 and see if the results are different during those times as well.
Try ordering through Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Mint mobile 7-day trial is on sale at amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Porting to your already activated plan - no, that is done at time of activation and tied into the sim card you activated. If you've had the service for less than 7 days you can get a refund and start the process anew. @ /u/MintMobileAlex
Porting your number to a newly bought plan - sure at any time. Have to start from scratch with a new sim card and account.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
If you need to test any future devices, it is recommended to buy the 7 day trial kit
Lastly, here is a link to the same question asked 20 hours ago with further confirmation: https://www.reddit.com/r/mintmobile/comments/kii1kv/question/
FYI Amazon sells the $5 starter kit for $0.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_CZEQFb2XHZQW1
OK! Back home. Hopefully, I can do better being able to read your post lol Idk how you do it. I've got the memory of a goldfish.
Yes, Verizon will continue to bill you until you call them and have your service stopped OR you have your number "ported" to another carrier. "porting" your number means that your new carrier takes the number from the old carrier's books basically. Make sure not to cancel your number yourself though if you're planning on keeping it. Once they release it, it's gone and there's no getting it back. That's why you have your new carrier do it for you.
Cell phone service works kind of like tv antenna (old school rabbit ears hah). You have to have the right antenna to get the signal. I posted the signals that Verizon and mobile use, and the only one they share is band 2 and I don't think that will be enough for you to get solid reception. it still might be worth a shot although I'd especially recommend the MintSim Trial on Amazon for $5 to make sure so you don't have to deal with a bunch of drama from porting your number/porting it back to maybe trying a new number for no reason.
You could even get the SAME phone, with a different antenna if necessary. although more research, you might get 3g okay, I've been looking specifically at 4g bands. I honestly don't know much about 3g. so for this, before you consider a new device check how the mintsim trial sim works with your phone.
https://www.mintsim.com/plans/
The link i sent before was for the Galaxy Note 5, which is just a newer version of your phone. Although if you don't have reception issues with mintsim on your phone that's an awesome extra plus!!
The link just above is mintsim's plans. It's $45 every 3 months (you don't pay monthly, only in 3, 6, and 12 month increments) which basically works out to $15/mo. Completely unbeatable!! Someone else mentioned freedompop which is kind of cool because if you stay under like 200 minutes/texts and 500mb data it's free. but if you go over at all it's immediatley cheaper to go with Mintsim because you get 2gb "high speed" data and unlimited "super slow" data for that $15/mo.
To go back to something i said before, I completley forgot about 3g haha so if you can pop the mintsim trial into your phone and you get enough reception to make some good phone calls and text then you're good to go! I would definitely hate to make you buy a device you don't ACTUALLY need.
Buy the Mint Sim starter pack on Amazon. They do that to let you test the service for $5: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/
If you're in a hurry, you can get Mint SIMs from Amazon; 2 for $1 with Prime delivery.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/
Try asking your neighbors or friends which mobile carrier they use. I am looking at Whistle out and they say best is Verizon, then T-Mobile, etc. (https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/Best-cell-phone-coverage-in-St-Louis).
I suggest sign up for T-Mobile 30day/30 GB hotspot, it is full free to test out service in your area (You will need to make calls over wifi [Wi-Fi Calling] through hotspot or something like that, like can't test native calling with it. No credit card required for testing it out.
https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/free-trial or can try Mint Mobile it is T-Mobile MNVO, you can grab a test SIM for $1 from Amazon Prime
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Do you have estimate how much usage do you use per month like calls/text/data or what is your current boost mobile plan? And, what is current phone you are using and is it unlocked?
Thanks
Mint operates on T-Mobile's cell towers, so anywhere T-Mobile works, Mint should work. Amazon sells a Mint mobile starter kit for $1, , which gives you 7 days to test out the service.
It looks like you shared an AMP link. These should load faster, but AMP is controversial because of concerns over privacy and the Open Web.
Maybe check out the canonical page instead: https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
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Just buy a trial sim for 99 cents and see if it works its cheap enough lol
If you don't already have a phone # that you can use to claim a GV #, then:
Mint Mobile Starter Trial Kit (7 Days Of Service + SIM)
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
https://www.target.com/p/mint-mobile-7-day-trial-kit/-/A-54444205
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mint-mobile-prepaid-sim-card-starter-kit/6310601.p?skuId=6310601
See Mint Mobile FAQ - Updated!
