MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
So you're thinking about switching to AT&T?
Maybe you're not happy with your wireless provider and you're shopping around for a better price. Or, maybe you already know you want the benefits of being on the AT&T network. We're going to tell you about an option that gives you both.
Did you know that there's a way to have cell phone service on the AT&T network without paying AT&T prices?
If you don't know about MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), it could be worth a bundle in savings to read on. In fact, it's not uncommon to save over 50% on your cell phone bill by switching to an alternative carrier.
Best AT&T switch deal for families
Good2Go Mobile 15GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Good2Go Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. So you can enjoy the same coverage at half the price. Offering a mixture of data allowances from 1GB to Unlimited data, which is capped at 30GB of high-speed data. Check out our review about best family plans on AT&T.
Pros
- T-Mobile and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Wide range of plan choices
Cons
- No free international calls
- No international roaming
- Good2Go Mobile offers unlimited talk and text with all of their plans, and you can sign up month to month, or you can save more by committing for 3, 6, or 12 months.
- They don't offer international calling or roaming. However, if you do need to get access to international calls, you can choose an add-on for free calls to 60+ countries.
Best AT&T switch deal for unlimited
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on AT&T.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
- All of Boost Mobile's prepaid plans come with unlimited calling and text.
- If you use a lot of data, unlimited plans include up to 30GB of high-speed data.
- Most plans include mobile hotspot data, but be sure to check. The allowance depends on the plan, but the maximum is 30GB, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Discounts are available for additional lines, so you can save on a plan for the whole family.
- When it comes to devices, they provide a wide range of phones to choose from. Including the latest models from popular brands like Apple and Samsung, with financing options of 0% financing over 1-2 years. Helping to make it affordable to purchase a new phone.
- Boost Mobile's international features are not as strong. Their international roaming options are limited compared to other carriers, and international calls are an extra add-on, which means you'll have to pay extra if you want to make calls to friends and family overseas.
Best AT&T switch deal for BYOP
Good2Go Mobile 10GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Good2Go Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. So you can enjoy the same coverage at half the price. Offering a mixture of data allowances from 1GB to Unlimited data, which is capped at 30GB of high-speed data. Check out our review about best byop plans on AT&T.
Pros
- T-Mobile and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Wide range of plan choices
Cons
- No free international calls
- No international roaming
Best AT&T switch deal for two
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. And if you're looking for multi-line discounts, they're one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.
You also get free international calls to 80 countries, so you can stay connected with loved ones abroad. Check out our review about best 2 line plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
- With Red Pocket Mobile, not only are their plans straightforward with no hidden fees, but they also offer features like unlimited talk and text.
- Get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance with the unlimited plan.
- Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Being able to save on the whole family's bill is a benefit. You get a $20 discount for each additional line added. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
- Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
Best AT&T switch deal for talk & text
Good2Go Mobile 1GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Good2Go Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. So you can enjoy the same coverage at half the price. Offering a mixture of data allowances from 1GB to Unlimited data, which is capped at 30GB of high-speed data. Check out our review about best talk & text plans on AT&T.
Pros
- T-Mobile and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Wide range of plan choices
Cons
- No free international calls
- No international roaming
Switch to AT&T deals
MVNOs are smaller carriers that lease bandwidth on the major carriers' towers. This is good news for you because it means you're getting service on the main networks you've always depended on, with the same great coverage.
I know you'll need some good reasons to change carriers, though. Here are some things you should know about how you can benefit from an alternative mobile provider:
- Cheaper prices: Cell service on the big three has become expensive - we all know that. AT&T MVNOs keep their overhead low so that they can offer you solid service at a better price.
- Customized plans: The big three carriers all promote their unlimited plans as their main offering. The flaw in this ploy is that the average smartphone user goes through less than 3GB of data usage per month. It's like paying for 200 TV channels and when you only watch 20. MVNOs let you pick and choose exactly what you pay for.
