Choosing the right cell phone plan can be tough. Simple Mobile and Ultra Mobile are both great options. They both offer affordable prepaid plans with unlimited talk and text. But they have different strengths. Simple Mobile offers low prices and great family deals. Ultra Mobile is famous for its international calling features.
This guide will break down their coverage, plan pricing, hidden features, and extra perks. By the end, you will know exactly which carrier is right for your needs.
Simple Mobile vs Ultra Mobile: Overview
Before looking at the prices, it helps to understand how these phone companies work. Both of these brands are MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). This means they do not own their own cell towers. Instead, they rent network space from giant wireless networks.
There is a huge difference in the networks they use:
- Simple Mobile is owned by Verizon. It gives you reliable coverage on Verizon’s nationwide LTE and 5G networks.
- Ultra Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s network. It offers blazing-fast 5G speeds, especially in cities and suburbs.
Because they rent network space, both carriers might experience temporary slowdowns during peak hours. This is called data deprioritization. If a cell tower gets too crowded with direct T-Mobile or Verizon users, prepaid speeds get lowered slightly until the traffic clears up.
Who They Compete?
If you are looking at prepaid carriers, you might also hear about these options:
- Mint Mobile: A budget-friendly carrier that runs on T-Mobile. It is great for people who want to save by buying service in bulk.
- Metro by T-Mobile: This brand is owned directly by T-Mobile. It offers premium prepaid features and full network access.
- Straight Talk: A massive prepaid brand owned by Verizon. It offers simple, nationwide coverage plans.
Simple Mobile vs Ultra Mobile Network Coverage Comparison
If we do a coverage comparison between Ultra Mobile vs Simple Mobile, you would be surprised to know that both the carriers offer excellent coverage, but they shine in different areas.
Simple Mobile Coverage
Simple Mobile uses Verizon’s expansive network. Verizon covers a massive percentage of the United States. It is highly reliable in rural areas and small towns. Simple Mobile plans include standard definition (480p SD) video streaming. You also get talk, text, and roaming data inside Mexico and Canada.
Ultra Mobile Coverage
Ultra Mobile relies on T-Mobile’s leading 5G network. T-Mobile is expanding fast and aims to cover 90% of the country with high-speed 5G. Ultra Mobile provides excellent speeds in urban areas. It also offers powerful international roaming tools for global travelers.
Remember:
Always check the coverage maps on both carriers’ websites. Enter your specific zip code to see which tower is closest to your home.
Plan Comparison Between Ultra Mobile and Simple Mobile
Simple Mobile Plans and Pricing
Simple Mobile keeps things easy with month-to-month prepaid options. They also offer a 15% student discount and permanent multi-line discounts. You can add up to 5 additional lines to a single family account to lower the cost per person.
Every plan includes unlimited talk and text. Autopay lowers your bill by a few dollars each month.
- Truly Unlimited + 15GB Hotspot ($60/month or $57 with Autopay): This plan gives you 40GB of full-speed data. After 40GB, your speeds drop to 2G. It includes 15GB of mobile hotspot data. This is best for heavy internet users.
- Truly Unlimited + 5GB Hotspot ($50/month): You get 40GB of full-speed data before it slows down to 2G. It features 5GB of hotspot data. Autopay lowers this to $45 for your first 3 months, and then it adjusts to $47.50.
- 15GB Plan ($40/month or $37.50 with Autopay): Provides 15GB of high-speed data. You can use your data as a hotspot. It drops to 2G speeds if you hit the limit.
- 5GB Plan ($30/month or $28.50 with Autopay): Gives you 5GB of high-speed data and hotspot access.
- 3GB Plan ($25/month or $23.75 with Autopay): A basic budget plan with 3GB of full-speed data and hotspot capability.
Ultra Mobile Plans and Pricing
Ultra Mobile focuses on single-line users. They offer massive discounts if you pay for 3, 6, or 12 months of service in advance. All plans feature unlimited nationwide talk and text. They also include free international talking to over 80 countries.
- Ultra Unlimited+ ($59/month): Drops to $37 a month if you pay for a full year upfront. It features unlimited 5G data, 20GB of mobile hotspot, and global international roaming features. Best for heavy data users and international travelers.