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Will Mint will work at my location? / What is coverage and expected speed?
For the best answer get a 7-Day Trial from Mint (physical SIM or eSIM), Amazon, BestBuy, or Target. Retail SIMs costs $1-2 but get a $5 credit when you sign up from a trial. Note that activating from a trial makes you no longer eligible for promotional prices or referral credit, and you will have to pay taxes and fees, versus if you bought a 3/6/12 month bundle at retail then taxes and fees are included.
Mint runs on T-Mobile networks so will get the same coverage except it does not get domestic roaming that T-Mobile post-paid or pre-paid does. Mint is “deprioritized” on QCI 7 meaning it will get slower speeds than most T-Mobile plans (on QCI 6). How much slower depends on the exact second how many people are on the same tower & band compared to the capacity of the tower/band, but with speeds usually between 20-90% of T-Mobile Magenta/Pre-Paid customers at the same time & location. For examples see these 4G and 5G Mint to T-Mobile Speedtest comparison videos, but your experience may vary. Note that 8-10 MBPS is good enough for 1080p HD video playback so anything more than 10 MBPS is not beneficial for most everyday uses. Check coverage, bands, and speed maps at these locations:
For the best answer get a 7-Day Trial from Mint (physical SIM or eSIM), Amazon, BestBuy, or Target. Retail SIMs costs $1-2 but get a $5 credit when you sign up from a trial - note activating from a trial is not eligible from promotional prices or referral credit and you will have to pay taxes and fees.
Mint runs on T-Mobile networks so will get the same coverage except it does not get domestic roaming that T-Mobile post-paid or pre-paid does. Mint is “deprioritized” on QCI 7 meaning it will get slower speeds than most T-Mobile plans (on QCI 8). How much slower depends on the exact second how many people are on the same tower & band compared to the capacity of the tower/band, with speeds usually between 20-90% of T-Mobile plans at the same time & location. For examples see these 4G and 5G Mint to T-Mobile Speedtest comparison videos, but your experience may vary. Note that 10-12 MBPS is good enough for 1080p HD video playback so anything more than that is not beneficial for most everyday uses. Check coverage, bands, and speed maps at these locations:
For the best answer get a 7-Day Trial from Mint (physical SIM or eSIM), Amazon, BestBuy, or Target. Retail SIMs costs $1-2 but get a $5 credit when you sign up from a trial - note activating from a trial is not eligible from promotional prices or referral credit and you will have to pay taxes and fees.
Mint runs on T-Mobile networks so will get the same coverage except it does not get domestic roaming that T-Mobile post-paid or pre-paid does. Mint is “deprioritized” on QCI 7 meaning it will get slower speeds than most T-Mobile plans (on QCI 8). How much slower depends on the exact second how many people are on the same tower & band compared to the capacity of the tower/band, with speeds usually between 20-90% of T-Mobile plans at the same time & location. For examples see these 4G and 5G Mint to T-Mobile Speedtest comparison videos, but your experience may vary. Note that 10-12 MBPS is good enough for 1080p HD video playback so anything more than that is not beneficial for most everyday uses. Check coverage, bands, and speed maps at these locations:
For the best answer get a 7-Day Trial from Mint (physical SIM or eSIM), Amazon, BestBuy, or Target. Retail SIMs costs $1-2 but get a $5 credit when you sign up from a trial - note activating from a trial is not eligible from promotional prices or referral credit and you will have to pay taxes and fees.
Mint runs on T-Mobile networks so will get the same coverage except it does not get domestic roaming that T-Mobile post-paid or pre-paid does. Mint is “deprioritized” on QCI 7 meaning it will get slower speeds than most T-Mobile plans (on QCI 8). How much slower depends on the exact second how many people are on the same tower & band compared to the capacity of the tower/band, with speeds usually between 20-90% of T-Mobile plans at the same time & location. For examples see these 4G and 5G Mint to T-Mobile Speedtest comparison videos, but your experience may vary. Note that 10-12 MBPS is good enough for 1080p HD video playback so anything more than that is not beneficial for most everyday uses. Check coverage, bands, and speed maps at these locations:
It says 5$ charge, how does that work? also can you confirm it works for google voice? thank you :)
Mint Mobile Starter Trial Kit (7 Days Of Service + SIM)
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
https://www.target.com/p/mint-mobile-7-day-trial-kit/-/A-54444205
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mint-mobile-prepaid-sim-card-starter-kit/6310601.p?skuId=6310601
After claiming a GV #, remove the trial # from GV, and cancel and forget about the trial #.
