Red Pocket Mobile Pros and Cons: The Plan That Lets You Choose Your own Network

What started as a dream to change the mobile business has become a reality. First introducing themselves in 2006, Red Pocket Mobile wanted to be different from other cell phone companies, they wanted there to be choice and flexibility when it comes to signing up for a cell phone plan. With so many carriers locking you into contracts and not having the plan options that directly reflect your cell phone usage, Red Pocket decided to introduce themselves to the world. 

There’s a few things Red Pocket Mobile prides itself on, one major aspect being their customer service. They don’t want you to jump through ten different hurdles just to get a straight answer on your phone plan. Another being the ability to choose what network you’re getting coverage from, if you find yourself wanting to switch in the middle of your plan you can with Red Pocket’s CoverageGenius^SM- which we will explain in detail as at a glance this might seem a bit confusing. But don’t worry! We’re going to break down how all that works as simply as we can so you won’t leave here even more confused.  Let's first get started with the basics and then measure Red Pocket Mobile pros and cons so you can see if their phone plans are right for you.

• How Red Pocket Mobile works
• Red Pocket Mobile plans
• What is CoverageGenius?^SM 
• Red Pocket Mobile pros and cons

How Red Pocket Mobile Works

Red Pocket Mobile is a MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) which means that instead of owning their own cell towers, they will instead piggyback off of a major network’s signal. This way you get lower-costing phone plans while still getting access to wide reaching signals. Now most other MVNOs will only partner with one major network and work with them directly, but Red Pocket uses all three: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. 

But how exactly?

Well, this is where it can get a little confusing, so follow us for a second here.

Red Pocket Mobile has plans under GSMA, GSMT, and CDMA networks. These are slightly outdated terms and technologies used to describe the three major networks.

For example:

• GSMA is a network that uses AT&T to provide coverage.
• GSMT is a network that uses T-Mobile to provide coverage.
• CDMA is a network that uses Verizon to provide coverage.

For both GSMA and GSMT “plans” you will be able to sign up for them if you have a Smartphone that uses a SIM card.

• Tip: A SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card are those little cards you’ll sometimes see going in and out of a small port in your phone. That card carries your phone’s information like texts and phone calls, along with access to data while you’re out in the world and not connected to wifi.

If you want coverage under Verizon you will go through their CDMA network option. However, you need to have a CDMA capable phone. If you aren’t sure whether you have a CDMA enabled phone there’s two things you can note:

1. If you’ve bought your phone through a Verizon circle, then there’s a 99% chance it will be a phone you can use through the CDMA plans.
2. You can visit the “Will My Phone Work With Red Pocket Mobile?” help page to find out if your phone is compatible with not just CDMA but with any of their networks. (This page also answers any more technical questions you might have).

So before you choose your network and you want to keep your phone, make sure to check if your current device is compatible with that network when you’re signing up for a Red Pocket Mobile plan.

There is some credit to Red Pocket, as they have made a quiz on their website that helps those who don’t know where to start. To get to the quiz you will need to go onto the Red Pocket Mobile website and scroll down until you see the “Take Our Quiz” option on the right-hand side.

There you will be asked the following questions:

• “What wireless service are you looking for?”

• This is basically asking what type of phone user you are. You’ll have three options to choose from: 

1. “Everything! Calls, Texts, & Data” (aka you’re on your phone a lot and you want the full package)
2. “Mostly Calling & Texting” (which is for our infrequent phone users)
3. “Looking for Data-Only Service” (and this is for those looking to add data to a Hotspot, Smartwatch, or Tablet)

• “Do you have a phone or need a new one?”

• If you have a phone you will be asked what your current carrier is (if you have one) and if your phone is unlocked.
• If you need a new phone you are given a few phone choices that Red Pocket are currently selling. (See their Shop page here for more options and all the devices they have available).

Once you select your choices, Red Pocket Mobile will give you three options to choose from based on your results. This quiz seems like a small way to help you sus out whether they could be a potential contender for your future phone plan.

Red Pocket Mobile Phone Plans

Now that you know Red Pocket Mobile operates with three different networks, T-Mobile (GSMT), AT&T (GSMA), and Verizon (CDMA), let’s go through each plan Red Pocket offers under those specific networks.

A good thing to note is that Red Pocket Mobile plans have no hard data caps, meaning if you go over your data allotment for the month your data won’t shut off, it will just be slowed considerably. There’s also no overage fees, which is a nice plus.

