Astound Mobile vs. Red Pocket Mobile: Which Carrier is Better?

Astound Mobile operates on T-Mobile’s network and offers affordable, no-frills plans for those who are already Astound Internet customers. With a focus on simplicity, Astound Mobile provides solid coverage in urban and suburban areas, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users who need a reliable network at a low price. However, to use Astound Mobile, you must already be a customer of Astound Internet, which limits its availability to specific regions.

Note: To purchase Astound Mobile cell phone plans, you must be an Astound Internet customer.  

Red Pocket, on the other hand, is a flexible MVNO that operates on all major networks: T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and even a combination of these. This allows Red Pocket to offer more extensive coverage options, making it an excellent choice for users who want flexibility in choosing their network provider. Red Pocket also stands out with its affordable plans and the ability to choose from a variety of data options, giving customers more control over their plan based on their needs.

Coverage & Reception — Astound Mobile vs. Red Pocket

Astound Mobile uses T-Mobile’s robust 4G and 5G network, providing excellent coverage in urban and suburban areas. T-Mobile is known for its extensive 5G deployment, particularly in mid-band 5G, making it ideal for users in metropolitan areas. However, T-Mobile’s rural coverage is not as strong as Verizon’s, which may affect Astound Mobile users in remote areas.

Red Pocket, with its ability to operate on T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon networks, offers a broader range of coverage options. Users can select which network best suits their location and needs. This is the perfect opportunity to look at your local coverage maps to investigate if one carrier is significantly stronger than the rest. You can also look up local reviews about carrier congestion, as it will hit Red Pocket users more than the major network customers. This flexibility makes Red Pocket a more adaptable option for users who travel frequently or live in areas where one network is much more reliable than the others.

Throttling and Deprioritization

Both Astound Mobile and Red Pocket operate as MVNOs, which means they do not have the same priority access to network resources as direct customers of the major carriers. This results in slower speeds during times of network congestion. Alongside that, both carriers offer plans with limited high-speed data, and they will throttle data speeds any time users hit their data caps. This means data is limited to 2G or 3G speeds for the rest of the month, severely limiting internet usage after the high-speed data is used up.

Plan Options — Astound Mobile vs. Red Pocket Mobile

Red Pocket Mobile and Astound Mobile offer plans with varying amounts of high-speed data. Along with high-speed data, both carriers offer unlimited talk and text along with various features and add-ons. First up, let’s talk about Astound’s cell phone plans. 

Astound Mobile Plans and Pricing

Astound Mobile offers four plans, each with its own benefits and downsides. The four Astound Mobile phone plans are as follows: 

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• $15 per month for 1.5 GB
• $25 per month for 3 GB
• $40 per month for Unlimited (20 GB)
• $50 per month for Unlimited + (20 GB)

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1.5 GB

This plan is designed for users who only need mobile data for essentials, like occasional GPS navigation, checking email, or brief browsing sessions. With 1.5 GB of high-speed data, it’s perfect for those who primarily use Wi-Fi and just want reliable talk and text with minimal data on the go. This plan is the most cost-effective option in the lineup.

3 GB

While this plan won’t cover heavy usage, it’s a low-cost option for users who mostly rely on Wi-Fi but need some data for basic tasks on the go. Ideal for those who use limited data on social media or streaming apps away from home, it's a budget-friendly pick for minimal mobile data needs. There’s not much difference in how long 1.5 and 3 GBs of high-speed data will take you, but this plan is nice for those who want a little extra piece of mind while out and about. 

Unlimited

This plan offers 20 GB of high-speed data, which is suitable for moderate use, such as streaming music, occasional video, and browsing throughout the month. However, high-speed data users will consume this allocation quickly, so make sure to check your data usage before switching to this plan.

Unlimited +

Unlimited+ also offers 20 GB of high-speed data but also includes high-speed hotspot data and HD streaming while your data lasts. Once you hit the 20 GB cap, you are reduced to 3G data speeds, which will severely limit your usage. 

Red Pocket Mobile Cell Phone Plans

Red Pocket Mobile has four mobile plans on its roster, available month-to-month with no contract and annually. These are their four no-contract plans: 

• 1 GB high-speed data for $10 a month
• 5 GB high-speed data for $20 a month
• 20 GB high-speed data for $30 a month
• 30 GB high-speed data for $40 a month

Alongside these, Red Pocket Mobile offers year-long contracts with savings on all their plans. These offer the same amount of data at lower prices with the caveat that you purchase one year at a time. 

• 1 GB high-speed data for $7 a month
• 5 GB high-speed data for $12 a month
• 20 GB high-speed data for $20 a month
• 30 GB high-speed data for $24 a month

These prices are much better overall, but since it ties you down for a whole year, we don’t recommend switching to this carrier and purchasing one of these plans immediately. Year-long contracts are always risky. 

These plans are fairly priced but do not stand out from the competition among other MVNOs. Red Pocket Mobile’s plans all have “unlimited” data, but after using all the high-speed data for the month, you are slowed down to 2G speeds. These speeds make it almost impossible to use the internet on your mobile data, as so many applications are incredibly data-intensive. 

Running out of high-speed data in the middle of the month is bad news. Something we don’t like about Red Pocket Mobile is that their most robust plan only provides 30 GB of high-speed data, making us recommend this carrier only to low-data users. The difference between 1 GB and 30 GB a month is significant, but 30 a month will still get consumed with haste if you are using a 5G network and steaming audio or video. High-speed networks are fantastic, but cell phones are programmed to chew through data whenever you are on your mobile network. There are few applications that are designed around using as little data as possible, something you will discover quickly if you are ever using a limited-data cell phone plan. 