Buy a trial SIM, and see for yourself: https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/
If you need to get a new GV # now, you can use a different # to claim a new GV #, and then delete it from your GV account.
One way some people have done that is by using:
Mint Mobile Starter Trial Kit (7 Days Of Service + SIM)
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
https://www.target.com/p/mint-mobile-7-day-trial-kit/-/A-54444205
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mint-mobile-prepaid-sim-card-starter-kit/6310601.p?skuId=6310601
> TextNow wants an area code and says no numbers available , do you know how to deal with this? or another site for a phone number?
A TextNow VoIP # won't work for claiming a GV #. You need a real cellular or landline # that hasn't been used in the recent past to claim a GV #.
Here's one source for a temporary # that some people use:
Mint Mobile Starter Trial Kit (7 Days Of Service + SIM)
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
https://www.target.com/p/mint-mobile-7-day-trial-kit/-/A-54444205
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mint-mobile-prepaid-sim-card-starter-kit/6310601.p?skuId=6310601
This will solve your issue without costing you a lot.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524
Note that I have used this before to get temporary (for me) throwaway GV numbers. Verified and works.
It's the same BS in Portugal. One option is ordering one from amazon. I found this one https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/ref=sr_1_7_sspa?keywords=Prepaid+Cell+Phone+Cards&qid=1646089095&sr=8-7-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFBUllDVUIwUldGOTgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAzNjkwNjQyU0ExRjVRUUwwNE5EJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1MTgzNjMzSkhDNFJTTFJGTjk3JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== I don't know if it is good or not. In Portugal I found there's Lycamobile which can be bought in places like gas stations and supermarkets. I've never seen it or tried it but I will take a look.
Mint Mobile trial SIM is $.99 on Amazon. Mint uses T-Mobile.
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit | Verify Compatibility with Our Talk, Text & Data Plans (3-in-1 GSM SIM Card) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/
> Sorry, I forgot to specify I want to setup a new GV # on this phone, not to use an existing GV #.
You need to temporarily have access to a real phone # to claim a new GV #. A work #, a home phone landline, or a cell # will work, but a general rule is that only 1 GV # can be claimed by a real phone #*. AFTER you've claimed a GV #, there's no need to keep that real phone # associated with your GV account if you're using WiFi only.
If you don't have access to such a phone #, some people have had success using:
Mint Mobile Starter Trial Kit (7 Days Of Service + SIM)
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
https://www.target.com/p/mint-mobile-7-day-trial-kit/-/A-54444205
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mint-mobile-prepaid-sim-card-starter-kit/6310601.p?skuId=6310601
*A real phone # might be able to be used to claim a GV # more than once, but the time between is unspecified / unknown.
No. But this is cheap:
Mint Mobile Starter Trial Kit (7 Days Of Service + SIM)
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
https://www.target.com/p/mint-mobile-7-day-trial-kit/-/A-54444205
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mint-mobile-prepaid-sim-card-starter-kit/6310601.p?skuId=6310601
Some people have success claiming a new GV # using the following. After you get a new GV #, just make sure to keep using it on a regular basis to keep it from being reclaimed by Google.
Mint Mobile Starter Trial Kit (7 Days Of Service + SIM)
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
https://www.target.com/p/mint-mobile-7-day-trial-kit/-/A-54444205
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mint-mobile-prepaid-sim-card-starter-kit/6310601.p?skuId=6310601
> It would be nice to know what the issue actually is, because the entire process appears to be working normally without any type of error message being provided.
It might be impossible to know. See the link BluesCatReddit posted.
You might need to get a new temporary phone # to claim a GV #, and you can just let the new temporary phone # expire after you've successfully claimed a GV #.
Here's a low-cost option that others have reported success using.
Mint Mobile Starter Trial Kit (7 Days Of Service + SIM)
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
https://www.target.com/p/mint-mobile-7-day-trial-kit/-/A-54444205
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mint-mobile-prepaid-sim-card-starter-kit/6310601.p?skuId=6310601
It's a bummer, AND a mystery!
