Switch Phone Carrier: Deals, Costs & More

Flexibility holds the utmost significance in today’s world, especially when it comes to mobile carriers.  

If you’re looking for cheaper plans, enhanced network coverage, unlimited data, or calling options for international phones, prepaid carriers offer solutions with ease of access.  

Prepaid carriers offer services without the contract obligation of postpaid plans—yet another unique offering that allows customers to move between plans and providers.  

Despite this ease of entry and exit from prepaid carriers, the colossal number of options makes accurate selection difficult.  

Send Credit’s content team has put together this guide to help you navigate the best prepaid carriers for easy switching.  

Here are some of the highlights of prepaid carriers we will explore with you, delving deeper into aspects such as: 

• Steps to take before switching a phone carrier 
• Best carriers to consider before switching 
• Convenient tips for seamless switching 

Intrigued? Let’s get straight into it.   

Steps to Switch Phone Carrier: Detailed breakdown 

While switching carriers can be cumbersome, the process can be helpful with a little planning and information.  

Switching providers is no small task as it also usually provides better use of your time; it will be worth it for better coverage, lower costs, or better features, considering easily switching carriers can take some planning and commitment.  

Here is a clear breakdown of all the steps to switch phone carrier: 

1. Review Your Most Recent Billing Statement

Reviewing your most recent billing statement and understanding some of the details around your phone plan is always a great first step before making any transitions.  

This is especially true to understand any potential expenses or plan values associated with the switch.  

Here are some facts to confirm:  

• Contract Terms: if you are on a postpaid agreement, confirm whether you are in a contract. Several postpaid plans require you to stay with the carrier for a specific time before switching caries fees.  

• Early Termination Fees (ETFs): If your contract is terminated, your carrier may charge an ETF depending on how long you stayed in contract and the specific terms of your contract.  

• Remaining Balance on Financed Phone: If you financed your device for your carrier, confirm whether you have a remaining balance to pay off before switching. 

• Unused Plan Benefits: Some plans offer additional benefits like rollover data or discounted bundled services. You will determine if you want to keep some of these benefits when switching.  

If you review your billing statement beforehand, you will know whether to make the switch or not.  

2. Check if Your Phone is Unlocked

Most carriers will lock the phone for some amount of time, so customers don’t switch to another carrier too quickly.  

If you got your phone on a two-year contract or payment plan, it will almost certainly still be locked to the carrier you purchased it from.  

To check to see if you phone is unlocked, do the following:   

• Install a sim card from another carrier.  
• If you see an error message that reads SIM not Supported or Invalid SIM, then your phone is still locked.  
• If it is not prompting you with an error message, then it is unlocked, and you can switch immediately!   

If you find that your phone is still locked, you will want to reach out to your current carrier and request for the phone to be unlocked.  

Most companies will have qualifications like these:  

• The phone has been paid off (i.e. is not financed). 
• The phone has been active for a minimum amount of time (usually between 60-90 days). 
• Your account is in good standing with no overdue payments. Getting your phone unlocked is an important step in the entire process because you will want it unlocked in order to activate it on the new carrier.  

3. Compare Plan from the New Carrier 

Switching carriers can either improve your service or cost a good chunk of change if you download the wrong plan/carrier.  

There are several different things to be mindful of when researching a new carrier:  

• Coverage: You should see the coverage maps for the area you are considering for the new carrier to see if it has good signal strength (including coverage of your home, work, and any other areas you frequently visit).  

• Price—Look up: Prepaid plans are flexible and economical without contracts. Postpaid plans typically offer better rates and incentives for devices (new phone rates, family plans, discounts on bills, etc.).  

• Data and Calling: Keep your data usage and calling habits in mind, while looking for deals. For example, some carriers offer unlimited data vs limited data with roll over options for unused “limited” data.  

If you tend to make international calls frequently, keep in mind that some carriers offer great international calling packages and others will charge you a flat rate.  

Additional Features: Some carriers include extras like streaming subscriptions, hotspot data, or device protection plans. Weigh these perks against the overall cost to determine if they add value. 

Taking the time to compare different plans ensures that you choose a carrier that aligns with your needs and budget. 

4. Check Network Compatibility (GSM vs. CDMA)

Before you change, determine if your phone is compatible with the other carrier’s network. Carriers utilize various network technologies, so your phone might not work with all of them.  

• GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) – Carriers that use LTE networks included AT&T and T-Mobile. The majority of modern phones can run on a GSM network.  

• CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) – Carriers that utilize this designing types of networks using older Sprint and Verizon.  

• Circa 2000, some CDMA phones did not use SIM cards and were officially locked to carriers.  

