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CNET
14 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
We Did the Math: Trump Mobile Is a Bad Deal for Consumers
When the Trump Organization announced its new Trump Mobile cell service and gold colored T1 phone -- complete with an American flag on the back -- it raised a lot of questions. While most of them focused on the numerous mistakes and typos on the Trump Mobile site -- some of which have been fixed -- other errors and questionable policies, like calling RAM storage, not identifying the handset's processor or the fact that you can't get a refund for the T1 phone raised several flags for us. Even the images of the phone don't look real. Clever pricing, but better deals abound The Trump T1 phone gives me flashbacks to the Freedom Phone that launched in 2021 and was more a political statement than ground breaking smartphone. But it's the Trump Mobile phone service that seems like an odd fit in 2025. At a time when there are hundreds of MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) -- think Mint Mobile or GoogleFi -- Trump Mobile aims to break into a crowded market with a curious value proposition: Pay $47.45 a month (President Donald Trump is the 45 and 47 president of the United States, get it?) for unlimited text, calls and data when it is expected to ship in September 2025. You can do that now for much cheaper with other wireless providers. In fact, Liberty Wireless Mobile, the MVNO that "powers" Trump Mobile, offers all that for just $40 a month (which includes 10GB of high-speed data, compared to 20GB on the 47 Plan, before data speeds are likely curtailed). I haven't used Liberty Wireless, but if the numerous instances of "Lorem ipsum" text on its FAQS page is any indication, it might be best to look elsewhere. Of course, Trump Mobile's 47 Plan comes with other perks that could justify the price jump, including telehealth sessions provided by Doctegrity, which normally costs $29 a month, and roadside assistance through Drive America (though it isn't clear what types of services are covered or if there are limits on the amount you can spend). The 47 Plan even includes "device protection," which would be great if it weren't for the fine print saying that "device protection is not insurance." So could Trump Mobile be a good deal? If I ignore all the vagueness that surrounds the 47 Plan, then maybe. But there are too many unknowns for me to recommend. Like how much is an additional line? Does the 47 Plan include hotspot data? Is there an autopay discount? Do I get streaming service perks like other carriers? Are there discounts for seniors? We reached out to Trump Mobile for clarification. Luckily, between the big three main US carriers and hundreds of US-based MVNOs, you have a lot of options. Here are a few wireless plans that are live now, offer a better price or value than Trump Mobile and are from companies that have a good track record when it comes to their service. Be sure to also check out our list of best phone plans that cover other features and pricing. Trump Mobile vs. T-Mobile, Mint Mobile and US Mobile Plan Cost 1 line (autopay) High-speed data Hotspot data limit Price guarantee Max number of lines Streaming resolution Trump Mobile The 47 Plan $47.45 (no autopay discount) 20GB n/a n/a n/a n/a US Mobile Unlimited Flex $17.50 10GB 5GB n/a Unlimited 480p (SD) T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55 $45 50GB Unlimited 3G n/a 2 480p (SD) Mint Mobile 15GB $20 15GB 10GB n/a n/a 480p (SD) Alternatives to Trump Mobile US Mobile Unlimited Flex Best value for a single line (prepaid) Like Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed" 10GB high-speed data, then unlimited at slower speed Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price 10GB of hotspot data Don't like Limited times you can switch networks for free The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan Phone data slows to 1Mbps after high-speed data is used up Cheapest rate requires annual purchase With the three major carriers in the US, you're using their infrastructure, and if there aren't any high-speed towers in your area, you're out of luck. By contrast, US Mobile calls itself a Super Carrier because, without a network of its own, it rides those three networks. They're given special names -- no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition -- and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon and Light Speed is T-Mobile. That sounds convoluted, but it means you can switch to a better network for your area if needed without transitioning to an entirely new carrier. You still need to choose one, but you get two free network transfers and then pay $2 per transfer if you want to switch again after that -- it's a good way to see which one works best in your area. OK, to be fair, it can get more convoluted, depending on the network. Dark Star data speeds are at a reduced priority (dubbed QCI 9) in times of network congestion; for an additional $12 a month you can bump that up to a higher priority (QCI 8). With the Warp plan, data speeds are at that QCI 8 higher priority regardless of congestion. And the Light Speed level is even higher (QCI 7). The Unlimited Flex plan gives you 10GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at 1Mbps, for just $17.50 a month if you purchase an annual plan (otherwise it's $25 a month). Hotspot data is 5GB and then unlimited but throttled to 8Mbps and then 600Kbps if you use more than 200GB within a month. International calls and texts from inside the US are included, but if you're traveling you'll need to buy add-on roaming packages costing either $15 (1GB, 150 minutes, 150 texts) or $45 (5GB, 500 minutes, 500 texts). Why we like it It's an inexpensive plan with taxes and fees rolled into the price, plus you get the ability to surf among the major carrier networks to find the one that works best for your area. Who it's best for Someone looking for a simple phone line who doesn't expect to use much data. Who shouldn't get it If you're frequently away from Wi-Fi, that data could go by in a hurry. It's also not a great option if you need consistently high speeds, or you don't want the complexity of choosing one of the three networks. Customer service options • Online: US Mobile • Phone: 878-205-0088 • Store: n/a • App: US Mobile iOS, Android $17.50 at US Mobile Mint Mobile 15GB Best phone plan for 15GB of data or less Like Runs on T-Mobile's network More data than some comparably priced plans from other prepaid rivals Free calling to Canada, Mexico and the UK Don't like Best pricing often requires a full year commitment or is limited to new customers Hotspot data comes out of monthly allotment Despite the fact that we think most everyone can benefit from having an unlimited data plan, sometimes that's just too much data, and too much expense. When you aren't streaming movies or checking social media frequently (away from Wi-Fi), a limited amount of data on a plan can be just the right amount. Mint Mobile's 15GB Plan costs as little as $20 a month when you pay up front for a year or take advantage of a three-month new customer offer. For that price you get unlimited talk and text using T-Mobile's 5G/4G LTE network and the 15GB of high-speed data (then slower unlimited data if you blow past that allotment). It also includes free calling to Canada, Mexico and the UK, as well as 10GB of hotspot data (which comes out of the 15GB total). Why we like it With T-Mobile's network as the backbone, Mint Mobile's plan offers many of the same features as the larger carrier, but at a reduced, affordable prepaid scale. Who it's best for People who want the features of most mobile plans but won't use much data. Who shouldn't get it Someone who obsesses over data usage or is concerned about hitting the 15GB limit. Customer service options • Online: Mint Mobile Help Center • Phone: 800-683-7392 • Store: n/a • App: Mint Mobile $20 at Mint Mobile
CNET
20 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
How Trump Mobile Compares to Other Cheap Phone Plans (That You Can Actually Get Now)
When the Trump Organization announced its new Trump Mobile cell service and gold colored T1 phone -- complete with an American flag on the back -- it raised a lot of questions. While most of them focused on the numerous mistakes and typos on the Trump Mobile site -- some of which have been fixed -- other errors and questionable policies, like calling RAM storage, not identifying the handset's processor or the fact that you can't get a refund for the T1 phone raised several flags for us. Even the images of the phone don't look real. The Trump T1 phone gives me flashbacks to the Freedom Phone that launched in 2021 and was more a political statement than ground breaking smartphone. But it's the Trump Mobile phone service that seems like an odd fit in 2025. At a time when there are hundreds of MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) -- think Mint Mobile or GoogleFi -- Trump Mobile aims to break into a crowded market with a curious value proposition: Pay $47.45 a month (President Donald Trump is the 45 and 47 president of the United States, get it?) for unlimited text, calls and data when it is expected to ship in September 2025. You can do that now for much cheaper with other wireless providers. In fact, Liberty Wireless Mobile, the MVNO that "powers" Trump Mobile, offers all that for just $40 a month (which includes 10GB of high-speed data, compared to 20GB on the 47 Plan, before data speeds are likely curtailed). I haven't used Liberty Wireless, but if the numerous instances of "Lorem ipsum" text on its FAQS page is any indication, it might be best to look elsewhere. Of course, Trump Mobile's 47 Plan comes with other perks that could justify the price jump, including telehealth sessions provided by Doctegrity, which normally costs $29 a month, and roadside assistance through Drive America (though it isn't clear what types of services are covered or if there are limits on the amount you can spend). The 47 Plan even includes "device protection," which would be great if it weren't for the fine print saying that "device protection is not insurance." So could Trump Mobile be a good deal? If I ignore all the vagueness that surrounds the 47 Plan, then maybe. But there are too many unknowns for me to recommend. Like how much is an additional line? Does the 47 Plan include hotspot data? Is there an autopay discount? Do I get streaming service perks like other carriers? Are there