Latest news with #carriers
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Economic uncertainty delays truckload market breakout
Chart of the Week: Outbound Tender Reject Index, National Truckload Index (linehaul only) – USA SONAR: The truckload market remains poised for a breakout, but the timeline appears to be extending. Analyzing the trend line of tender rejections (OTRI) and spot rates excluding fuel (NTIL) over the past two years reveals a clear upward trajectory with increasing volatility. However, this trend flattened in the first five months of the year, as economic uncertainty continues to dampen demand. The trucking sector is enduring one of its longest and most challenging economic stretches since deregulation. Truckload demand is currently down approximately 30% from its COVID-era peaks. While those peak levels were never sustainable, they lasted long enough to inflate capacity far beyond what the market required. From June 2020 to October 2022, the number of active truckload operating authorities grew by roughly 48%. Since then, they have declined by only about 12%. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data is slow to reflect these changes, as it can take up to two years to clear inactive authorities unless operators self-report their exit. Carrier Details helps refine this timeline to around a year, but it still lags. Importantly, one authority can represent a single truck or a fleet of a thousand, so this metric isn't evenly distributed. Tender rejections serve as a reliable proxy for market balance. Carriers are unlikely to reject freight in soft markets unless they have alternatives, so rising rejection rates indicate tightening capacity and strained networks. Capacity has been in correction mode for years and seemed close to reaching equilibrium late last year. Over the holidays, the OTRI exceeded 10% for the first time since 2021. This occurred even as shippers increasingly turned to intermodal for longer hauls, taking advantage of early inventory pull-forwards that gave them more flexibility in shipping. The ongoing trade war has further fueled the inventory pull-forward phenomenon. After briefly cooling in late April and early May, tariff activity resumed, sending mixed signals and triggering repeated shifts in shipping behavior. Import bookings data shows a surge in container volumes bound for the U.S. last summer, followed by erratic swings. Container imports can be a useful demand proxy, but they often give false signals during periods of uncertainty — something that has plagued shippers since COVID. Import demand remains relatively high, but much of the freight is precautionary. With trade policy and consumer spending still in question, a significant portion of freight is sitting idle in warehouses rather than moving on trucks. The economy seems to be stalling, if not slowing outright, as business investment weakens. This protracted trade policy uncertainty is unprecedented, leaving businesses without a playbook. Hiring has slowed, and layoffs are rising. Initial jobless claims have increased since January after declining through the latter half of 2024. While aggregate figures remain historically healthy, the trend is concerning. If the labor market continues to deteriorate, consumer spending could contract further. Combined with persistent inflation and reduced investment, these factors suggest a stagnating economy. The fact that rejection rates have stayed above 6% since International Roadcheck in mid-May — despite underwhelming demand — should be seen as a positive signal for carriers and 3PLs. Demand conditions are actually weaker than in mid-2023, when excess inventory caused order slowdowns and pushed OTRI below 3%. This suggests a meaningful amount of capacity has exited the market, with more likely to follow as demand remains soft. While the outlook isn't bright for all stakeholders, it does indicate that the imbalance between truck supply and freight demand has narrowed. Shippers should take note: The market is primed for a sharp reaction if macroeconomic conditions improve. Even if they don't, transportation is likely to become more challenging going forward, even if not dramatically so. The FreightWaves Chart of the Week is a chart selection from SONAR that provides an interesting data point to describe the state of the freight markets. A chart is chosen from thousands of potential charts on SONAR to help participants visualize the freight market in real time. Each week a Market Expert will post a chart, along with commentary, live on the front page. After that, the Chart of the Week will be archived on for future reference. SONAR aggregates data from hundreds of sources, presenting the data in charts and maps and providing commentary on what freight market experts want to know about the industry in real time. The FreightWaves data science and product teams are releasing new datasets each week and enhancing the client experience. To request a SONAR demo, click here. The post Economic uncertainty delays truckload market breakout appeared first on FreightWaves. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Android Authority