To determine your current or your next phone’s compatibility:  

• Go to the new carriers website and look for an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) checker tool. 

• Call the new carrier’s customer service and ask if your phone is compatible. 

• If your current phone is not compatible, purchase one that will work on the carrier’s network you were planning on switching to.  

Verifying box compatibility is important so that you do not experience performance issues after you change to a new carrier. Proposed bullet point content as soon as the transition to your new service is complete. 

5. Port Your Phone Number

Maintaining your current phone number while changing carriers is an easy solution that saves you from attempting to change your contacts.  

To port your number to a new carrier, follow these simple steps:  

1. Do not cancel your old plan prior to porting your number. Your number needs to remain active on your previous plan in order to process the transfer.  

2. Your next step is to contact the new carrier and request a number port. Many carriers will permit you to start the port process via online form submissions, calls, or in-store consultations.  

3. You will need to share details related to the current account, including: 

• Account number 
• PIN or password (if applicable) 
• Billing zip code  

4. The carrier will process the port. It generally takes a few hours from the time of contact to complete, but in some cases, it can take a couple of days, depending on the ports to be done from each carrier. 

5. The cancellation of your old plan is done automatically once your port is complete. Porting your number to another carrier will ensure you have not lost access to your important contacts and services associated with your current phone number. 

6. Activate the New SIM & Recharge 

Once your number is successfully ported and you have received your new SIM card, you can activate your service by doing the following:  

• Insert the newly provided SIM card into your phone.  

• Follow the carrier’s instructions to activate the service. This may involve visiting a website, calling a number, or using a mobile application.  

• Select a plan and load credit to top-up your mobile data (for prepaid users). If you opted for a prepaid plan, be sure to load enough credits to begin service.  

• Test your phone by making a call or connecting to the mobile data plan. Facetime, iMessaging, SMS, and calls are expected to work as well as the internet.  

• Establish any additional settings. If your new carrier has benefits, such as visual voicemail, hotspot tethering, or WIFI calling, set that up with the menus located on your phone.  

Changing phone carriers also requires planning in order to avoid hiccups along the way. By examining your current plan, unlocking your phone, comparing the new carriers, confirming network compatibility, porting your number, and activating the new SIM card, you should be able to avoid the common traps, and enjoy better service with your new carrier from the get-go!  

If you go through the process as described here, you should be able to switch carriers where it will not be disruptive to your mobile phone service.  

No matter your reason for making a carrier switch (e.g., desire a lower cost, better coverage, or enhanced features), being diligent and engaged in the switching process should yield a more satisfying experience in your new carrier. 

Best Prepaid Carriers for Easy Switching 

Here is a list of best prepaid carriers that support seamless switching: 

1. Cricket Wireless – Best for Budget-Friendly Prepaid Plans

Cricket Wireless operates as a subsidiary of AT&T and has managed to achieve remarkable success within the prepaid industry by providing a different selection of competitively priced prepaid plans with decent quality of service.  

Plans of Cricket Wireless

• Basic Plan: $30/month for unlimited talk & text, and 5GB high-speed data 

• Core Plan: $40/month for unlimited talk, text, and data, with usage speed capped at 8 Mbps (all usage) 

• More Plan: $55/month for unlimited talk, text, and data at 5G speeds (where available)  

Key Features 

• No Annual Contracts: The plans are all prepaid and do not require a contract. 

• Group Save Discounts: Cricket also provides discounts for adding additional lines which can be useful for friends and family.  

• Reliable Coverage: Cricket Wireless is an AT&T company; therefore, Cricket uses the AT&T network and continues to provide reliable nationwide service.  

Pros of Cricket Wireless

• Affordable: Compared to the overall pricing structures of some of its competitors, Cricket’s pricing is competitive and affordable. 

• Simple Plans: Plans are straightforward and without hidden fees.  

• Device Compatibility: Cricket is compatible with many unlocked GSM mobile devices.  

Cons of Cricket Wireless 

• Data Speed Limits: Some plans do have speed limits, which somewhat limits the ability to carry out some activities, such as HD streaming.  

• Limited International Feature: Cricket does offer some features for international calling and roaming but may also require additional charges. 

2. Lyca Mobile – Best for International Calls 

Lyca Mobile primarily offers services for international calling at overpriced rates. If you want an inexpensive carrier to make calls, send texts, or send messages for family or friends, Lyca Mobile suffices.

Mobile Plans of Lyca Mobile

There are several plan choices to suit your needs:  

• The $19.00 plan offers unlimited talk & text, 3gb’s of data, and unlimited international calling to some countries.
  
• The $29.00 plan offers unlimited talk & and text, 10gb’s of data, and unlimited international calling to 75 countries. 
  