The only thing I can suggest trying is to get a temporary phone # to use to claim a new GV #, and then clink your desired #, or use it over data only.
One suggestion for a temporary # to accomplish this:
Mint Mobile Starter Trial Kit (7 Days Of Service + SIM)
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
https://www.target.com/p/mint-mobile-7-day-trial-kit/-/A-54444205
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mint-mobile-prepaid-sim-card-starter-kit/6310601.p?skuId=6310601
If you're asking how to get a GV # without having a real phone # that can receive a text or phone call, you can't. However, some people have had success using the following to get a GV #.
Mint Mobile Starter Trial Kit (7 Days Of Service + SIM)
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
https://www.target.com/p/mint-mobile-7-day-trial-kit/-/A-54444205
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mint-mobile-prepaid-sim-card-starter-kit/6310601.p?skuId=6310601
Oneplus 6 is listed as compatible with Mint Mobile. You can get a trial SIM to verify before committing to their service. https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Mint trial for 99 cents
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit - Verify Compati… | - | - | 4.0/5.0 |
Tello Mobile - Bring Your Own Phone - 3 in 1 GSM… | $2.00 | $2.00 | 4.1/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
To test, you can order a Mint Mobile sim for 99C on amazon with a 7 day trial and see if it works. I'm using a Moto G4 Play as my 2nd line and it's working fine on Tello GSM but I'm pretty sure they said it would not work originally. I ordered the sim for my G7 Plus which qualified and them put it in the G4 to test it and it worked fine. If they won't send you a sim, you can buy from Amazon for $2 Don't port your number get a new one from them for testing purposes and only port your number when you're satisfied.
Even if you need to buy a new phone, you can still keep that phone and use it as a spare WIFI phone at home with Google Voice or give it to someone that would use it. Great as a flashlight, a calculator and for web surfing at home on your WIFI. I think it would still work to call 911 in an emergency. If you have to buy a phone buy a Factory unlocked you could probably get one on Amazon or EBAY for around $100 Check Amazon warehouse deals, the prices drop almost every day and easy return if it does not work. I saw one for $119 earlier today for a G7 Plus 64GB, Factory Unlocked.
For what it’s worth, this is T-Mobile’s coverage map with all the current tech, but no extra roaming, which might help—this map is typically embedded on most MVNOs’ sites: https://maps.t-mobile.com/pcc.html?map=mvno-roamdcm-5
As for service, calls/texts should be the same. Typically the big difference is data priority, but if you’re in areas where there isn’t congestion, you won’t see any deprioritization. What you can do is pick this up and try it out, throw it in your phone with a test number and see (it’s even on sale): https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
A few years ago, I moved some family members off of postpaid AT&T to Cricket, and basically took my line over as a guinea pig first. Once I was sure things would be acceptable, I slowly moved everyone else over—since I didn’t do it all at once, I could’ve moved my line back to our AT&T account. If they had a trial option, it could’ve been a nice way to verify, too.
Try a free trial if you have eSIM or get for 99 cents on Amazon, or go to Target and get for $2 (Amazon and Target includes $5 credit if you do get Mint).
It runs off T-mobile network so check reception in your area with T-Mobile. The price and service is great IMHO for 95%+ of people, although there is a vocal minority that do have issues. Also note if you were wanting TRULY unlimited data, the Mint Unlimited data is really limited to 35GB (extremely slow 128kbps after that) so check to see how much data you actually use - if more than 35GB Mint is not for you, but if less it is a great option.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_YPVVWNY8JG8XW79574GV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 this will help out before switching to mint mobile
Looks like $1 Mint Mobile See for Yourself Kit | Verify Compatibility with Our Talk, Text & Data Plans (3-in-1 GSM SIM Card) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2HR4AB8REMNR9TKCDAN3
Get a $5 trial SIM from Buset Buy or Target, or order from Amazon for $1, test and see. If it works, you get a $5 credit towards any plan, if not you are out $1-5.
You don't need the app unless you want eSIM. For phyiscal SIM trial, you can get on Amazon, order on Mint's Site, or at a local BestBuy or Target store.
Get a SIM for a 7 day free trial of Mint and see if it works. You can get on Amazon, Mint's Site/App, or at a local BestBuy or Target store.