30-05-2025
- Business
- Android Authority
Do any prepaid US carriers offer truly unlimited data? Well, it depends on how you define it
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority A quick glance at all the major prepaid and postpaid mobile service providers makes it clear that almost everyone offers unlimited data nowadays. To make matters even more confusing for the average customer, these plans can range in price from as little as $25 to as much as $100 or more. How can there be such a wide price gap if all these plans offer the same thing? In short, they don't. The truth is that unlimited data means different things to different carriers. With no regulation around the term, providers define it however they want, sometimes stretching it so far that it's unlimited in name only. Are there any truly limitless plans? Not really. Even premium postpaid options often include throttling during congestion or streaming speed caps, though higher-tier plans may get better data priority or the option to bypass some limits. The bottom line: no matter how a plan is advertised, there are always restrictions in the fine print. The term 'truly unlimited' varies depending on who you ask. While some users expect no data caps at all, others look for UHD streaming or top-tier prioritization. A few carriers might allow massive usage before intervening, but even then, limits still exist in practice. To simplify things, I'm going to break unlimited prepaid data plans into four categories: High-priority unlimited data : These plans have no hard data caps and offer mid-tier or better postpaid-level priority. While speeds may slow during congestion, you're still above lower-tier users in the queue. : These plans have no hard data caps and offer mid-tier or better postpaid-level priority. While speeds may slow during congestion, you're still above lower-tier users in the queue. Unlimited with limited high-priority data : You'll get high-priority speeds up to a certain cap (usually 30-60GB), after which you drop to lower-priority access — still unlimited, just slower during busy times. : You'll get high-priority speeds up to a certain cap (usually 30-60GB), after which you drop to lower-priority access — still unlimited, just slower during busy times. Unlimited with no caps but low priority : There's no hard limit, but these plans have reduced priority compared to postpaid, so speeds may drop in crowded areas. Some users still call these 'truly unlimited,' though performance can vary. : There's no hard limit, but these plans have reduced priority compared to postpaid, so speeds may drop in crowded areas. Some users still call these 'truly unlimited,' though performance can vary. Unlimited with caps: These plans typically throttle speeds after hitting a usage threshold (often 20-60GB). They're unlimited in name but behave like large data-limited plans. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile each offer one or more postpaid plans that meet the 'truly unlimited' bar above. But can prepaid match that? Let's explore the best prepaid options in each category. These prepaid plans are the closest you'll find to truly unlimited data Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Below are prepaid plans that offer the closest experience to postpaid service, with minimal speed or latency restrictions. While these are typically the most expensive options in the prepaid world, they justify their price with higher network priority, fewer slowdowns, and overall better performance. This makes these plans ideal for those seeking a truly premium prepaid and unlimited experience. That said, each plan has its pros and cons. All are still subject to deprioritization during network congestion, but you'll generally be closer to the front of the line compared to lower-tier unlimited plans. Let's start with plans that offer truly unlimited data alongside high-priority access: Visible Plus — $35/month: Includes