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Astound Mobile vs. Gen Mobile: The Ultimate Guide to Which Carrier is Better For You

December 2, 2024
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No matter what you’re looking for, it can be difficult to choose the right cell phone plan for you. From choosing from a major mobile carrier, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon Wireless, to paying for a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) and saving a couple bucks, it can be a tough decision.

There are two great options to select from and both are MVNOs that can help you to save money instead of paying the big bucks for a plan through a major wireless carrier. Astound Mobile and Gen Mobile are both great options, which in return helps you to save money with one of their plans, but which is the better option to choose?

In this article, we’ll talk a little more about Astound Mobile and Gen Mobile with topics such as:

  • What is a MVNO?
  • A summary of Astound Mobile
  • Astound Mobile plans and features
  • A summary of Gen Mobile
  • Gen Mobile plans and features
  • Pros and cons between both MVNOs
  • How to make your decision

What is an MVNO?

The most important distinguishing fact between both options are that they are MVNOs, which are important to learn more about!

a pile of sim cards
MVNOs are a popular option to choose nowadays because customers can save money for more important things. Image courtesy of Hallsten Innovations.

First and foremost before getting into the similarities and differences between Astound Mobile and Gen Mobile, let’s learn more about Mobile Virtual Network Operators, or MVNOs for short. Both of these options are MVNOs, which essentially means that they don’t own their own network and instead use one of the major wireless carriers’ in the United States, which could be AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, or even gain access to two or all of them. 

To clarify, Astound Mobile and Gen Mobile don’t own their own network and service. MVNO users gain access to a big wireless carrier’s network coverage and fast data speeds with no extra fees  directly through one of their own plans. This helps to make all of their plans much more affordable because you’re sharing the network with other MVNO users and even big wireless ones too.

There are some cons that come from having a cell phone plan through a MVNO, a main one  being that data speeds may slow down in populated areas. This is due to the main network’s customers' usage, as they come first and gain access to the fastest data speeds and top notch coverage. MVNO users can experience a slow down in data and some dead spots during busy hours of the day. 

Despite the cons of MVNOS, many people will still choose them because it can provide plans with prices that fit your budget with no long-term contracts to sign, plus they give their customers the freedom to change or update their plan at any time. This helps customers  ensure that they have a plan that they love instead of being stuck with something that causes them more issues. 

A Summary of Astound Mobile

Learning more about your MVNO options can help determine what network, plans, and prices fit for you!

Astound mobile logo official
Astound Mobile is a popular MVNO option that can help users to save money on their cell phone plan while still receiving amazing perks and features. Image courtesy of Business Wire.

It can be overwhelming to see the amount of MVNOs that are out there and deciding on what to choose can be an even more difficult decision. One of the many MVNO options that are available for customers to choose from is Astound Mobile, which has access to T-Mobile’s network that offers the most 5G within the United States. 

Lots of folks love Astound Mobile, but customers must have access to Astound Internet, which is only available in certain parts of the country. Wherever Astound Internet is available, its mobile services are also offered and it can be bundled together for an even bigger and better discount, saving you more money.

Astound Mobile is available in the following locations throughout the United States:

  • Texas some text
    • Austin
    • San Antonio
    • San Marcos
    • Houston
    • Dallas
    • Brownwood
    • Corpus Christi
    • Midland-Odessa
    • Temple
    • Waco
  • California
  • Oregon
  • Washington
  • Massachusetts
  • New York City
  • Chicago, Illinois

While Astound isn’t available nationwide yet, they are slowly expanding to reach a greater market of people who wish to save on both their mobile and internet bills by bundling them together where you can pay as little as $20 for both.

Astound Mobile Plans and Features

Plans and their prices and features can be a deciding factor when choosing any cell phone plan, even for Astound Mobile!

A person holding smartphone with astound mobile logo
Astound Mobile offers its customers great prices on cell phone plans, along with features and perks and benefits to take advantage of. Image courtesy of BestPhonePlans.

Now that you’ve learned a little bit more about Astound Mobile, it’s important to consider the types of plan that they offer, their prices, and the features and perks included in each. Reviewing their plans can be a big win in your book, so it’s important to take a look at what they offer before committing to a plan.

