Pros and Cons of Net10 (Now Simple Mobile): What You Need to Know

As companies grow, changes happen, and that’s exactly what Net10 has done. Net10 Wireless has pivoted to Simple Mobile. And Simple Mobile keeps things…simple! Their no contract plans and flexible pricing are great for anyone on a very specific budget. And if you happen to need more data or something similar to that effect you can refill or add to your plan at any time. They want to make things as easy as can be for those who aren’t familiar with the cell phone landscape and/or aren’t interested in jumping through a thousand hoops just to get phone service. 

In this article, we plan to discuss the ins and outs of Simple Mobile and what they offer. Here’s what to expect:

• A Quick Look at Simple Mobile
• Simple Mobile’s Coverage
• Their Plans and Prices
• Services and Features provided
• Simple Mobile Pros and Cons
• How to Contact their Customer Service
• Review Summary

Quick Look: Simple Mobile

Simple Mobile phone plans are all no contract which means you never need to worry about being tied down to the carrier if you want to leave or decide the service isn’t for you. And if you love savings, you can join their rewards program for points that you can then use to save money on said service plans and add-ons.

Simple Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO. This means that they purchase service access wholesale from one of the three major networks that own infrastructure across the country – AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile – giving customers service at a much cheaper price. Simple Mobile is a MVNO of T-Mobile.

A REALLY Tip: MVNO Edition

If you are unfamiliar with MVNO’s, you should know that they are more likely to subject users to data deprioritization and throttled speeds. 

• Data deprioritization is “the temporary slowing of data speeds for certain customers in order to give priority to other customers.” Which means that those who are direct customers of the “parent” company will get network priority when you’re in a high traffic area like a concert hall or sports stadium, or when there’s network congestion.

• Throttling is also more likely to occur with MVNOs and “the dramatic slowing of your data speeds to the point that it becomes almost unusable.” This will happen when you go over a certain number of gigabytes of data for the month, which is referred to as a “data cap.” You’ll see this number displayed somewhere on your carrier’s website. Your normal speeds will slow down until the start of your next billing cycle.

Simple Mobile’s Coverage

Since now we know Simple Mobile get their coverage via T-Mobile, let’s talk a look at T-Mobile’s coverage:

T-Mobile’s 5G coverage and access is hailed as the best coverage overall. So you can expect some pretty solid 5G speeds for any MVNO under the T-Mobile umbrella. Their 4G LTE isn’t as widespread as their two major competitors, Verizon and AT&T, but it’s by no means a dealbreaker.

One feature you’ll find on most provider’s websites is a “Coverage” or “Coverage Map” tab, this shows off the network’s coverage all throughout the country and subsequent regions. Here’s a look at Simple Mobile’s Coverage Map:

Simple Mobile has you input your ZIP code before looking at their coverage map to see what coverage would look like in your area and to give you the best picture. Check the Simple Mobile coverage map here. 

And if you need any more data Ookla’s coverage map allows you to see where cellular towers are located and which company owns them. This coverage map provides information about coverage from 2G to 5G for several providers. 

Simple Mobile’s Plans and Prices

Simple Mobile has five “30-Day Smartphone Plans” in total. Three are “limited” data plans and two are “unlimited” plans. They also have four “Add-on Plans” where you can add 2GB, 5GB, or 10GB of high-speed data to your plan or International Calling. You can add up to four additional lines with each Simple Mobile plan which leads to more savings. All plans from Simple Mobile are deprioritized.

If you purchase your phone from Simple Mobile, your device will be locked until your device is paid for in full or if you sign up for a Simple Mobile plan but you have a phone not bought through them your device will be locked to provide service. Look at their Unlocking Policy page for more details. You can save a few dollars on each plan with Auto Pay. 

Plan One: 3GB High Speed Data

This plan gets you 3GB of high-speed data.

Each of Simple Mobile’s limited plans come with the same features: unlimited talk and text, unlimited international calling to 100+ countries, $10 international calling credit for 100+ destinations, international roaming in 16 Latin-American countries, and is hotspot capable (terms apply). You get the first 3GB of data at their typical high speeds and then you’ll be reduced to 2G speeds after. 2G speeds are slow, you won’t be able to do much more than call, text, or send the occasional email.

This plan costs $25.00 for 30 days, $23.75 with Auto Pay. At this rate you get 3GB at $8.33 per GB at full price.

Plan Two: 5GB High Speed Data

This plan has 5GB of high-speed data.

You get unlimited talk and text, international calling, $10 international calling credit, international roaming in select Latin-American countries, and is hotspot capable with terms applying. You’ll also get the first 5GB of your plan at the typical high-speeds before you are reduced to 2G speeds.

This plan costs $30.00 for 30 days, $28.50 with Auto Pay. At this rate you get 5GB at $6.00 per GB at full price.

Plan Three: 15GB High Speed Data

This plan comes with 15GB of hotspot data.

You get unlimited talk and text, international calling, $10 international calling credit, international roaming in select Latin-American countries, and is hotspot capable with terms applying. You’ll also get the first 15GB of your plan at the typical high-speeds before you are reduced to 2G speeds.

This plan costs $40.00 for 30 days, $37.50 with Auto Pay. At this rate you get 15GB at $2.67 per GB at full price.

Plan Four: Truly Unlimited +5GB Hotspot

This plan comes with 5GB of hotspot data.

For their first Unlimited plan you get all of the same things from the limited plans but you also have a 5GB hotspot. Simple Mobile’s unlimited data cap is 40GB and when you go over 40GB your speeds will be throttled to 2G.