truly unlimited high-speed data and unlimited hotspot throttled to speeds of 25GB. There's also a Plus Pro tier for $10 more a month that adds higher priority streaming data and a few other extras like better international perks. — $35/month: Includes truly unlimited high-speed data and unlimited hotspot throttled to speeds of 25GB. There's also a Plus Pro tier for $10 more a month that adds higher priority streaming data and a few other extras like better international perks. AT&T Prepaid Unlimited Max Plus — $65/month: Offers unlimited data at QCI 8 (the same priority used by premium AT&T postpaid users), HD streaming, and 25GB of hotspot data. Upgrade to QCI 7 with the Turbo Upgrade. — $65/month: Offers unlimited data at QCI 8 (the same priority used by premium AT&T postpaid users), HD streaming, and 25GB of hotspot data. Upgrade to QCI 7 with the Turbo Upgrade. T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited — $50-$60/month: All three T-Mobile prepaid plans offer high-priority data. The main difference is hotspot: 3G speeds on the base plan, 3GB high-speed on the mid-tier, and 10GB on the top tier. All include HD streaming. There's also family discounts, which can bring pricing down further per line. — $50-$60/month: All three T-Mobile prepaid plans offer high-priority data. The main difference is hotspot: 3G speeds on the base plan, 3GB high-speed on the mid-tier, and 10GB on the top tier. All include HD streaming. There's also family discounts, which can bring pricing down further per line. US Mobile Unlimited Premium (Dark Star) — $44/month (currently $35): Unlimited high-priority data on the Dark Star network, with at least 100GB of hotspot before throttling. One of the best value 'truly unlimited' options. There's also a limited-time promotion that brings pricing down to $35 a month on this tier. — $44/month (currently $35): Unlimited high-priority data on the Dark Star network, with at least 100GB of hotspot before throttling. One of the best value 'truly unlimited' options. There's also a limited-time promotion that brings pricing down to $35 a month on this tier. Total Wireless 5G Unlimited & 5G Plus Unlimited — $50-$60/month (as low as $25/line with five lines): Offers Verizon postpaid-level priority, 15GB of hotspot access, international perks, excellent family discounts, and—on the Plus plan—unlimited hotspot and Disney+ Premium (no ads). Note: Streaming is capped at SD resolution. — $50-$60/month (as low as $25/line with five lines): Offers Verizon postpaid-level priority, 15GB of hotspot access, international perks, excellent family discounts, and—on the Plus plan—unlimited hotspot and Disney+ Premium (no ads). Note: Streaming is capped at SD resolution. Cricket Wireless Unlimited Plus — $60/month (as low as $32/line with five lines): Includes unlimited high-speed data on AT&T's network and the same priority as default AT&T mid-tier or higher plans. It also offers Max with Ads, international perks, 15GB of hotspot, and the option to disable HD streaming throttling via customer service. Also includes 150GB of cloud storage. It's important to note that AT&T, T-Mobile, and Cricket also require you to pay taxes and fees in addition to the above pricing. These are the next best, though you have limited priority data Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority One thing you'll notice is that most plans with unlimited higher priority data use Verizon's network, though there are a few exceptions. While unlimited priority data is great, these plans offer the next best thing. These plans give you a set amount of high-priority data before deprioritization, but with no hard data caps: AT&T Prepaid Unlimited Max — $55/month: 50GB of high-priority data, 25GB of hotspot, and HD streaming. — $55/month: 50GB of high-priority data, 25GB of hotspot, and HD streaming. Verizon Unlimited Plus — $60/month (or as low as $44/line for five): 50GB high-priority data and 25GB of hotspot, before dropping to deprioritized speeds. — $60/month (or as low as $44/line for five): 50GB high-priority data and 25GB of hotspot, before dropping to deprioritized speeds. Straight Talk Unlimited Gold & Platinum — $55-$65/month: Gold includes 30GB of hotspot; Platinum is unlimited. Both offer higher data priority and tend to allow very high usage (multiple TBs) before intervention. — $55-$65/month: Gold includes 30GB of hotspot; Platinum is unlimited. Both offer higher data priority and tend to allow very high usage (multiple TBs) before intervention. US Mobile Unlimited Premium (Warp 