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Digital Trends
15-05-2025
- Business
- Digital Trends
Hidden US carriers perks you might not have known about
In the competitive landscape of US mobile carriers, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and others constantly vie for your attention with flashy deals on the latest smartphones and promises of expansive coverage. However, beyond the headline offerings lie a treasure trove of often-overlooked perks and benefits that can significantly enhance your mobile experience and even save you money. These perks are constantly changing; visiting carrier websites for the most current information on available perks is wise. Let's delve into some of these hidden gems (at the time of this writing) you might not have known about from the big three and a few others. Recommended Videos Verizon: reliability with unexpected rewards Verizon is often praised for its reliable network, but it also has some cool perks you might not know about: Verizon Up: This rewards program lets you earn credits just by doing everyday things like paying your bill. You can use these credits for all sorts of rewards, from gift cards and discounts on devices to unique experiences. Watch the Verizon Up section in your My Verizon app for exciting new offers! Free Disney+ and other streaming services (on select plans): Some Verizon Unlimited plans include subscriptions to popular streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+. This is a great way to save money if you subscribe to these platforms. 5G Ultra Wideband Access (in eligible areas): 5G is a hot topic right now, and Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network is known for its super-fast speeds in certain regions. If you live or travel to a spot where it's available and have a supported device, this 'hidden' capability can seriously boost your download and streaming speeds. Don't forget to check Verizon's coverage maps to see if you're in an Ultra Wideband zone! Verizon Cloud: Many Verizon customers can use Verizon Cloud, an online storage service for your photos, videos, contacts, and more. The amount of free storage you get can depend on your plan, but it's a handy way to back up important stuff and access it on any device. Device trade-in programs: While they are advertised, people often underestimate the value of Verizon's trade-in programs. Depending on the condition and model of your old phone, you could score some pretty good credits toward a new one, which helps lower the overall cost. At the time of this writing, Verizon is also touting a three-year price lock, which will come in handy during these uncertain times when the price of new smartphones might increase. T-Mobile: the unsung advantages Known for its disruptive approach, T-Mobile offers several perks that extend beyond just unlimited data: T-Mobile Tuesdays: This weekly program provides customers with various freebies and discounts from popular brands, ranging from food and drinks to movie tickets and travel deals. Downloading the T-Mobile Tuesdays app is essential for unlocking these frequently changing offers. Netflix on Us (on select plans): Certain T-Mobile plans include a standard or even premium Netflix subscription at no additional cost. This represents a significant recurring saving for those already subscribed to the streaming giant. Again, plan details are crucial to confirm eligibility. Free scam shield protection: T-Mobile offers its Scam Shield app and features for free, providing robust protection against robocalls and scam attempts. This includes caller ID, scam blocking, and the ability to report suspicious numbers, enhancing your peace of mind. International coverage (in many plans): T-Mobile is recognized for its more generous international roaming benefits compared to its competitors. Many plans include free text and data (at slower speeds) in a wide range of countries, making it easier and more affordable to stay connected while traveling. They also often provide options for high-speed international data passes. Project 10 million: While not a perk for all customers, T-Mobile's Project 10 Million is a significant initiative offering free internet service and mobile devices to eligible low-income households with school-aged children. This underscores a commitment to digital equity that surpasses typical carrier offerings. AT&T: more than just talk and text Beyond its robust network, AT&T quietly offers several valuable extras. Unfortunately, it's been our experience that these deals aren't as good as ones offered in the past such as free HBO Max: AT&T ActiveArmor: While often presented as optional add-ons, some AT&T plans include basic versions of their Mobile Security and Call Protect apps. These features can help safeguard your device from malware, identify and block spam calls, and provide a more secure mobile experience. It's worth checking your plan details to see if you already have access to these features. International Day Pass (for some): Certain AT&T plans include the International Day Pass if you travel internationally. This allows you to use your domestic talk, text, and data allowances in numerous countries for a flat daily fee. This option can be more convenient and potentially cheaper than relying on roaming charges or purchasing local SIM cards for short trips. AARP discounts: As an AARP member, you unlock valuable savings on AT&T wireless services. You can enjoy a $10 monthly discount per phone line on the AT&T Unlimited Premium PL plan for up to five lines, and a $5 discount per line for 6 to 10 lines. What about virtual network operators (MVNOs)? Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in the U.S. offer a cost-effective alternative to major carriers by leasing their network infrastructure. This arrangement allows MVNOs to provide more competitive pricing and flexible plans tailored to specific customer needs. These advantages are widely recognized as major selling points for attracting new customers, and they can lead to significant savings, depending on the particular MVNO. Some prominent MVNOs in the U.S. include Mint Mobile, which is known for its affordable prepaid bulk plans and coverage from the T-Mobile network. Visible operates on Verizon's reliable network, offering straightforward, unlimited plans that usually include taxes and fees. US Mobile distinguishes itself with customizable plans and the option for customers to choose between Verizon or T-Mobile networks, while Cricket Wireless, owned by AT&T, is known for dependable coverage and family-friendly options. Google Fi Wireless utilizes both T-Mobile and US Cellular networks, gaining recognition for its international features and seamless network switching capabilities. MVNOs often provide benefits such as lower monthly fees, no long-term commitments, the freedom to bring your own phone, and sometimes specialized features like international calling or data-saving tools. Although they use the same networks as major carriers, MVNOs can deliver more tailored plans and personalized customer service aimed at specific market segments. Unearthing the benefits The key to unlocking these hidden carrier perks lies in understanding the details of your specific plan and exploring the associated apps and online portals. Regularly reviewing your account information and staying informed about new promotions can ensure you are taking full advantage of everything your mobile carrier offers. These often-overlooked benefits can add significant value to your mobile service, enhancing your experience and potentially saving you money without requiring any extra effort beyond a little exploration. So, take some time to delve into the offerings from AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile – you might be surprised at what you discover!
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Sign up for a Visible+ Pro wireless plan and get unlimited talk, text, and data - plus an iPhone 14 Plus for only $199
It's a safe bet that your wireless plan is neither straightforward nor easy on your wallet. If you're tired of the surprise fees and are ready for something far more transparent, you may want to consider the Visible+ Pro annual plan. With unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot, not to mention insane speeds, it's basically the gold standard for wireless service — and when you sign up right now, you'll also score an iPhone 14 Plus (128 GB) for only $199 when you enter code SWEETDEAL at checkout through May 14, 2025. That is a massive savings of $530 off the original price, making Visible+ Pro a can't-miss deal if you're ready to upgrade your phone on top of your plan. Visible+ Pro Annual Plan You can't beat transparency when it comes to wireless plans. Nothing tops the Visible+ Pro package, which offers unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot — plus you can get an iPhone 14 Plus for only $199 (a savings of $530) when you enter SWEETDEAL at checkout through May 14, 2025. Take advantage of Verizon's speedy 5G Ultra Wideband network, flawless video, 24 free days of Global Pass, and 24/7 service. Sign up here Shop The plan is powered by Verizon's lightning fast 5G Ultra Wideband network. That breaks down to blazing-fast performance, always-reliable coverage, and premium data that doesn't throttle at the worst moments. Whether you're streaming 4K, hotspotting on the go, or even chatting on your smartwatch, you can rely on your plan to keep up with everything that you do. Visible+ Pro also has you covered if you're traveling internationally, too. The plan includes unlimited calling and texting to Mexico and Canada, plus full roaming privileges when you're there. You can also call more than 85 countries and text more than 200, which is ideal if you've got friends and family around the globe — or, of course, just love the idea of staying connected without the worry of extra charges (who doesn't?). Another detail that's really sweet: Visible includes many other perks that other providers usually charge for, like built-in smartwatch service and overnight shipping. You'll even receive two Global Pass Days per month, a $20 value if you're traveling abroad. Plus, you can save $10 a month on Verizon Home Internet if you decide to bundle. Broken