Customer Service — Astound Mobile vs. Red Pocket

Red Pocket Mobile's contact information is 1-712-775-8777, or you can access its help page here. 

For Astound Mobile, you can contact them here: (800) 746-4726 or access their help page here. 

The Verdict

Astound Mobile is a solid choice for budget-conscious individuals who are already Astound Internet customers and live in urban or suburban areas. Its simple plans and use of T-Mobile’s network provide reliable coverage, but the lack of flexibility and throttling after data limits may be a drawback for some users.

Remember: To purchase Astound Mobile cell phone plans, you must be an Astound Internet customer.

On the other hand, Red Pocket offers more flexibility with its multi-network approach, allowing users to choose the best network for their needs. Its variety of plans and data options make it an appealing choice for those who want more control over their mobile experience, and the ability to choose a network makes it ideal for those who live in areas where T-Mobile’s coverage may not be as strong.

Overall, Red Pocket Mobile takes the cake. Astound Mobile is too limiting because you must be in an area where Astound Internet is available. While the bundles are nice, Red Pocket provides more overall value.

Want to compare other carriers?

Are you still unsure which carrier to choose or which phone plan to pick? Use really.com to compare your top choices and find the best deal to fit your needs. Really allows you to compare and sort between most phone plans on the market without the hassle! 

Should You Choose a Major Wireless Carrier or an MVNO?

Major Wireless Carriers
Major wireless carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile provide unmatched reliability, extensive coverage, and premium features. They invest heavily in infrastructure, ensuring strong service in both urban and rural areas. These carriers often include perks like international roaming, priority data during congestion, and streaming service bundles. If you’re a power user who values consistent speeds, broad coverage, and cutting-edge features, a major carrier might justify the higher cost. However, their plans tend to be pricier, and you may end up paying for extras you don’t necessarily use.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators
MVNOs lease bandwidth from major carriers, offering similar coverage at a fraction of the price. They excel in affordability, with plans tailored for light to moderate data users. Many MVNOs, like Mint Mobile and Visible, provide no-contract options and customizable plans, giving users flexibility without long-term commitments. While MVNOs lack premium features like priority data and international perks, they meet the needs of budget-conscious customers who prioritize value over extras. For those in urban or suburban areas where network congestion is minimal, MVNOs offer an excellent balance of cost and performance.

Which is right for you? 

The decision hinges on your priorities. Opt for a major carrier if you demand premium perks, travel frequently, or need top-tier coverage in remote areas. However, if you want to save money without sacrificing too much on coverage and performance, an MVNO delivers exceptional value. Assess your data usage, preferred features, and budget to find the carrier that aligns with your needs. 

FAQ: Astound Mobile vs. Red Pocket

What are the key differences between Astound Mobile and Red Pocket?
Astound Mobile is a newer MVNO that primarily serves customers who bundle its mobile plans with its home internet service. It offers discounted rates for existing Astound Broadband customers, making it an appealing choice for bundlers. Red Pocket, on the other hand, stands out for its flexibility. It allows users to choose their preferred network (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint) and offers a wide range of prepaid plans that cater to different data needs.

Which carrier is more affordable?
Astound Mobile offers competitive pricing, particularly for customers bundling with home internet. However, its standalone plans can be less cost-effective compared to Red Pocket. Red Pocket provides affordable plans starting at just a few dollars per month, with options for both light users and those needing unlimited data. For standalone mobile users, Red Pocket often has the edge in affordability.

How do their networks compare?
Astound Mobile relies on T-Mobile’s nationwide network, which offers excellent 5G coverage in urban and suburban areas. Red Pocket provides more flexibility by allowing customers to choose their preferred network, whether it’s AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint. This gives Red Pocket a distinct advantage for users who need specific network coverage in their area.

Do they offer family or multi-line discounts?
Astound Mobile does not currently provide family or multi-line discounts, focusing more on individual plans and bundling with internet services. Red Pocket offers discounts on multi-line plans, making it a better choice for families or households with multiple users.

Can I bring my own phone to these carriers?
Yes, both Astound Mobile and Red Pocket support BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Astound Mobile works with most unlocked GSM devices compatible with T-Mobile’s network. Red Pocket supports a wider range of devices due to its compatibility with multiple networks, giving it an edge for customers with older or specific devices.

Which carrier offers better customer support?
Astound Mobile provides customer support primarily through its broadband service channels, which can be an advantage for customers already using its internet services. Red Pocket offers 24/7 customer support via chat, phone, and email, and it has a reputation for being responsive and helpful.

Are there any hidden fees or additional charges?
Astound Mobile’s pricing is straightforward for bundled customers, but standalone plans may have additional taxes or fees. Red Pocket includes taxes and fees in its pricing for most plans, which simplifies billing and avoids surprises.

Which is better for international use?
Red Pocket shines in international use, offering plans with free international calling to select countries and affordable roaming options. Astound Mobile does not focus on international features, making Red Pocket the clear winner for frequent travelers or those with family abroad.

Who should choose Astound Mobile?
Astound Mobile is ideal for customers who already use Astound Broadband and want to save by bundling services. Its straightforward plans and reliable T-Mobile coverage make it a good choice for light to moderate users.

Who should choose Red Pocket?Red Pocket is better for users who value flexibility, need affordable standalone plans, or want the ability to choose their network. It’s also a great option for families, international callers, and budget-conscious users who prioritize variety and customization.