5G) — $44/month: 100GB of high-priority data, 50GB hotspot, and a free Apple Watch line. Slight differences from the Dark Star version, but just as competitive. These are your best bets for unlimited data with no cap Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority The options below provide unlimited data with no hard caps on usage, but the tradeoff is lower priority levels, meaning speeds can slow significantly during periods of heavy congestion. However, most of these plans cost well under $40 a month, making them far more affordable compared to many of the higher-priority, truly unlimited data plans. These plans can be an excellent value if you live in an area with low network congestion or primarily use Wi-Fi during peak hours. Mint Mobile Unlimited — $25/month (prepay for one year): Runs on T-Mobile. Previously capped at 40GB, now offers truly unlimited lower-priority data. — $25/month (prepay for one year): Runs on T-Mobile. Previously capped at 40GB, now offers truly unlimited lower-priority data. Straight Talk Unlimited Silver — $45/month: Unlimited data with lower priority than Gold/Platinum plans. Cheaper with multi-line or annual payment. — $45/month: Unlimited data with lower priority than Gold/Platinum plans. Cheaper with multi-line or annual payment. Total Base 5G Unlimited — $40/month (or $23/line for five): Unlimited Verizon-based data at low priority. Better value in low-congestion areas. — $40/month (or $23/line for five): Unlimited Verizon-based data at low priority. Better value in low-congestion areas. Visible Basic — $25/month: Unlimited data with no caps, low priority on Verizon's network. Speeds may slow down during congestion. — $25/month: Unlimited data with no caps, low priority on Verizon's network. Speeds may slow down during congestion. Verizon Prepaid Unlimited – $50/month (or $34/line for five): Includes 5GB of hotspot. Low priority. Honestly, for ~$10 more, the Plus plan is significantly better. – $50/month (or $34/line for five): Includes 5GB of hotspot. Low priority. Honestly, for ~$10 more, the Plus plan is significantly better. Cricket Wireless Unlimited — $55/month: Includes unlimited low-priority data. For just $5 more, the Plus version offers more features and higher priority. — $55/month: Includes unlimited low-priority data. For just $5 more, the Plus version offers more features and higher priority. Metro Flex Starter Plus or Flex Unlimited — $40-$70/month: T-Mobile-based and offers three tiers: Starter Plus, Metro Flex Unlimited, and Flex Unlimited Plus. All have unlimited lower-priority data with no caps, and discounts for multi-line setups. There are also family discounts that bring pricing down further. — $40-$70/month: T-Mobile-based and offers three tiers: Starter Plus, Metro Flex Unlimited, and Flex Unlimited Plus. All have unlimited lower-priority data with no caps, and discounts for multi-line setups. There are also family discounts that bring pricing down further. US Mobile Unlimited Premium (Light Speed) — $44/month: Same pricing as other US Mobile plans, but runs on a lower-priority network. Unlimited use, but slower speeds. Are there still any providers that have unlimited data but with caps? Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority If I'd written this a few months ago, there would have been plenty of major carriers fitting into this category. Recently, however, T-Mobile removed data caps from many of its sub-brands like Mint Mobile, and most popular MVNOs on Verizon or AT&T dropped caps long ago. Still, there are notable exceptions: Google Fi Wireless Unlimited — $35-65/month: All Google Fi Unlimited plans come with high-priority data from T-Mobile, but there is actually a firm cap that ranges from 30GB to 100GB. It also recently refreshed its plans, making its proposition more competitive than ever. — $35-65/month: All Google Fi Unlimited plans come with high-priority data from T-Mobile, but there is actually a firm cap that ranges from 30GB to 100GB. It also recently refreshed its plans, making its proposition more competitive than ever. Tello Unlimited — $25/month ($15 for first three months): 35GB cap, then severe throttling. — $25/month ($15 for first three months): 35GB cap, then severe throttling. Xfinity Mobile — $40-$60/month: Typically 30–50GB of data on Verizon's network before speeds slow to 1Mbps or less. Price varies by plan and bundle. — $40-$60/month: Typically 30–50GB of data on Verizon's network before speeds slow to 1Mbps or less. Price varies by plan and bundle. Spectrum Mobile — $40-$60/month: Same network as Xfinity, and very similar data policies as well, with data ranging around the 30-50GB mark with slower speeds thereafter. — $40-$60/month: Same network as Xfinity, and very similar data policies as well, with data ranging around the 30-50GB mark with slower speeds thereafter. Red Pocket Mobile Unlimited Premium / Elite — $40-$50/month: 50GB data caps, 5GB–20GB of hotspot. Cheaper plans offer far less and often misuse the term 'unlimited' pretty blatantly. While smaller providers may also fall into this category, those not listed here are generally less well-known, so always do your research before signing up. No matter what, though, you can expect most capped 'unlimited' plans to provide at least 20GB of high-speed data. Just be aware that some carriers stretch this definition: Red Pocket Mobile's 'Unlimited Essentials' and 'Unlimited Plus' plans, for example, offer just 1GB and 10GB, respectively. Despite attractive pricing ($10 and $20 per month), labeling these as 'unlimited' is misleading for customers. Don't settle for just any Unlimited plan With so many options, picking the right unlimited plan can feel overwhelming. To make things easier, here are the standout prepaid unlimited data plans in three pricing tiers — high, mid, and low. Each offers the best value within its price category based on priority, features, and overall reliability. Best all-around plan : Visible Plus is hard to beat with its low pricing and truly unlimited high-speed data — just be aware that it's a self-serve carrier and all interactions are done online. : Visible Plus is hard to beat with its low pricing and truly unlimited high-speed data — just be aware that it's a self-serve carrier and all interactions are done online. Best carrier-like experience with unlimited data : The Verizon-owned Total offers great family discounts, phone promotions, and a fairly carrier-like service complete with unlimited higher-priority data on select plans. Google Fi is a very close second. If you don't mind a cap of 30-100GB, it offers better promotions and plenty of other extras that make it a better deal as long as you don't need more data than this. : The Verizon-owned Total offers great family discounts, phone promotions, and a fairly carrier-like service complete with unlimited higher-priority data on select plans. Google Fi is a very close second. If you don't mind a cap of 30-100GB, it offers better promotions and plenty of other extras that make it a better deal as long as you don't need more data than this. Best budget pick: Mint is the best budget pick, as its unlimited plan starts as low as $25 a month (paid upfront yearly), and yet you get truly unlimited data. Just be aware it is lower priority and will likely see notable deprioritization during congestion. Of course, there are tons of great options on this list, but the most important thing is to truly do your homework and make sure you know what you are getting with your 'unlimited plan'. Also, consider any extra features a plan might have, including any hidden carrier features that we cover in our guide.
Android Authority
16-05-2025
- Business
- Android Authority
How trustworthy are Verizon's and T-Mobile's so-called mobile price lock guarantees?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Historically, T-Mobile stood out as the most consistent and affordable of the major carriers. Unfortunately, in recent years, all three major carriers, including T-Mobile, have significantly raised prices due to the pandemic and ongoing economic uncertainty. To address these increases, Verizon recently introduced a new three-year price guarantee. Not long after, T-Mobile responded with a similar promise — this time offering five years of locked-in pricing. How trustworthy are these promises in reality? I dug into the terms and conditions of both companies' recent trends to help answer this. What do Verizon and T-Mobile promise with their guarantees? Verizon promises that your plan's pricing won't change for three years, but there are important limitations to keep in mind: The guarantee only applies to your plan's talk, text, and data features. You must be on a myPlan subscription to qualify. The guarantee becomes void if you remove any lines or switch to an ineligible plan. T-Mobile's new five-year price guarantee is similar in structure, but there are a few unique terms: Like Verizon, the guarantee only applies to talk, text, and data features. You must be on one of T-Mobile's Experience plans. Adding or changing lines within the Experience