down, the Visible Pro+ plan delivers on all counts. There are no hidden fees or contractors, and you never have to worry about any of the extra features coming with an unexpected compromise or caveat. There's also that super-affordable iPhone 14 Plus — and it's an amazing deal. With its 6.7-inch display and battery life that lasts the day, the phone checks every box where speed, performance, and even style are concerned. It's such an incredible offer that a couple of colors are already sold out, but you still have your pick of red, blue, and purple — all gorgeous, vibrant, and so uplifting that you'll feel happy every time you look at it (not to mention gleeful at having saved hundreds of dollars on a brand new iPhone). Visible+ Pro delivers exactly the kind of all-in-one wireless experience that you probably didn't even realize you needed. It's full of perks and it's transparent — and ultimately, that's what every customer wants.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best Internet Providers in South Lake Tahoe, California
Spectrum is the best internet service provider overall for most households in South Lake Tahoe because of coverage, affordability and speed. However, Spectrum service isn't available everywhere in South Lake Tahoe, so AT&T Fiber or T-Mobile Home Internet are also solid picks, depending on what's available in your area. If you're hunting for the lowest prices or fastest speeds, we've also found those top options. The cheapest internet in South Lake Tahoe is Spectrum's 100Mbps service for $30 per month for some addresses. The fastest internet speed in South Lake Tahoe is AT&T Fiber's 5,000Mbps plan for $245 per month, though the coverage area is limited. CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in South Lake Tahoe across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also closely read providers' and conditions and, when needed, call ISPs to verify the details. Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your options is to plug your address into a provider's website. Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what's available in South Lake Tahoe. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Discounts and promotions might also be available for signing a term contract or bundling multiple services. To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. AT&T Internet: AT&T's legacy DSL network covers a broad area of South Lake Tahoe, but the speeds tend to be very slow. Some addresses I checked maxed out at just 5Mbps for $60 monthly. You may also run into a $99 installation fee. There are no contracts or equipment fees. Look to other options before settling for DSL. Satellite internet: Starlink, Viasat and Hughesnet are competitors when it comes to satellite internet. Consider these ISPs if you're in a rural or remote area outside of town and can't get Spectrum. Pricing can be on the high side, and speeds may be variable, but it'll get you online when other options fail. Verizon 5G Home Internet: Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband coverage is patchwork across South Lake Tahoe, so the ISP's home internet service isn't widely available. If you're in the coverage zone, you can choose between the $50-per-month 5G Home plan with speeds up to 100Mbps or the $70-per-month 5G Home Plus plan with speeds up to 300Mbps. There are no contracts, equipment fees or data caps. Spectrum sweeps in with the cheapest plan in town thanks to a $30-per-month introductory rate for 100Mbps service at eligible addresses. That price pops up to $50 per month after the first year. If you live in AT&T Fiber's small coverage area, check out the 300Mbps plan for $55 monthly. That's a decent deal for symmetrical fiber speeds. Another way to save on home internet is to bundle a mobile plan with T-Mobile's 5G internet service. You'll get a nice discount on your home broadband. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. The best internet deals and top promotions in South Lake Tahoe depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. South Lake Tahoe internet providers, like Spectrum, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, however, including AT&T Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet, tend to run the same standard pricing year-round. For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals. Thanks to Spectrum's widespread network, South Lake Tahoe logged a respectable 193Mbps median download speed on a recent Ookla speed test report. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) That's not as peppy as nearby Carson City's 281Mbps, but South Lake Tahoe is a smaller town. Speed varies considerably depending on which ISPs reach your home. Most of South Lake Tahoe can access gig speeds through Spectrum. You can't top AT&T Fiber's 5,000Mbps plan, but it's not cheap, costing $245 monthly. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address. For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need. 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics -- browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video. 