Small Carriers vs. Major Carriers

There are four major networks. You probably recognize their names: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile.

However, there are many more smaller carriers (MVNOs) which run on top of the four major networks and make the market competitive. MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator; these are smaller carriers you may or may not have heard of—Cricket, MetroPCS, Ting etc.—that buy network space from the major carriers.

Sometimes the best deals are hidden with these smaller carriers. For example, some carriers offer super cheap plans and some offer free cell phone plans.

Check out our list of the best cell phone plans for help.