• The $39.00 plan offers unlimited talk and and text, unlimited data, and unlimited international calling to 75 countries.  

Key Features of Lyca Mobile

• You have international coverage, such as unlimited international calling, but they also have some international countries, some of which you may have never heard before. If you are an international communicator, this is a great choice for quick communications & messages, not just through wi-fi.  

• No contracts; all plans are prepaid, so you have no long-term contracts for service.  

• Data roll over on select plans, customers can roll over some data to the next month. 

Pros of Lyca Mobile

• The call rates are low; if you make international calls fairly often, you will save tens to hundreds, probably even thousands of telephone service savings in long-term.
    
• Flexible Options: Up to date; Lyca Mobile has multiple plan options for customers to select based on their data or talk needs.  
  
• Free SIM, including activation: Lyca Mobile often offers a free SIM when you sign up, and they usually don’t charge to activate a SIM card for new customers.  

Cons of Lyca Mobile  

• Domestic Coverage: Domestic coverage can be a little patchy in some rural upstate locations, however, remote areas may still have coverage. 
   
• Data Speeds: Prioritized high speed data may also be deprioritized at the discretion of the carrier for high usage periods of demand on the network. 

3. AT&T Prepaid – Best for Strong Coverage 

AT&T Prepaid provides broad nationwide service and many exemplary services that serve specific user needs, all without an annual contract.  

Mobile Plans of AT&T

Here are examples of its plans 

• $30 Monthly Plan: Unlimited talk and text with 5GB high-speed data. 
   
• $40 Monthly Plan: Unlimited talk and text with 15 GB high-speed data.
  
• $65 Unlimited Plan: Unlimited talk, text, and data in standard definition.  

Key Features of AT&T

• Nationwide Coverage: AT&T’s reliable coverage anywhere in the U.S.  
  
• Discount for Multiple Lines: Adding multiple lines under one account can save money.
   
• Options for International Calling: Add-ons available for international calling and international roaming. 

Pros of AT&T

• Reliable Coverage: In the grand scheme there is typically great coverage and more reliability on the AT&T network than other carriers’ options, mostly in urban/suburban, though not ruled out in other areas.  
  
• Flexible Plans: Different needs can find a high-quality, flexible plan with different combinations of data and other usage. 
   
• No Activation Fees: No activation fees to activate a new prepaid line.  

Cons of AT&T 

• Pricing Often Higher: AT&T’s plans may be higher than other carriers’ price plans for similar options. 
  
• Data Deprecation in Congestion: If there are congestion issues, data may be deprioritized. 

4. Verizon Prepaid – Best for Unlimited Data

Verizon Prepaid offers different plans with unlimited data that leverage Verizon’s expansive cellular network for reliable service.  

Plans of Verizon

Here are the plan details:  

• $40 Monthly Plan: Unlimited calling and texting with 15 GB of premium data.  

• $60 Unlimited Plan: Unlimited calling, texting and premium data with the option to stream video in DVD quality.  

• $70 Unlimited Plus Plan: Unlimited calling, texting and premium data with the option for video streaming in HD quality, but while using the tethering option, the premium data limit is up to 10GB.  

Other important details:  

• Large Coverage Area: Get high-speed access nationwide to Verizon fast 5G, which increased speed and service availability overall.  

• Tethering: device tethering is included as a feature with unlimited plans.  

• Loyalty Discount: A loyalty discount will be verified each month after the 3rd month, and after the 9th month as well. 

If you’re considering prepaid plans, here are some of the best prepaid carriers to switch to: 

Recommended Read: T-Mobile Vs. Verizon vs AT&T

The Bottom Line 

Selecting the ideal prepaid carrier is a matter of determining what features are most important to you; whether that be affordable service, international calling, strong network coverage, or simply unlimited data each provider has options that will fit your use case.

Cricket Wireless is the best-budget prepaid carrier option to meet the needs of a budget-related user.  

Lyca Mobile can cater to their users as frequently issues international calls at competitive rates with a good amount of global coverage.

AT&T Prepaid would be the best option when network coverage is of the utmost concern because it provides strong and reliable network coverage ultimately making it easy to stay connected no matter your location in the U.S.  

Lastly, our favorite Verizon Prepaid is the best recommendation for users that simply want unlimited data where they do not have to worry about high-speed access and with premium features.

Each carrier offers flexibility with no long-term, no-contract agreements, and competitive pricing that has made it even easier to switch from carrier to carrier with no hassle.  

After you isolate your priorities; saving money, staying connected internationally, and data access convenience, you can discover which prepaid carrier option matches the lifestyle you lead.

No matter which provider you choose, prepaid plans allow you the ultimate flexibility and control over how you use your mobile device.