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing. 40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming. 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming. 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time. Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at But it doesn't end there. We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication. Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what they're paying? Are customers happy with their service? While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to 'yes' on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page. Spectrum ticks some important boxes for broadband in South Lake Tahoe. It has the widest availability and the cheapest introductory pricing. If you're lucky enough to live in a neighborhood with AT&T Fiber, give that strong consideration. If Spectrum and AT&T don't work for you, look into T-Mobile Home Internet as an alternative. For rural homes, check in with satellite providers like Starlink or Hughesnet. Spectrum is the cheapest internet provider in South Lake Tahoe, thanks to an introductory deal where you can get the 100Mbps plan for $30 per month. Remember that pricing goes up after the first year, so you'll pay $50 per month down the line. That 100Mbps plan may not be available everywhere, so check into the 500Mbps plan for $50 per month if needed. AT&T Fiber's 5,000Mbps plan for $245 per month is the speediest offering in South Lake Tahoe. However, It's not widely available, so look for Spectrum's gig plan instead. Fiber internet is available in South Lake Tahoe from AT&T Fiber, but coverage is limited. You're more likely to end up with a symmetrical cable plan from Spectrum. Spectrum, by far, has the widest coverage of any wired ISP in South Lake Tahoe. It reaches nearly 91% of homes, according to the FCC.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Want the New iPhone 16E? Join Visible+ To Get One for Free
The awaited iPhone 16E is finally here. Pre-orders started last week, but the phone officially released today, February 28. Apple claims this is an affordable iPhone option. However, even though it's less than other models, it's by no means affordable. It starts at $599 for the base model with 125GB of storage. Thankfully, despite its recent debut, there are many iPhone 16E deals you can take advantage of. One of them even gets you the phone for free. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. If you're looking to join or switch to a new phone plan, Visible by Verizon has a deal you can't pass up. New customers can enjoy the iPhone 16E for free (yes, free) when they sign up for the Visible+ plan. Visible will offer a bill credit every month for 24 months to cover the phone's cost. Just remember that this discount is only for new customers who keep Visible+ for the full 24 months, and there's a limit of one device per member. To qualify for the free iPhone 16E, you have to sign up for Visible Wireless' Visible Plus plan. For an annual plan, it costs a total of $395 or it's $35 a month when you use code 35PLUS; this will save you $10 a month. The plan offers unlimited talk, text and data, and since Visible Plus uses the 5G Ultra Wideband Verizon network, the signal will be strong. You'll even get unlimited mobile hotspot data and unlimited talk and text in Mexico and Canada and 2GB of data per day -- useful for frequent travelers. This new iPhone 16E has a four-core A18 processor and a new C1 5G modem -- the most power-efficient modem we've seen on any iPhone model to date. Like the iPhone 16 lineup, it's also designed for Apple Intelligence and even has its own button for Visual Intelligence. Apple claims the 16E has an impressive battery life that will last up to "12 hours longer than all generations of iPhone SE." The camera is also great, with a single back camera that has a 48-megapixel sensor. As for the front camera, it is 12-megapixels and supports Face ID and has autofocus for selfies. The basic model has 128GB of storage, with prices starting at $599. If this isn't the plan for you, no worries. Take a look at our full roundup of phone plan deals to better fit your needs. And if you're looking for a different iPhone, check out the top iPhone deals you can shop right now. This deal is pretty incredible for those who want the iPhone 16E and a different phone carrier. New members can score a free iPhone 16E when they switch to Visible Plus by Verizon. This offer expires on March 13, so make sure to sign up before then. You will still need to pay any applicable phone taxes and/or fees and will receive bill credits across 24 months for the phone. If you change plans or fail to maintain active service, you will no longer receive credit and will need to pay for the phone.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 awesome Verizon features for smartphone users