First up we have GSMT plans:

Next we have the GSMA plans, which are seemingly the exact same plans as the GSMT which you can see for yourself below. The only difference is the 1GB @5G Plan has Unlimited Data instead of it being advertised as 1GB of data. (Though once you go over 1GB for the month you will experience slower data speeds just like the rest of their plans). 

Then we have the CDMA plans which are also the same as the others, the only difference being you won’t have the option for a 1GB plan.

And if you aren’t interested in a Monthly Plan, Red Pocket Mobile offers 360-Day Plans. But it's important to note that if you want to use your current phone for each of these plans you will need to check if your device is compatible for each specific plan. When you click on an Annual 360-Day Plan you will be brought to a page that will ask you if you:

• Want to use an eSIM (this is only compatible with certain devices, but don’t worry, they have a way for you to check to make sure this plan is available and your device can have an eSIM)
• Or want to use a physical SIM card (which works on ALL devices except for eSIM compatible only ones)

Now let’s get onto the Annual 360-Day Red Pocket Mobile Plans:

What is CoverageGenius?^SM 

Now that you know all about GSMT, GSMA, and CDMA, and that Red Pocket Mobile allows users to choose their preferred network. How does one go about switching to a new network with their current Red Pocket Mobile plan?

That’s where the CoverageGenius^SM tool comes in handy. This tool allows Red Pocket users to switch directly from one network to another via their account. Your number will be transferred automatically, it should only take a few minutes for the process to happen but it can sometimes take up to 48 hours as per their website FAQ. 

Red Pocket Mobile recommends you check your coverage so you can see which network will be the preferred choice in your area. 

• Good to Note: Make sure you choose to switch your coverage when your current billing date is ending as when you make the switch you will be automatically charged for the new plan.

Red Pocket Mobile Pros and Cons

With most cell phone plans you will experience highs and lows, pros and cons- and Red Pocket Mobile is no different! So let’s gather what we learned and other important things to note before you make the potential switch.

Pros:

• You can choose your own network
• Affordable Plans
• Free International calling
• No data overages

You Can Choose Your Own Network

Red Pocket Mobile is a great choice for people for many reasons, but one big one is the ability to choose your own network! Most MVNOs have one choice of network when you sign up, but with Red Pocket you can choose which coverage fits your area best, and switch when you need to if you move to a new area with better coverage or want something that runs smoother. A huge plus for anyone looking for a phone plan!

Affordable Plans

With some plans starting as little as $5/mo Red Pocket Mobile wants everyone to have access to a phone plan. They have a lot of different options too which some MVNOs fall short on. And if you know someone like an older adult who won’t use their phone for a lot of other things besides calling or texting, Red Pocket Mobile’s plans account for that. 

Free International Calling

Every single Red Pocket Mobile plan comes with free international calling to 80+ countries. 

Yep, you heard that right.

Even the smallest plans come with free international calling! When a lot of phone companies have international calling as an add-on cost or are totally unavailable, Red Pocket’s free international calling definitely earns its way onto the pros list.

No Data Overages

We mentioned before that Red Pocket Mobile doesn’t have data overages but it’s worth mentioning again. If you go over your plans data per month there’s no need to panic about extra costs, your speeds will just slow down until your cycle renews which is definitely preferable to paying more or having your data shut off completely.

Cons:

• Data Deprioritization and Throttling
• Confusing Plan navigation

Data Deprioritization and Throttling

Most Red Pocket Mobile Plans come with “unlimited” data but when you look at the fine print- it isn’t actually unlimited. Once you reach your data allotment for the month your speeds will slow down significantly to the point where watching a video on Youtube or trying to put on an episode of your favorite HBO show becomes nearly impossible- which could be a huge negative when you’re looking for a wireless service.

Another thing to look out for is data deprioritization which is the temporary slowing of your data speeds. This happens because of network congestion and high traffic volumes of people in your area- (if you’re at a sports game for instance). The reason this happens is because major networks will prioritize their direct customers and subscribers over those who are signed up through a MVNO like Red Pocket Mobile. 

Confusing Plan Navigation

We mentioned before that navigating through Red Pocket Mobile’s plans could get a bit confusing with all of their plan types and trying to figure out the difference between GSMT, GSMA, and CDMA- (it took us a bit of researching). Trying to nail down what plans work for your phone and what plans are only available for certain phones can be tricky while you’re on the website which could be a bit of an annoyance.

What might be some extra minutes spent navigating Red Pocket Mobile’s plans might end up being worth the effort with their low costs and versatile plans, but you be the judge!

If you want to compare and contrast Red Pocket 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.