Astound Mobile Plans That Are Available 

Listed below are some of the plans that are available through Astound Mobile:

  • $20 per line per month for mobile, internet, unlimited talk and text, and 300 MBPS of internet
  • $35 per line per month for mobile, internet, unlimited talk and text, and 600 MBPS of internet
  • $45 per line per month for mobile, internet, unlimited talk and text, and 1,000 MBPS of internet
  • $55 per line per month for mobile, internet, unlimited talk and text, and 1,5000 MBPS of internet

Features Available on Astound Mobile Plans

The following is a list of the many features that are available on all or most Astound Mobile cell phone plans:

  • Unlimited talk and text on each plan
  • Option to choose 1.5GB, 3GB, unlimited, or unlimited plus data plans
  • $200 to $400 Astound gift card when bundling internet and mobile
  • One free month of internet service upon bundling
  • Up to 50% off installation for eligible homes
  • Choose a minimum of 300 MBPS to 1,500 MBPS data speeds on plans
  • Free first line for twelve months
  • Bring your own cell phone or purchase a brand new one
  • Add cable options to any plan

A Summary of Gen Mobile

Having a second option such as Gen Mobile can make it a tough decision to choose the MVNO that’s right for you!

Gen mobile official logo
Gen Mobile is also an affordable MVNO that lots of customers consider choosing from thanks to their wide network across the nation. Image courtesy of Modern Wireless.

It can be difficult to make the right decision when you’re stuck between two different MVNOs. Astound Mobile is a great option for those who are able to access it within the area they live in, but Gen Mobile is another great option with excellent prices that can put money back into your pocket. 

AT&T is one of the most notable major wireless carriers within the United States specifically for its network coverage. AT&T offers 3G data that covers 70% of the country, 68% 4G LTE coverage, and 10.9% 5G is available for customers to take advantage of, even for Gen Mobile users. 

They also allow customers to choose between a monthly or three-month plan, where you can save more money in the long run with a longer plan. The freedom to choose a plan that best fits your budget and your needs is crucial and Gen Mobile allows you to upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time depending on the amount of data you need. 

Gen Mobile is also available wherever AT&T service is, which is a majority of the country. This provides more access to their services and the benefits of saving money all on a great network.

Gen Mobile Plans and Features

There are plenty of options for plans with pricing and features offered on each that can influence your decision!

A happy couple watching on their phone
Gen Mobile is a popular MVNO that allows customers to take control of their money with affordable plans and great features. Image courtesy of BestPhonePlans.

When choosing Gen Mobile, it’s important to consider the options that you have for cell phone plans, as prices and features can be a huge deciding factor in what you wish to spend your money on. Gen Mobile offers a wide variety of plans with great features that are perfect for either yourself, or the whole family to share.

Gen Mobile Plans That Are Available

Mentioned below are some of the most popular plan options through Gen Mobile:

  • Monthly plans:some text
    • $10 per month for 1GB plan
    • $20 per month for 4GB plan
    • $30 per month for 7GB plan
    • $40 per month for 16GB plan
    • $50 per month for unlimited data and 15GB mobile hotspot
    • $60 per month for unlimited data and 20GB mobile hotspot
  • Three-month plans:some text
    • $9 per month for 1GB plan
    • $18 per month for 4GB plan
    • $26 per month for 7GB plan
    • $34 per month for 16GB plan
    • $38 per month for unlimited data and 15GB mobile hotspot
    • $45 per month for unlimited data and 20GB mobile hotspot  

Features Available on Gen Mobile Plans

All of Gen Mobile’s cell phone plans provide customers with tons of perks and features that can benefit them that include:

  • Unlimited nationwide talk
  • Global texting available
  • 4G LTE and 5G high-speed data
  • Powered by AT&T’s nationwide coverage
  • No contract plans
  • No credit checks
  • $10 international talk credit
  • Unlimited international calling to 100+ destinations
  • 35GB 4G LTE and 5G high-speed data on unlimited plans
  • Government phone plan options for college students and lower-income individuals

The Pros and Cons of both MVNOs

It’s important to compare your options and find the pros and cons before making the big decision!