Mint runs on T-mobile, and you can get a Mint 7-day trial for 99 cents from Amazon or get today at Target/BestBuy Store, or if your phone supports eSIM (iPhone X or higher, Pixel 3 or higher) get a free trial using eSIM. https://www.bestphoneplans.net/news/mint-mobile-free-trial
Mint is deprioritizes so speeds may be slower than T-mobile post-paid or Pre-paid Connect, but same coverage. But Mint is a lot cheaper and you can get the plan that is right for you. Note if you do plan on using more than 35GB of data, don't get Mint,
Just checked and the trial SIM is $5 at Best Buy with pickup available today, or apparently $1 at Amazon if you have Prime: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_C4YYJT68MMD3MKH9MP6J?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I agree that the Pixel 4A should work fine with Tello/GSM.
You can order this Mint Mobile trial SIM for $1 from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524 to give it a try where you live. (Mint Mobile also uses T-Mobile, and should have exactly the same coverage. You use it with a temporary phone number, so you're not going thru the hassle of porting for the trial.)
You can also sign up on Tello with a new, temporary, number, and pick their smallest plan. ($6 for 500mb + 100 minutes/unlimited text.) If it works okay, then ask Customer Service about transferring in your real phone number. (You might need a new SIM, I think $2.)
The Pixel 4A has every band that T-Mobile uses. If you run this test in a different phone, you may get worse results if it doesn't support all the bands.
I have Tello, it's a T-mobile & Sprint reseller and a locked to T-mobile Test Drive Franklin Hotspot. It's still locked to T-Mobile and worked with the Tello T-mobile sim, I've been using it for 2 weeks now. One option, but they just stopped a 50% off sale for the first 3 months, so I'd wait to join until they do a sale again, which they do often.
Mint might work, I activated and used a mint sim on 2 sprint iPhones that the Mint site said won't work, but they did. You can try and buy this 7 day trial for $1 on Amazon and if it doesn't work, it only cost you $1 to find out.
​
Yes, but does not support bands 66 or 71, so it will not get the best coverage in rural areas or while in high interference buildings/urban areas. I recommend getting a test sim (Amazon sells for $1, Bust Buy and other stores sell for $5 - both give $5 credit when you sign up) to try, but you will eventually need a new phone for any provider. I recommend Swappa.com to buy an older phone and sell yours, or else buy a new one directly from Apple.com and trade in your iPhone SE.
Get a trial of Mint Mobile. It's a prepaid MVNO service that uses T-Mobile for cover and they have cheap trial SIMs . https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Lots of places.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524 might be the current cheapest / easiest.
Oh right, glad you mentioned that!
I actually had the same concern and didn't want to mess around with the possibility of not having service for several days, so I ported to Mint first (T-Mobile MVNO) on both lines.
For 4 lines, you'll want two of these (4 SIMs).
Mint will have you sign up for a trial number, then you can immediately sign up for an account and port your number. You will pay for the account, but they have a 7-day money-back guarantee, which I actually just got a refund on. The packaging says one SIM is for the trial and one for the actual account/transfer, but they've improved their app so the first SIM you put in can be used for both the trial and the account purchase. I used one package to successfully port two numbers/phones.
Porting to Mint took 30 seconds, waited for both the confirmation from Visible that I left, and confirmation from Mint that I was fully transferred (both of these came roughly 2 hours after porting) just to be safe, then ported to TW -- again about 30 seconds for the port. The caveat here is you actually have to call Mint/Ultra Mobile to obtain your account number/PIN. Waited a day, then sent a request for Mint refund using this form.
Was it a PITA, kind of. Was all porting quick and seamless, yes. Was it worth it to get off Visible, yes. Would a direct Visible -> TW port work, probably/maybe.
Amazon has the Mint Mobile Starter Kit for $1. It has a 7 day trial sim so you could check it out. If it works, you may be able to keep the 5 going until he gets the 7.
This is specific to US-based options:
One relatively cheap option is a Mint Mobile (T-Mobile MVNO) trial SIM card through on Amazon. I think Mint Mobile is one of the few mobile providers that don't actively verify your name and address during setup so you can setup your Mint account with fake data. However, they don't support 2FA nor provide any mechanisms like an account PIN to mitigate SIM swapping (ref). This option is useful as a throwaway number to use for SMS verification during initial account creation for something like Google.