lineup will not extend or reset the five-year term. The guarantee also covers tablet and watch lines if they are attached to an account with an eligible voice line. On the surface, these guarantees don't sound half bad, but the picture changes once you dig into the details. Didn't T-Mobile already offer something like this? Joe Maring / Android Authority If this sounds familiar, it's because T-Mobile introduced its first version of a price guarantee back in 2015. At the time, the company promised a lifetime price lock for customers, claiming they would never raise rates. Since then, the terms have shifted several times, and it's become clear that the original promise had quite a bit of wiggle room. Those on older legacy plans with the original Price Lock still have the best version of the deal. However, recent events have shown that T-Mobile is willing to find ways around even its previous commitments if it can. The new Experience plans now offer a five-year term, whereas newer Magenta and Go5G plans fall under the standard old Price Lock model. That version promises not to raise your base rate and includes taxes and fees. If it does raise prices for any reason, the carrier says it will cover your final month of service, though this excludes taxes, fees, and any add-ons. Here's a quick breakdown of the differences between the old and new system from T-Mobile: The original Price Lock included taxes, fees, and add-ons as part of its protection. The new version does not. The old version promised to try not to raise prices, but if they did, you'd get one month of service covered. The new guarantee removes that final-month refund clause and instead focuses on keeping base pricing stable during the five-year period. These guarantees don't really change anything and mean very little Joe Maring / Android Authority T-Mobile's T-Life app. While the five-year promise looks better than the older 'we'll pay your final month' approach, the reality is less impressive. The new guarantees no longer include protection for taxes, fees, or perks like streaming services. Previously, raising prices in any form would spark backlash, and T-Mobile was generally hesitant to go down that road. The updated terms give T-Mobile and Verizon flexibility here. They can increase the cost of perks, add new fees, or shift feature availability without breaking their guarantees. While your plan's core pricing may stay fixed, the total monthly cost could still rise due to changes in other charges. Additionally, the five-year promise is not lifetime coverage. It has a fixed expiration. Older guarantees were meant to last indefinitely as long as you stayed on the same plan. This new setup allows T-Mobile to appear generous compared to Verizon, while quietly walking back its more customer-friendly legacy policies. The new price guarantees are more about marketing than actual value. In short, the 'five years is better than three' pitch sounds great in marketing. But what's left unsaid is that the older unlimited guarantees were actually more comprehensive. Those included taxes, fees, and even streaming perks in some cases. The new plans strip most of that away. To be clear, Verizon is not blameless here either. Their three-year guarantee includes the same exclusions. The only difference is that Verizon never made long-term promises to begin with, so this doesn't feel like a step backward. T-Mobile, on the other hand, is actively moving away from what used to be a standout benefit. Both carriers now rely on less visible tactics to raise their costs. These include infrastructure fee hikes, reduced discounts on autopay, and shifting plan structures to push you toward higher tiers. Guarantees aside, this is where the real changes tend to happen. Ultimately, price locks are nice to have but not a reason for switching The biggest takeaway here is that while the price guarantees are certainly better than nothing, Verizon and T-Mobile are going out of their way to ensure it sounds like a better promise than it is. I certainly would not recommend switching to either carrier just because of the price guarantee. If keeping your monthly cost low is a major priority, the best thing you can do is stick to older legacy postpaid plans or explore prepaid options that don't have hidden fees and shifting benefits. The bottom line is this: Don't switch to Verizon or T-Mobile based on these guarantees alone. They sound good on paper, but in practice, they don't offer much protection against the Machiavellian ways your bill can still creep upward.
