Ever since I dove into the smart phone market with the iPhone 3g in 2008, I was always with AT&T. Until last Fall. After another raise in my classic Unlimited data plan that I've had since 2008, I started looking at different options. I looked at the plans of the four post-paid wireless providers that are in my area. I had specific requirements:
- The phone must be on a major network;
- The coverage must be reliable in rural Northern California;
- Data must be able to sustain music streams such as Apple Music;
- The plan must be affordable;
- Available Wi-Fi Calling when I'm in buildings with poor reception;
- Excellent Customer Service when I need them.
All post paid plans for a single smart phone were just as expensive or more than what I was paying with AT&T. I was frustrated – there had to be a better solution where I could save some money on my cell phone bill. I spend most of the time on Wi-Fi for data while at work and at home, so I thought I could get away without having an unlimited data plan.
One of my colleagues suggested I look into prepaid cellular plans since it seemed like they are the most bang for your buck and you are on the same networks as the big carriers. You've seen the commercials on TV. It became a daunting task researching all the different options and carriers. I eliminated all providers that utilized the Sprint network, since Sprint doesn't work up here. I then eliminated providers that used T-Mobile as they are a little light on coverage. It was down to wireless providers that used either AT&T or Verizon networks.
After a lot of talking with my friends and studying the different wireless providers web sites, I determined I wanted to be with a carrier that utilizes the Verizon Wireless network. Trying to find a MNVO (Mobile Network Virtual Operator) that utilizes the Verizon network is far and few between.
After a lot of research, I was down to two possible suitors - Visible and one another provider. I was very intrigued by Visible because at the time it was an iPhone-only provider and it was a flat $40/ month for unlimited talk, text, and data capped at 5 Mb/s. Visible has the backing of Verizon, which made it more appealing. The negatives at the time was it was invite only, the data was capped, and it only had only been around a few months.
I ended up going with the other provider, and was very happy with the service. The phone service was reliable through the Verizon network and the customer service was awesome. However, the problems I had with this provider was my own doing. When I traveled, I was always having to top off data. Some months I had to top off texts. If I went with their unlimited plan it would $15+ more a month after taxes.
While traveling earlier this summer, I blew through my data within 3 days of traveling. I ended up topping off twice with 3 GB of data for $20 each time to get me through the month. Something had to change – either my habits or make a change in my service. Visible made that decision a lot easier. It was announced at the end of June that Visible has lifted the data speed cap for a limited time for new and existing customers. I was sold! This past weekend, I made the switch to Visible – and I am very happy with my decision. In my next post to this blog, I will create a guide of things I learned that will make your switch over to Visible easier.
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