discounts for seniors? We reached out to Trump Mobile for clarification. Luckily, between the big three main US carriers and hundreds of US-based MVNOs, you have a lot of options. Here are a few wireless plans that are live now, offer a better price or value than Trump Mobile and are from companies that have a good track record when it comes to their service. Trump Mobile vs. T-Mobile, Mint Mobile and US Mobile undefined Plan Cost 1 line (autopay) High-speed data Hotspot data limit Price guarantee Max number of lines Streaming resolution Trump Mobile The 47 Plan $47.45 (no autopay discount) 20GB n/a n/a n/a n/a US Mobile Unlimited Flex $17.50 10GB 5GB n/a Unlimited 480p (SD) T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55 $45 50GB Unlimited 3G n/a 2 480p (SD) Mint Mobile 15GB $20 15GB 10GB n/a n/a 480p (SD) Alternatives to Trump Mobile US Mobile Unlimited Flex Best value for a single line (prepaid) Like Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed" 10GB high-speed data, then unlimited at slower speed Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price 10GB of hotspot data Don't like Limited times you can switch networks for free The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan Phone data slows to 1Mbps after high-speed data is used up Cheapest rate requires annual purchase With the three major carriers in the US, you're using their infrastructure, and if there aren't any high-speed towers in your area, you're out of luck. By contrast, US Mobile calls itself a Super Carrier because, without a network of its own, it rides those three networks. They're given special names -- no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition -- and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon and Light Speed is T-Mobile. That sounds convoluted, but it means you can switch to a better network for your area if needed without transitioning to an entirely new carrier. You still need to choose one, but you get two free network transfers and then pay $2 per transfer if you want to switch again after that -- it's a good way to see which one works best in your area. OK, to be fair, it can get more convoluted, depending on the network. Dark Star data speeds are at a reduced priority (dubbed QCI 9) in times of network congestion; for an additional $12 a month you can bump that up to a higher priority (QCI 8). With the Warp plan, data speeds are at that QCI 8 higher priority regardless of congestion. And the Light Speed level is even higher (QCI 7). The Unlimited Flex plan gives you 10GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at 1Mbps, for just $17.50 a month if you purchase an annual plan (otherwise it's $25 a month). Hotspot data is 5GB and then unlimited but throttled to 8Mbps and then 600Kbps if you use more than 200GB within a month. International calls and texts from inside the US are included, but if you're traveling you'll need to buy add-on roaming packages costing either $15 (1GB, 150 minutes, 150 texts) or $45 (5GB, 500 minutes, 500 texts). Why we like it It's an inexpensive plan with taxes and fees rolled into the price, plus you get the ability to surf among the major carrier networks to find the one that works best for your area. Who it's best for Someone looking for a simple phone line who doesn't expect to use much data. Who shouldn't get it If you're frequently away from Wi-Fi, that data could go by in a hurry. It's also not a great option if you need consistently high speeds, or you don't want the complexity of choosing one of the three networks. Customer service options • Online: US Mobile • Phone: 878-205-0088 • Store: n/a • App: US Mobile iOS, Android $17.50 at US Mobile Mint Mobile 15GB Best phone plan for 15GB of data or less Like Runs on T-Mobile's network More data than some comparably priced plans from other prepaid rivals Free calling to Canada, Mexico and the UK Don't like Best pricing often requires a full year commitment or is limited to new customers Hotspot data comes out of monthly allotment Despite the fact that we think most everyone can benefit from having an unlimited data plan, sometimes that's just too much data, and too much expense. When you aren't streaming movies or checking social media frequently (away from Wi-Fi), a limited amount of data on a plan can be just the right amount. Mint Mobile's 15GB Plan costs as little as $20 a month when you pay up front for a year or take advantage of a three-month new customer offer. For that price you get unlimited talk and text using T-Mobile's 5G/4G LTE network and the 15GB of high-speed data (then slower unlimited data if you blow past that allotment). It also includes free calling to Canada, Mexico and the UK, as well as 10GB of hotspot data (which comes out of the 15GB total). Why we like it With T-Mobile's network as the backbone, Mint Mobile's plan offers many of the same features as the larger carrier, but at a reduced, affordable prepaid scale. Who it's best for People who want the features of most mobile plans but won't use much data. Who shouldn't get it Someone who obsesses over data usage or is concerned about hitting the 15GB limit. Customer service options • Online: Mint Mobile Help Center • Phone: 800-683-7392 • Store: n/a • App: Mint Mobile $20 at Mint Mobile
