Spectrum Mobile Reviews: What to Expect

Verizon and AT&T are the U.S. mobile providers that provide the best coverage and are most widely used across the nation. However, other mobile providers such as T-Mobile (recently merged with Sprint) and Internet service providers that function as mobile virtual network operators, such as Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity mobile, offer more affordable plans—with some differences in their coverage maps, plan prices, and features. 

If you’re in the market for an unlimited data plan but don’t want to pay top tier prices for Verizon or AT&T, then considering newly available options, such as Spectrum Mobile, might be the right choice for you. This article will break down some of the pros and cons of switching to a Spectrum Mobile cell phone plan.

What is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator?

The major cellular carriers and mobile network providers, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, own or control all of the elements necessary to sell and deliver service to the end user, including radio spectrum allocation, wireless network infrastructure, billing, and customer care. Mobile Virtual Network Operators are companies that lease wireless phone and data service from the three major mobile network providers then repackage and sell those services to their customers. 

Spectrum Coverage Map and Data Speeds

One of the biggest upsides of Spectrum Mobile is that they lease coverage through Verizon’s network at a discount. This means Spectrum Mobile customers get access to the nation’s largest, most reliable 4G LTE network and the same benefits of Verizon’s data speeds, reliability, and nationwide coverage, but for a lower cost. 

While this is a major benefit, it really depends on what’s most important to you—data speeds, coverage, or both? While Verizon has the best coverage of the major mobile network providers out there, T-Mobile has the best data speeds. Verizon averages download speeds of 32.2 Mbps, which means it is just behind T-Mobile. Customers accessing Verizon’s mobile network through a Mobile Virtual Network Operator may experience somewhat slower speeds, but they should be plenty fast for the amount of video streaming and social media scrolling of the average smartphone user.

Spectrum Cell Phone Plans and Pricing

One downside to Spectrum Mobile is the smaller number of plan options available, but many will find that one of the three different plan options offered provides exactly what they need. Through Spectrum Mobile, customers can choose between purchasing an unlimited data plan or a gig plan. Both plans have unlimited talk and text, including texts from the U.S. to any country, and calls from the U.S. to Canada and Mexico. 

There is also an Unlimited Plus plan that offers a bit more than the unlimited plan for an extra $10/month. Here’s a breakdown of the major differences between the three plans:

• Unlimited ($29.99/month per line, with 2+ lines)
  • 5G nationwide access included at no extra fee.
  • Unlimited talk, text, and data.
  • Switch between Unlimited or Unlimited Plus any time.
• Unlimited Plus ($39.99/month per line, with 2+ lines)
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the Unlimited plan, plus a little extra.
  • HD-quality streaming.
  • More freedom to surf and stream.
• By the Gig ($14/GB/month)
  • Share data with up to 10 lines.
  • 5G access included with no extra fee.
  • Mix and match plans or upgrade at any time.

Eligibility and Compatible Devices

In order to qualify as a Spectrum Mobile customer, you must also have Spectrum Internet service. This is a great option for those already using Spectrum Internet or who are open to changing Internet service providers to get a good deal. Spectrum offers Internet service with speeds starting at 300Mbps at a rate of $49.99/month. One of the big appeals is that once you’re connected to both Spectrum Internet and Spectrum Mobile, you’re then able to connect to any one of Spectrum’s 250,000+ WiFi hotspots and use less data.

Spectrum Mobile plans are compatible with the most widely-used flagship smartphones, such as the latest iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy phones. You can bring your own device when you purchase your mobile plan, or you can buy a new device through Spectrum.

Moving to a new home and want to switch wireless providers? SmartMove makes it easy to find mobile service providers and cost-saving packages in your area.