Selecting the ideal mobile provider to meet your needs and budget can be daunting. There's a lot to consider when comparing costs, coverage areas, speeds, and the devices each offers. In this article, we dive into the five important areas where Verizon puts its best foot forward, making the mega-carrier an appealing choice for many consumers. We discuss Verizon's fast speeds and low latency, emerging 5G Ultra Wideband availability, and versatile unlimited, prepaid, and family plan options. We also look at the impressive selection of the latest devices and best smartphones the telecom titan offers. According to a study by RootMetrics, Verizon achieved the fastest median download speeds across the United States at an impressive 71.2Mbps. However, that data is disputable, and it's always a neck-and-neck race between the major carriers. According to the report, Verizon clocked the lowest network latency, averaging around 35ms. Verizon's speed could be a deciding factor if you're into online video gaming. This can also translate to consistent performance with fewer dropped connections and buffering interruptions. Verizon's reliability should be an especially important consideration if you need a stable connection to access cloud-based applications, video conference with colleagues, and collaborate remotely. By leveraging high-frequency millimeter wave technology, 5G Ultra Wideband delivers blazing fast speeds, often exceeding 1 Gigabit per second, or around 5x faster than standard 5G. Those are the fastest speeds offered by any carrier. This lets you do remarkable things, like downloading a movie in seconds before heading to the airport to catch a flight. While coverage data is constantly evolving, Verizon states that its 5G Ultra Wideband network is available in parts of over 1,700 cities across the United States. Millions of people can leverage 5G Ultra Wideband at home, work, and on the go. That's a great start. If you're in an area with this access, it would be hard to pass up. Verizon's unlimited plans offer perks that make them an appealing option. Verizon bundles extras like mobile hotspot data, with allowances from 30GB to 60GB, depending on the plan. This allows you to share your connection with other devices, such as laptops and tablets, which can be convenient on the go. It also means you can use your cellular connection as an internet backup if your home internet service suffers an outage. Additionally, Verizon offers the Disney+ Bundle (Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu) with select plans, allowing you to economize on streaming. Cloud storage is also bundled and could be useful if you're not tied to another stackm such as Google Workspace. Bundling your mobile and home internet plans with Verizon streamlines your bills. Some plans include Apple One, which provides access to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ with savings compared to individual subscriptions. Bundles are great when you need what's in them. If you only need specific services, going a la carte can be more appealing and economical. Verizon's MyPlan lets you do just that. A key benefit is the flexibility it provides for those who prefer to bring their own device (BYOD). Instead of being tied to a specific phone purchase, you can keep your existing device and switch to a myPlan. Instead of a one-size-fits-all plan with bundled extras you might not need, you can choose only the perks that matter to you. Whether it's extra hotspot data, a streaming bundle, or international travel passes, you can customize your plan to match your needs and budget. Verizon offers an extensive selection of phones and devices, nearly 100 options. Whether you're seeking the latest flagship smartphone with cutting-edge features, a durable device built for adventure, or a budget-friendly option without compromising functionality, Verizon has you covered. The selection includes top brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola. Compared to other major providers, Verizon often boasts a wider and more up-to-date selection of devices, particularly when it comes to the newest releases. While other carriers may have a limited selection or delayed availability for some models, Verizon is among the first to market. Verizon offers a trade-in program to keep you attached to their plans. This can help keep you in good style with a flagship device, without exploding your monthly payments. To make the best decision, compare options and incentives offered by the three major carriers: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Mobile virtual operators that utilize one of the big three's networks are also an option and sometimes offer cost-effective options for budget-conscious consumers with limited needs. These include Dish Wireless, U.S. Cellular, Mint and Cricket. There's a lot to like about Verizon. The company regularly offers discounts and promotions. These can include limited-time offers on smartphones and other devices, special trade-in deals for upgrading your old phone, and discounts for students, military personnel, and first responders. By taking advantage of these promotions, you can maximize your savings and get the latest technology at a more affordable price. These benefits, combined with Verizon's extensive network coverage, speed and reliability, emerging 5G Ultra Wideband coverage, and flexible plan and device options, make the carrier an excellent choice for many consumers.