Comparing your options when deciding on a cell phone plan can help determine the carrier and plan that is right for your needs. Image courtesy of Betterteam.

It’s important to take some time out to  discuss the pros and cons of both Astound Mobile and Gen Mobile. By doing this, you can help to narrow down which carrier is better for the area you live in for service and fast data speeds, and even for the price too.

Check out some of the pros and cons of choosing Astound Mobile:

  • Pros:some text
    • High-speed internet for a low, monthly price
    • Bundle internet and mobile plans to save more money
    • Mobile add-on as low as $20 per line per month
    • Discounts on internet upon bundling 
    • Add cable options to any plan
    • Bring your own cell phone or purchase a new one
  • Cons:some text
    • Coverage in select cities and states
    • Internet account required to purchase mobile plan
    • Data deprioritization

Now let’s check out some pros and cons if you’re learning towards Gen Mobile:

  • Pros:some text
    • Cell phone plans as low as $10 per month
    • No credit checks
    • No contracts to sign upon purchasing a plan
    • AT&T’s network available all across the country
    • Government phone options available for students and low-income families
    • Mobile hotspot available on some plans
    • $10 International talk add-on
  • Cons:some text
    • Low amount of high-speed coverage every month
    • No multi-line savings on any plan
    • Data deprioritization

How to Make Your Decision

Making the right decision when choosing a cell phone plan can surely be a difficult option, but it is important to consider a few different things. Think about what you need on a plan, such as how many lines for either just yourself, or your whole family, the price you are willing to pay, how much data and the speeds you need, the network the MVNO is assigned to, and even the features that are included.

Once you think about all of these essential factors that go into choosing a cell phone plan, consider either Astound Mobile or Gen Mobile as an option when signing up for a MVNO!

If you’re having trouble figuring out which cell phone plan or provider is right for you, consider REALLY where you can compare companies to figure out what fits your price range, and even what offers the best coverage in your area!

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Astound Mobile 3GB

3GB
data
3GB
Hotspot access
All plan data (access stops at 3GB)
Best for:
Light data users
More Details

Astound Mobile 1.5GB

1.5GB
data
1.5GB
Hotspot access
All plan data (access stops at 1.5GB)
Best for:
Lightest data users
More Details

Astound Unlimited Plus

20GB
data
20GB
Hotspot access
All plan data (access stops at 20GB)
Best for:
Average data users
More Details

Astound Mobile Unlimited

20GB
data
20GB
Hotspot access
All plan data (access stops at 20GB)
Best for:
Average data users
More Details

Gen Mobile 1GB Monthly

1GB Monthly
data
1GB
Hotspot access
All plan data (stops at 1GB)
Best for:
Lightest data users
More Details

Gen Mobile 3GB Monthly

3GB Monthly
data
3GB
Hotspot access
All plan data (stops at 3GB)
Best for:
Lighter data users
More Details

Gen Mobile 7GB Monthly

7GB Monthly
data
7GB
Hotspot access
All plan data (stops at 7GB)
Best for:
Light data users
More Details

Gen Mobile 16GB Monthly

16GB Monthly
data
16GB
Hotspot access
All plan data (stops at 16GB)
Best for:
Light to average data users
More Details

Gen Mobile 1GB 3 Months

1GB 3 Months
data
1GB
Hotspot access
All plan data (stops at 1GB)
Best for:
Lightest data users
More Details

Gen Mobile 3GB 3 Months

3GB 3 Months
data
3GB
Hotspot access
All plan data (stops at 3GB)
Best for:
Lighter data users
More Details

Gen Mobile 7GB 3 Months

7GB 3 Months
data
7GB
Hotspot access
All plan data (stops at 7GB)
Best for:
Light data users
More Details

Gen Mobile 16GB 3 Months

16GB 3 Months
data
16GB
Hotspot access
All plan data (stops at 16GB)
Best for:
Light to average data users
More Details

Gen Mobile Unlimited + 10GB Hotspot Monthly

Unlimited + 10GB Hotspot Monthly
data
35GB
Hotspot access
10GB
Best for:
Heavy data users
More Details

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