Fox News
11-05-2025
- Fox News
Sending a text the wrong way could cost you money and trouble
Ever wondered why your text messages sometimes fail to send, show up pixelated or don't appear at all on the other person's end? It might not be your phone, but your carrier's messaging support. Knowing the difference between SMS, MMS and RCS and how your carrier handles them can save you money, improve message delivery and ensure you're using the full potential of your messaging app. Before you can figure out which phone carrier fits your messaging needs, it helps to understand the differences between the three main types of mobile messaging — SMS, MMS and RCS. Each has its own capabilities, limitations and impact on your experience. SMS (Short Message Service) is the most basic form of text messaging and has been around since the early days of mobile phones. It allows users to send plain text messages with a strict character limit of 160 characters. SMS messages are sent over the cellular network, which means they work even if you don't have a data plan or access to Wi-Fi. This makes SMS one of the most reliable messaging options available, especially for simple communication. It works for all phones, even older models, which makes it universal. MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) builds upon SMS by allowing the transmission of multimedia content. With MMS, users can send images, videos, audio files and even GIFs. The character limit is significantly higher, typically up to 1,600 characters, although this can vary depending on the carrier. MMS messages also travel over the cellular network but require mobile data to send and receive. They do not require Wi-Fi, but because media files are larger, the reliability can vary. Some carriers compress MMS files or fail to send them if they exceed certain size limits, which means your carefully chosen vacation photo might arrive as a pixelated blur. RCS (Rich Communication Services) represents the next generation of mobile messaging. It is designed to upgrade the SMS and MMS experience by providing features that rival popular messaging apps like iMessage and WhatsApp. With RCS, users can send high-resolution photos and videos, audio clips, emoji, stickers and even read receipts and typing indicators. There is no character limit, and the service works over Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of over standard cellular channels. While RCS allows larger files, some messaging platforms or carriers may still apply soft limits or compress images/videos to ensure consistent performance. However, for RCS to work, both the sender and the recipient need to have RCS enabled on a supported messaging app and carrier. Google Messages is the most reliable app for accessing these RCS features, especially on Android devices. However, it should be noted that Apple devices do not support RCS natively because Apple relies on iMessage for similar functionality. Now that you know what SMS, MMS and RCS are, it's important to understand how your phone carrier influences your messaging experience. From hidden fees to message delivery issues, the provider you choose can make a big difference in how well these technologies work. Not all carriers treat these messaging types the same. While SMS is often free and unlimited on many plans, MMS messages may incur additional charges, especially on prepaid or international plans. RCS messages, on the other hand, use mobile data or Wi-Fi and typically do not incur per-message fees, making them a cost-effective option if supported. For example, carrier A might offer unlimited SMS but charge for every MMS sent. Carrier B might include MMS in the plan but cap the number of SMS messages. Carrier C could fully support RCS, letting users send messages over Wi-Fi for free. Choosing the right carrier based on how you communicate can help avoid surprise charges. While SMS and MMS are universally supported, RCS still depends on carrier infrastructure and the messaging app being used. Some carriers support RCS only through their proprietary apps, which may not be compatible with all devices. Others support "universal RCS", which works across multiple platforms but still requires the right app, most reliably Google Messages. If you're hoping to use RCS features like high-resolution image sharing, read receipts and typing indicators, it's important to ensure your carrier not only supports RCS but also supports it universally across devices and apps. Otherwise, your message may silently fall back to SMS or MMS if the recipient's carrier or device does not support RCS. As of May 2025, all major U.S. wireless carriers and most of their sub-brands and MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) fully support SMS, MMS and RCS messaging. This includes both Android and iPhone users (with iOS 18.4 or newer for RCS on iPhone). You can expect full support for SMS, MMS and RCS on the following carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, US Cellular, C Spire, Consumer Cellular, Cricket, Family Mobile, FirstNet, H2O Wireless, Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, Google Fi, PureTalk, RedPocket Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, Straight Talk, TracFone, Ultra Mobile, US Mobile, Visible and Xfinity Mobile. If you are using one of these carriers, you can expect the latest messaging features, including high-resolution media sharing, read receipts, typing indicators and the ability to send messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data. For the best experience, make sure your device is updated to the latest software and that you are using a supported messaging app. RCS support is expanding internationally, with carriers like Orange and Sosh in France offering RCS on iPhones running iOS 18.4 beta. To check if your international carrier supports RCS on iPhone: Apple and Google are rolling out support for RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which