This plan costs $50.00 for 30 days, $45.00/mo for the first 3 months with Auto Pay and $47.50/mo thereafter with auto refill. At this rate you get 40GB at $1.25 per GB at full price.

Plan Five: Truly Unlimited+ +15GB Hotspot

This plan comes with 15GB of hotspot data and 50GB of cloud storage.

For their second Unlimited plan you get all of the same things from the limited plans but instead of a $10 international calling credit it is $20 and you also have a 15GB hotspot along with 50GB of cloud storage. The unlimited data cap is 40GB and when you go over 40GB your speeds will be throttled to 2G.

This plan costs $60.00 for 30 days, $57.00 with Auto Pay. At this rate you get 40GB at $1.50 per GB at full price.

Simple Mobile’s Features

While this carrier offers pretty good deals for their customers, there are some differences in the features and benefits that may entice you to pick this one over another. If you’re a frequent traveler, talk to your international friends and family a lot, or are looking for a bit more “perk” with your plan then this section will break down all of that juicy info so you can know what you’re potentially gonna get: 

• Domestic Roaming Data

• Domestic roaming is available with Simple Mobile under all plans but are subject to certain limitations and aren’t guaranteed.

• Mexico & Canada Connection

• Simple Mobile includes data roaming, talk, and text in Mexico.

• International Connection

• Simple Mobile plans include unlimited international calling to 100+ countries, an international calling credit for 100+ destinations, and international roaming in 16 Latin-American countries but not text.

• Video Streaming Quality

• Simple Mobile streams at 480p Standard Definition on all plans. 

• Streaming Services and Cloud Storage

• Simple Mobile does not have any streaming services but with their Unlimited+ +15GB Hotspot plan you can get 50GB of cloud storage.

• Device Financing

• If you buy a phone from Simple Mobile, they allow you to pay for your device in installments over time.

• WiFi Calling

• Simple Mobile offers WiFi calling, which allows you to send and receive phone calls over a WiFi connection rather than cellular reception.

• Spam Protection and Free Trial

• Simple Mobile does not offer these features.

Simple Mobile Pros and Cons

We’ve taken a look at Simple Mobile’s coverage, plans, prices, and features. Now let’s dive into the pros and cons to help narrow down your decision:

👍Pros:

• Access to the biggest 5G wireless network
• Offers both limited and unlimited data plan options
• Best for Low Data Users
• No contract plans

👍Simple Mobile is on T-Mobile’s Network

When you sign up for a Simple Mobile plan you have access to and are using T-Mobile’s wireless network leader in 5G coverage, so if you have a 5G capable phone then this is a huge pro.

👍Simple Mobile has Limited and Unlimited Data Plans

A lot of cell carriers now only have unlimited data options, but not everyone needs that, some only need a few gigs a month to get by but they end up paying for unlimited because that’s the only option available. With Simple Mobile you get your choice of a 3GB, 5GB, 15GB, and two Unlimited plans. This means both low-data and heavy-data users can get the choice that best fits their needs.

👍Simple Mobile’s Plans is Best for: Low Data Users

Simple Mobile has some really great plans for those who aren’t constantly on their phone without wifi. Their 3GB, 5GB, and 15GB plans offer those who don’t use a lot of data a way to stay connected.

👍No Contract Plans

When it comes to wireless, there are a lot of carriers that require you to sign a contract in order to use their service. With Simple Mobile you won’t ever have to worry about a contract and that means you won't be tied down to the provider if you’re unhappy with the way your service is going. They also have no hidden fees and no credit checks.

👎Cons

• Subject to Data Deprioritization
• High Prices
• Data Cap slows speeds

👎Simple Mobile’s Plans are Subject to Data Deprioritization

With every plan from Simple Mobile you will be subject to data deprioritization which means your data speeds could be inconsistent when you’re out in public not on wifi. This can cause some frustration for those who frequently use their phone away from wifi as there is normally an inconsistency with data deprioritization.

👎Prices are Higher

Simple Mobile’s prices trend a bit higher for a MVNO, especially with their limited data plan options. There are other carriers out there that offer plans at half the cost for more gigabytes. For instance, if you aren’t adverse to a contract Mint Mobile’s $30 Unlimited plan is half the price of Simple Mobile’s biggest unlimited plan and their data cap is 40GB which is the same.

👎Data Slows After Cap

On every Simple Mobile plan users will have their data speeds throttled once they go over the data cap congruent to their plan. Although you have unlimited data even after you go over the cap and it doesn’t cut you off, those who are paying for an unlimited plan will still have to deal with those throttled speeds for those higher prices.

Simple Mobile’s Customer Service

There are over 800 physical store locations worldwide, you can use their store locator to find the nearest one to you. They also offer support over the phone at 1-(877)-878-7908 or through live bot on their website.

Review Summary

We think that Simple Mobile’s limited data plans are a great option for those not looking to be locked down to a contract and want to keep things flexible month by month. You can add data should you need if you are trending higher than you thought you would or you can switch to a lower tier plan if you aren’t using as much as you thought. Their unlimited plans are a bit on the expensive side and there are other offers out there that might be more of interest to you. 

Want to compare other carriers?

Really.com helps users compare between features, coverage, price, reviews, and more!

And if you want to compare and contrast Simple Mobile to over 1,200 other phone plans so you know you’re getting the service that’s right for you, then make sure to check out the REALLY compare page which allows you to look at pricing, coverage, what phone plans are available, current deals and steals, and how you can make the most of your potential phone bill.