For a longer-term number to use for accounts that only support 2FA via SMS, I'd vouch for Crypton (VoIP service) and Ting (a Verizon/T-Mobile MVNO).
If you're currently using a Verizon SIM, you need to find out if T-mobile coverage is sufficient where you use your phone, and if your phone is compatible. If so, T-mobile or the T-mobile owned company, Mint mobile would be a good fit for your data use. The 6-months for $45 special that Mint is running right now is an excellent deal.
To see if T-mobile works OK where you live, order a starter kit trial SIM for 99¢ at> https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Mint is a TMo MVNO so it won't be a true test of TMo postpaid, but you will at least be able to confirm coverage in your area.
I thought t mobile was bought out by Dish ?, anyway I had no idea about the Mint sample SIM. Is this what your talking about ?. If so then thanks I will order one.
You could also get the starter kit that comes with a 7 day trial sim amazon
It won't be an extensive test, but it is simpler
Get a $4.99 7-day trial sim from Amazon
Mint Mobile Starter Kit | Verify Compatibility with our Talk, Text & Data Plans (3-in-1 GSM SIM Card) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cvrwBbD3880D4
I picked mine up last week
You can get a test kit on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Or order straight from Mint.
https://freetrial.mintmobile.com/
You can get 2 Mint SIMs overnight for $1 with Amazon Prime:
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/
Yeah! Mint has a 7 day trial for $5 First SIM is for the trial, and the second one included is for signing up for a plan and porting. Mint's site or on Amazon. Note that you have to use the Mint Mobile App to activate the trial SIM.
Hijacking this thread to remind everyone that Mint has a trial kit on Amazon and their website. It can really save the headache of refunds, and will cheaply let you know if they will work for you.
That list says " As of June 2018"
Right now - Amazon has the trial sim for $1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0786RD524
I'm not sure if you have control over these listings but:
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Amazon still has the old talk, text, minutes values in the description and the pictures
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mint-mobile-5-prepaid-sim-card-kit/6310601.p?skuId=6310601
Best Buy doesn't have a description that mentions the updated values, but they do have an old picture like the Amazon one does
That's great that you can afford to up everything from 100 -> 250. I'd imagine people were hitting the 100mb just from speedtesting
It's the bare minimum, but there may be contention in an urban area. Without the other bands it may not be usable. Why not pick up a $1 starter pack to check it out?
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/
Sure, there are ways to do this.
The cheapest ($0 cost) way is to get a VoIP phone # that can call over WiFi. Two good options are Google Voice and TextNow. Google Voice can be used on a tablet or computer, as well.
There are catches to both: Google Voice requires that you have an already existing phone number to set it up initially. (The number does not have to stay connected to the account after set up, so if you don't already have a phone #, a friend might let you use theirs to set it up.)
Both are easiest to set up if you have a smartphone.
Both may have difficulty with some social media verification, since some companies do not like to accept VoIP numbers. (I have no experience here, but I've run into the problem with my email provider and one of my credit cards.)
Cheap options exist for a 'real' cellular number, too. You need to think about what phone you have available, since the SIM will need to be compatible. The obvious quick choice is Tracfone, which you could set up for as little as $16 + tax. with 500 minutes over 30 days. (Plus text and some data.) Tracfone will work on your choice of the Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T networks.
Cheaper options are available, depending on what smartphone you have available, leadtime, and what SIMs are available locally.
Example: $1 Mint Mobile trial kit, with 100 minutes over 7 days. https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=Mint+mobile+sim+card&qid=1596036956&sr=8-10
Your phone would need to be T-Mobile compatible for Mint Mobile.
You can get starter kits off amazon for 99 cents and they qualify for Prime.
You can get two Mint SIMs delivered next day with Amazon Prime for $1.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524/
> As a best practice I don't post my IMEI on the web.
I've seen that you're not supposed to post your IMEI on swappa sales either, so I decided to google it finally and see what thats been all about
https://www.reddit.com/r/essential/comments/7mnruh/is_it_safe_to_share_imei_number/
That said you can just PM /u/rizwank the IMEI and not post it here and he'll check it out.
