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Is T-Mobile GSM or CDMA?

Does T-Mobile use CDMA or GSM networks?

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T-Mobile is a GSM network carrier and works with GSM cell phones.

GSM - which stands for Global System for Mobile Communications - is one of two types of wireless frequencies used for cell phone service. CDMA and GSM provide 3G service to fill in the gaps when your 4G signal drops.

Cell phone technology has evolved to allow most smartphones to run on both GSM and CDMA networks.

If you're unsure whether your device is compatible with a network, check with the carrier before buying your cell phone plan.

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US Mobile unlimited data plan
Best cheap T-Mobile carrier
Image of cell phone with Lycamobile
Lycamobile 6GB plan
Best T-Mobile eSIM carrier
Image of cell phone with Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
Best T-Mobile carrier for familes
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Boost Infinite unlimited data plan
Best T-Mobile carrier for unlimited data

Is T-Mobile a GSM carrer?

Best cheap T-Mobile carrier

US Mobile unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with US Mobile
  • Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$25/mo
5Read our US Mobile review
$600 in annual savings

Best T-Mobile eSIM carrier

Lycamobile 6GB plan

Image of cell phone with Lycamobile
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
6GB
data
$15/mo
4.3Read our Lycamobile review
$720 in annual savings

Best T-Mobile carrier for familes

Mint Mobile 15GB plan

Image of cell phone with Mint Mobile
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
15GB
data
$15/mo*
$20/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2Read our Mint Mobile review
$675 in annual savings

Best T-Mobile carrier for unlimited data

Boost Infinite unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with Boost Infinite
  • AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$25/mo*
3.6Read our Boost Infinite review
$600 in annual savings

T-Mobile GSM network carriers

Of course, you don't have to go with the bigger (translation: expensive!) wireless carriers. MVNOs, or Mobile Virtual Network Operators, are smaller mobile providers that use the very same networks as the big guys. They just give you better rates.

You can choose from a variety of plans from T-Mobile MVNOs like Mint, Ting, and Ultra Mobile, without sacrificing any of the network quality you get from the name brand.

T-Mobile GSM carrier benefits

  • Service on the T-Mobile network: You get wireless service on the very same network as you do with the big guys.
  • Cut your phone bill in half: MVNO plans typically cost 50% or less of the major providers' prices.
  • Custom plans: MVNOs offer a variety of plans that let you choose what you need and pay for.
  • No contracts: You retain total freedom to switch carriers any time you want.
  • Keep your phone: You can bring your own phone (BYOP) and keep your phone number.

T-Mobile GSM carrier plans

CarrierNetworkDataPrice
Tello 2GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage2GB$10/mo
Mint Mobile 5GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage5GB$10/mo$15/mo
Red Pocket 10GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage10GB$10/mo$20/mo
Mint Mobile 15GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage15GB$15/mo$20/mo
Tello unlimited data planT-Mobile 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$25/mo

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $675 per year

CarrierNetwork Coverage4G/5G DataPriceAnnual Cost
T-MobileT-Mobile 4G & 5GUnlimited$75/mo$900/yr
Mint MobileT-Mobile 4G & 5G15GB$20/mo$225/yr
Savings$55/mo$675/yr

How to switch to a T-Mobile GSM carrier

It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.

  1. Customize your plan. Whether you're looking for a truly unlimited plan, or in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your cell phone needs.
  2. Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up and your phone is unlocked. If you're getting a new device, transferring data from one to another is simple. Even if you're going from an iPhone to Android, and vice versa.
  3. Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has been ported over. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account. If you've got a new device with your Tello plan, it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you're bringing your own phone then you'll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send to you in the post.

Bring your unlocked GSM phone

You need simplicity in your life. The great thing about MVNOs is that switching carriers is easy.

You need an unlocked phone (meaning your carrier has released it for use on another network). Once you've checked with your new provider about phone compatibility the rest is a breeze.

Most low-cost carriers simply provide you with a prepaid SIM card. You pop it into your cell phone and follow the provider's instructions. Just make sure you don't cancel your current phone plan until you've ported your phone number over to the new carrier.


T-Mobile GSM carriers list

  • Boost Mobile

  • Boom! Mobile

  • Consumer Cellular

  • FreeUP Mobile

  • Metro by T-Mobile

  • Mint Mobile

  • Red Pocket

  • Straight Talk

  • Tello

  • TextNow

  • Tracfone

  • Ultra Mobile

  • US Mobile

  • Good2Go Mobile

  • Reach Mobile

  • Lycamobile

  • Kroger Wireless

  • Optimum Mobile

  • Boost Infinite

  • WOW! Mobile

  • Gotalk Wireless

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