Which Network Is Your Cheap Carrier Actually On? (MVNO Map)
Every carrier in our ranking mapped to the tower it uses, and what that means for coverage and rush-hour speed.
Verizon towers
Visible (Verizon-owned), US Mobile "Warp". Same coverage as Verizon; deprioritised when busy unless you pay for a priority tier (Visible+, US Mobile Premium).
T-Mobile towers
Mint Mobile (T-Mobile-owned), Google Fi, US Mobile "Light Speed". Fastest metro 5G in our tests; weaker on rural drives.
AT&T towers
AT&T Prepaid and Cricket (both AT&T-owned), US Mobile "Dark Star". Strong rural coverage, mid-pack speeds.
Its own network
Boost Mobile runs a fourth 5G network and roams onto AT&T and T-Mobile where it has none.
Why it matters
Coverage is the network's; price and priority are the carrier's. Check the host network's map for your addresses, then buy from the cheapest carrier on it — and use the free trials to confirm.
» See the full rankings: Best Cell Phone Plans of 2026, Best Prepaid Phone Plans, Cheapest Unlimited Phone Plans .