You could also PM /u/MintMobileAlex to check it out He/she does a lot of the support on this sub
Also if you have Amazon prime you can get a trial sim from Amazon for 99 cents right now
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Or just buy it from mint for $5 and get the cost refunded
https://www.mintmobile.com/starterkit/
The trial sim will definitely verify compatability for you
Mint Mobile has a trial kit SIM that lets you try the service for a week. Usually $5, currently on sale at Amazon for $1, with free shipping for Prime members, and includes 100 minutes, 100 texts, 100mb. (I think they may have increased this.)
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
UltraMobile is a similar T-Mobile provider that also has trial kits available at the same price.
With either, you can get a new temporary number for the trial. Of course, you need a phone that will work on the T-Mobile network. If your current phone is, you can swap SIMs for a day while you test it in different places, and then return to your Tello/Sprint SIM.
Correct - you can get a $5 Starter Kit via Amazon or Best Buy. You'll get your $5 back if you decide to upgrade to a full plan.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
get the 7 day test drive package from amazon https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
The starter kit includes the 7 day trial.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
If it isn't already, you will need to make sure that your phone is unlocked - i.e. no longer bound to your carrier - before you switch to Mint. Your current carrier will assist you with the unlocking procedure as needed.
After that, the rest is easy, and you'll likely be very glad you made the switch.
I recommend getting the Mint Mobile Starter Kit for $5.00, and that $5.00 will be credited to you if you start a prepaid plan after you find out everything works out OK (good description up here, too):
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
Good luck!
Where are you?
Mint Mobile Starter Kit | Verify Compatibility with Our Talk, Text & Data Plans (3-in-1 GSM SIM Card) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6EpPCbSBGMP7F
Mint sells $5 kits on Amazon you can use to test their service.
I've been looking for a way to cut my costs, too, but I'm on a Verizon family plan, so I haven't been able to find something that beats splitting that. I recently stumbled on Mint Mobile. You buy your service "in bulk", paying for 3, 6, or 12 months at a time, but it's pretty cheap. The cheapest option gives you 2GB/month for $15/month ($180 up front). I ordered the $5 trial from Amazon, so we'll see how that goes.
I ordered this off Amazon for my iPhone 6S Plus. https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Compatibility-SIM/dp/B0786RD524/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525906298&sr=8-1&keywords=mint+starter+sim
Starter sim is a trial/test to see if you like Mintmobile. It comes with two different sims. I used the other sim it came with to port my number over. As far as visual voicemail, Mintmobile at the moment does not officially support it to my knowledge. From reading posts on here, only a few iOS users are actually getting visual voicemails. Unfortunately I am not one of them. Some people are using an app called Youmail to get visual voicemails though, I've used it before and it works very well.
A phone # can only EVER be used ONCE to claim a GV #.
If you want another GV #, you have to claim it using a DIFFERENT real phone #, even if it's only used temporarily for that purpose.
Some examples of low-cost phone #s at $10 or less for that purpose would be H2O Wireless, Page Plus, or a Mint Mobile trial SIM, which is the cheapest option.
https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mint-mobile-5-prepaid-sim-card-kit/6310601.p?skuId=6310601
https://www.target.com/p/mint-mobile-cell-phone-sim-card-starter-kit/-/A-54444205
As far as I know they do not pay off the rest of your contract if you switch. But with your savings alone it seems worth it. Perhaps you can get a hold of a trial sim from someone so you can validate service in your area.
Link to a trial sim: https://www.amazon.com/Mint-Mobile-Starter-Verify-Compatibility/dp/B0786RD524
I recommend buying a $5 test sim to try, it is even $1 from Amazon here. Try in different areas so see signal and download speed. If it works you get $5 credit if/when you subscribe, plus can get free 3 months during current promotion. $45 for 6 months is enough to really test it out. Also go to r/MintMobileReferrals/ or DM me to get a referral code for $15 credit.
I have ported my number alot and I believe with the 7 day money back guarantee you can port it and try it out, if you do not like it you should be able to port it back no problem and get your money back. Or you can get the trial kit for like 5 dollars on Amazon and without porting your number yet just try it out where you live and surrounding areas you may frequent. Hope this helps.
Mint Mobile Starter Kit | Verify Compatibility with Our Talk, Text & Data Plans (3-in-1 GSM SIM Card) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786RD524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-ObvDbTMBP3ET