Author Topic: MVNO on Verizon host network recommendations  (Read 3206 times)

MustacheCash

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MVNO on Verizon host network recommendations
« on: September 07, 2014, 03:47:24 PM »
Hello, you intelligent Mustachians.  I have a question about MVNOs and did not see anything posted about this specific issue.  My Verizon contract is almost up and I will be switching to a MVNO, but there are so many from which to choose.  I need to stay with the Verizon network because that is the only service available in my area.  I have an iPhone 4 and need to bring that over for work purposes.  Also, I am not sure how to change/cut/alter the sim card or if I even need to do that at all.  I use around .5 GB of data/month and do not use more than 1000 minutes.  Does anyone have any recommendations on what MVNO would be the best fit for me?

Daley

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Re: MVNO on Verizon host network recommendations
« Reply #1 on: September 07, 2014, 04:10:15 PM »
There aren't many Verizon MVNO options because Verizon kinda hates their MVNOs. There's only one long-term stable Verizon MVNO, it's listed in the guide, and it's Page Plus. They officially support the iPhone 4 and 4S now for activation.

Selectel is younger, and could still be a gamble, but has survived the minimum viability hump... it too is mentioned in the guide, but I am unsure of iPhone activation support.

Finally, Red Pocket is a long established AT&T MVNO, but has very recently (like a month or two ago) added Verizon network support (in addition to T-Mobile and Sprint plans - they are currently the only MVNO to offer plans on all four major carriers) I am unsure of their own iPhone activation support status, but imagine it shouldn't be a problem. There have been others in the past to do so and all have gone belly up... so they too may be a cautious, long-term gamble, though I do genuinely wish them success with their new business model. They too are mentioned in the guide.

kimmarg

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Re: MVNO on Verizon host network recommendations
« Reply #2 on: September 07, 2014, 06:36:07 PM »
There aren't many Verizon MVNO options because Verizon kinda hates their MVNOs. There's only one long-term stable Verizon MVNO, it's listed in the guide, and it's Page Plus. They officially support the iPhone 4 and 4S now

YEA for page plus iPhone support. 2 months to end of contract and the switch!

MustacheCash

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Re: MVNO on Verizon host network recommendations
« Reply #3 on: September 07, 2014, 09:09:36 PM »
@I.P. Daley:  Wow, this is tremendously helpful!  I was kind of hoping you would respond because you seem to be incredibly knowledgable about this topic and it can be intimidating because I know very little.  Also, your guide is fucking awesome!  I had never heard of Page Plus, but that looks like a good option to look into further.  Does Page Plus have the EXACT same reception as Verizon or is it different because it is a MVNO?  Also, since I will be BYOD, what is the sim card situation or does it not matter because I have an iPhone?

Daley

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Re: MVNO on Verizon host network recommendations
« Reply #4 on: September 07, 2014, 09:55:01 PM »
The iPhone 4 on Verizon is a CDMA handset, no SIM card. The iPhone 4S has a SIM card, but only for international GSM roaming (technically, a TruPhone SIM will work for AT&T plus T-Mobile coverage in the US if you get the SIM slot "unlocked" for international service), again Verizon is a CDMA provider (excuse 4G LTE, which the iPhone 4/4S doesn't support) so SIM card doesn't matter for domestic CDMA service. SIM cards are for GSM providers.

PP uses Verizon's towers, so same native footprint coverage. No roaming, except at high costs. Check the map to confirm for your area. The only downside is that PP is now owned by Carlos Slim's empire (same folks responsible for the travesties that are Tracfone/Net10/StraightTalk)... and they now charge telecom taxes on top of the rates instead of combining it. That said, if Verizon's your ticket, Verizon's your ticket and if you want out, it's Page Plus or not much else. If you go that route, I'd highly recommend going Kitty Wireless for activation.