- No contracts or credit checks: All low-cost carriers offer prepaid plans. If you're unhappy, you can leave anytime you choose.
- Keep your phone and number: If you bring your own phone will save you between $10 and £30 per month in pricey device payments (which, incidentally, work as a form of contract, keeping you tied to your expensive carrier).
AT&T unlimited data plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Unlimited Starter | Unlimited | $65 | $780 |
| AT&T Unlimited Extra | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| AT&T Unlimited Premium | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
Cheapest AT&T phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good2Go Mobile | 15GB | $35/mo* | $420/yr | $480/yr | |
| Boost Mobile | Unlimited | $25/mo* | $300/yr | $600/yr | |
| Good2Go Mobile | 10GB | $30/mo* | $360/yr | $540/yr | |
| Red Pocket | Unlimited | $40/mo | $480/yr | $420/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Good2Go Mobile | 1GB | $10/mo* | $120/yr | $780/yr |
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Boost Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr |
| Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | ||
AT&T plan features
- 4G LTE and 5G data speeds: Since AT&T MVNOs are all powered by the AT&T network, you'll pay less without sacrificing speed.
- Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
- International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
- Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with multi-line discounts.
- Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
- Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
- HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
How to switch to AT&T
Some aspects of changing your mobile service are the same regardless of your current provider or device.
- Choose a carrier. Each AT&T MVNO offers something a little different. Find the one with the prices, plans and coverage best suited to your mobile usage and budget. Later in this guide, you'll find a list of AT&T carriers.
- Choose a plan. Most low-cost carriers offer customization options - this is what makes them so attractive. You can pay only for what you need instead of overpaying for data or minutes you'll never use. You wouldn't pay for 24 eggs if you only needed 12, right?
- Get your phone unlocked. All carriers must grant your request to unlock your phone as long as it's paid off, isn't lost or stolen, and you're not in the middle of a contract.
Switch to AT&T from T-Mobile
T-Mobile operates on GSM just like AT&T devices making the switch pretty easy.
In order to free your phone for use on the AT&T network you can submit a request for T-Mobile to unlock your device. This wireless provider also allows you to unlock phones through the T-Mobile Device Unlock app. The app is only available for Android so you should contact customer service if you need to unlock an iPhone.
Even though many phones will work on both networks it's best to check with your new carrier to verify that you can keep your device. You will then want to compare cell phone plans available from AT&T MVNOs to figure out which one best matches your needs and budget.
Switch to AT&T from Verizon
If you want to switch to an alternative AT&T carrier from Verizon there are a couple of things you should know, especially since you will probably be bringing your own device.
There are two technologies used for cellular phone service - CDMA and GSM. Verizon utilize CDMA. It used to be that there was no way to bring your own phone from one network to the other, however, some newer phones are designed to function on both the CDMA and GSM technologies.
Once you've checked with your chosen carrier to make sure your device is compatible, you'll need to call Verizon and request an unlock code. This code allows you to use your phone on any carrier.
Check out our handy guide on how to unlock a phone. Verizon devices come unlocked, so if you're making the switch to the AT&T network from Verizon you'll be ready to go.
Switch to AT&T phone deals
Recap
With the rise of these low-cost carriers, there's no longer any reason to pay high rates for data and services you'll never use.
AT&T MVNOs offer the basics you'd expect like unlimited talk, text and data, even international calling options.
As intimidating as it can feel to change your cell service, an alternative mobile provider is a solid choice that will put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.
AT&T phone plan guides
- Best Cell Phone Plans on AT&T
- Best Prepaid Phone Plans on AT&T
- Best Unlimited Data Plans on AT&T
- AT&T MVNOs: Best Carriers on the AT&T Network
- Best Phone Plans for One on AT&T
- The Best AT&T Switch Deals
- Best Kids Plans on AT&T
- Best Plans for Students on AT&T
- Best BYOP Plans on AT&T
- Best 5G Plans on AT&T
- Best Phone Plans on AT&T
Related Content
Phone plans guides