brings end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, enhancing privacy and security across platforms. Some carriers may still be updating their infrastructure, so check with your provider or device settings if you do not see RCS options enabled. If you use a smaller or regional provider not mentioned above, or if you plan to travel internationally, it is important to check with your carrier about its current support for RCS, especially if you use an iPhone. While international support for RCS is expanding, it is not yet universal. When you are abroad, reliable messaging becomes even more critical. SMS is the most dependable option and works almost everywhere, making it a safe choice for staying connected. MMS, on the other hand, can be inconsistent overseas due to differences in network standards and carrier agreements. RCS is even less predictable outside your home country, as it relies on mobile data or Wi-Fi and often does not function while roaming unless your carrier specifically enables it for international use. So, if you are traveling or using a less common carrier, always confirm whether your plan includes international MMS and RCS support. This will help you avoid unexpected gaps in communication or surprise fees and ensure your messages reach their destination reliably. Email-to-text is a feature that lets you send a text message to someone's phone number directly from your email. To do this, you use a special email-to-SMS gateway provided by the recipient's mobile carrier. For example, to text a friend on AT&T, you'd send an email to something like 1234567890@ However, not all carriers support this, and some may block the feature altogether to prevent spam or limit abuse. Even among those that do support it, there can be differences between how SMS (text-only) and MMS (media messages) are handled. Below are examples of the special email addresses (called gateways) that let you send text messages via email: AT&T Verizon T-Mobile If you rely on this feature, such as sending yourself reminders from your email or receiving system alerts to your phone, it is important to check whether your carrier supports it. Be aware that not all carriers clearly document this capability, especially smaller providers like Spectrum Mobile or Xfinity Mobile, which may restrict or not support it at all. To enhance your mobile messaging security, follow these best practices: 1. Avoid clicking on unknown links or messages and install strong antivirus software: Be cautious with links or attachments from unknown sources because they can lead to phishing or malware attacks. Also, install strong antivirus software on your device to protect against malware and viruses. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 2. Enable Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): Use MFA to add an extra layer of security for your messaging apps and accounts. This can include methods like authentication apps, physical security keys, or SMS codes, which help prevent unauthorized access even if your password is compromised. By activating MFA, you significantly reduce the risk of your accounts being hacked, providing an essential safeguard against cyber threats. 3. Keep your device and apps updated: Regularly update your operating system and apps to ensure you have the latest security patches. 4. Use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps: Consider using apps with end-to-end encryption for secure communication. This ensures that only you and the intended recipient can read the messages, keeping them safe from hackers or third-party interception. Popular options include Signal, WhatsApp and iMessage, which prioritize privacy and protect sensitive conversations from unauthorized access. 5. Be mindful of public Wi-Fi and use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive communications, as it can be insecure and expose your data to potential eavesdropping or hacking. Consider using a VPN for secure browsing on public networks because it encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, providing a safer experience even on unsecured networks. By using a VPN, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with public Wi-Fi and protect your personal data from unauthorized access. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices 6. Delete sensitive messages: Regularly delete sensitive messages to minimize data exposure. This practice helps protect your privacy by ensuring that confidential information isn't stored indefinitely on your device or in the cloud, where it could potentially be accessed by unauthorized parties. Additionally, consider using messaging apps that offer features like automatic message deletion or self-destructing messages to further enhance your privacy Texting may seem simple, but there's a lot going on behind the scenes, especially when your messages aren't sending or show up weird. Understanding the difference between SMS, MMS and RCS can save you from headaches, surprise charges and blurry photos. The good news? A little knowledge goes a long way. Now that you're in the know, you can text smarter, choose the right carrier and keep your conversations running smoothly, wherever you are. Do you think mobile carriers should do more to protect you from phishing scams and malicious links sent via SMS and MMS? What specific measures would you like them to implement? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Wall Street Journal
09-05-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
How Airlines Are Trying to Win Over Private-Jet Passengers
As travel outlooks dim for many airlines, with the Dow Jones U.S. Airlines Index losing nearly one-quarter of its value this year, some carriers are trying to double down on passengers willing to pay more. In the video above, we took a look at how airlines are prioritizing first class at a time of increasing uncertainty for the industry.
