List of Mobile Operators in the United States (US)

The United States features a diverse and competitive mobile telecommunications landscape, with major national carriers, well-known regional brands, and numerous Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that serve niche markets and budget-minded consumers. This article provides an overview of the primary mobile operators in the US, detailing their network technologies, coverage footprints, and service offerings.

1. Major National Carriers

1. Verizon Wireless
   • Network Technology: LTE, 5G (mmWave, C-band, low‑band)
   • Coverage: Over 70% of U.S. landmass; strong rural and urban reach
   • Notable Plans: Unlimited data plans (Start Unlimited, Do More, Play More, Get More), prepaid “Verizon Prepaid,” and “Visible” (their 100% digital MVNO)
2. AT&T Mobility
   • Network Technology: LTE, 5G (mmWave, C-band, low‑band)
   • Coverage: Approximately 71% of U.S. landmass; broad urban and suburban coverage
   • Notable Plans: Unlimited Extra, Unlimited Elite, prepaid “AT&T Prepaid,” and “Cricket Wireless” (AT&T’s owned MVNO)
3. T‑Mobile USA
   • Network Technology: LTE, 5G (low‑band, mid‑band 2.5 GHz, mmWave)
   • Coverage: Nearly 60% of U.S. landmass; largest 5G footprint
   • Notable Plans: Magenta, Magenta MAX, prepaid “T‑Mobile Connect,” and “Metro by T‑Mobile” (their owned MVNO)

2. Regional Carriers

While the “Big Three” control most of the market, several regional operators own or lease spectrum in limited areas:

• U.S. Cellular
  • Coverage: Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and other pockets
  • Technology: LTE, 5G in select markets
  • Plans: Unlimited and tiered data; prepaid options
• C Spire
  • Coverage: Primarily Mississippi and parts of Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida
  • Technology: LTE, 5G in select cities
  • Plans: Unlimited Talk & Text, tiered data, family plans

3. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)

MVNOs lease capacity from the major carriers to provide lower‑cost or specialized plans. Here are some prominent MVNOs in each carrier category:

MVNOs on Verizon’s Network

• Visible (Verizon-owned): $30/month unlimited talk, text & data
• Straight Talk Wireless: Pay-as-you-go and monthly plans
• Total Wireless: Family and individual plans starting at $25/month

MVNOs on AT&T’s Network

• Cricket Wireless (AT&T-owned): Simple unlimited and tiered data plans
• H2O Wireless: International calling and rolling monthly data
• Consumer Cellular: Senior‑friendly plans with AARP discounts

MVNOs on T‑Mobile’s Network

• Metro by T‑Mobile (T‑Mobile-owned): Bundled streaming services
• Mint Mobile: Bulk‑purchase prepaid plans for 3, 6, or 12 months
• Google Fi: Flexible pay‑as‑you‑go data billing and international coverage

4. Choosing the Right Operator

When selecting a mobile operator in the US, consider:

• Coverage: Check local signal strength (urban vs. rural).
• Data Needs: Unlimited vs. tiered data, hotspot allowances.
• Price vs. Performance: MVNOs often cost less but may deprioritize data during peak times.
• Perks & Bundles: Streaming subscriptions, international roaming, and family discounts.