- Ultra Unlimited ($49/month): Drops to $31 a month with an annual commitment. Includes 10GB of mobile hotspot data and a $5 monthly international calling credit.
- 15GB Plan ($39/month): Drops to $23 a month if paid annually. Includes 15GB of full-speed data, hotspot access, and international calling. (Cost: $2.60 per GB).
- 10GB Plan ($29/month): Drops to $19 a month if paid annually. Gives you 10GB of high-speed data and 5GB of dedicated hotspot data. (Cost: $2.90 per GB).
- 5GB Plan ($24/month): Drops to $16 a month if paid annually. Offers 5GB of data and basic international features. (Cost: $4.80 per GB).
- 3GB Plan ($19/month): Drops to $14 a month if paid annually. Offers 3GB of data, and you can use up to 2GB of it as a hotspot. (Cost: $6.33 per GB).
- Talk & Text Plan ($15/month): Drops to $10 a month if paid annually. Includes 250MB of data and full hotspot access. Best for emergency use or basic calls. (Cost: $60.00 per GB).
Things To Remember
Data Slowdowns and Limits
Both networks have rules for their unlimited plans. On Simple Mobile, your speeds drop to 2G after you use 40GB of data. Ultra Mobile gives you 35GB of high-speed data on its unlimited options before dropping your speeds. During heavy network congestion, both carriers may temporarily slow your data down even earlier.
Customer Support Options
- Simple Mobile does not have physical retail stores. They handle all support remotely. You can get help via online text chat or over the phone.
- Ultra Mobile emphasizes customer care. They offer fast phone support in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin. Their phone lines are open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST. They also feature an automated online chatbot that is open 24/7.
Hidden Fees
Simple Mobile features very straightforward pricing. You only need to pay normal local sales taxes at checkout. Ultra Mobile is also transparent, but keep an eye out for their standard regulatory recovery fees. These small extra fees are added to your bill to cover government program costs.
Switching To And From Ultra Mobile or Simple Mobile
Switching your cell phone service to Simple Mobile or Ultra Mobile might seem difficult or complex, but it is actually pretty simple! The most important rule is to never cancel your old service before the switch is completely finished. If you cancel early, you could lose your phone number forever.
Here are the step-by-step guides to help you swap your number smoothly between Simple Mobile and Ultra Mobile.
How to Switch from Simple Mobile to Ultra Mobile
Before you start, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile’s network, since that is what Ultra Mobile uses.
1.Gather your Simple Mobile account info:
You will need three pieces of information to move your number.
- Your Account Number: This is usually your phone’s 15-digit IMEI number (you can find it by dialing *#06# on your phone).
- Your Transfer PIN: Request a Number Transfer PIN by texting NTP to 611611 from your Simple Mobile phone, or call their support line at 1-877-878-7908.
- Your Zip Code: Use the billing zip code on your account.
2.Buy an Ultra Mobile SIM card:
Order a physical SIM card from Ultra Mobile’s website, buy one at a retail store, or check if your phone supports a digital eSIM for instant activation. Do not activate it just yet.
3.Start the Ultra Mobile activation process:
Go to the Ultra Mobile activation page online or use their mobile app. Type in the activation code that came with your new SIM card. When it asks if you want a new number or want to Keep Your Current Number, select the option to keep your number.
4.Enter your Simple Mobile details:
When prompted, type in your old Simple Mobile phone number, your 15-digit account number (IMEI), and the Transfer PIN you generated. Submit the request.
5.Wait for the transfer and swap SIM cards:
Keep using your phone normally. Once your old Simple Mobile SIM card completely stops working and loses signal, it means the transfer is done! Pop out the old SIM card, slide in your new Ultra Mobile SIM card, and restart your phone.
How to Switch from Ultra Mobile to Simple Mobile
If you want to move from Ultra Mobile over to Simple Mobile, the process is very similar. Remember that Simple Mobile now runs on Verizon’s network footprint, so make sure your device works with Verizon towers.
1.Collect your Ultra Mobile account details:
Log into your online Ultra Mobile dashboard or open their app. Look at the top-left corner of the page to find your Account Number. If you cannot find it, start an online live chat or call them at 1-888-777-0446. Your Transfer PIN is usually the last 4 digits of your Ultra Mobile phone number.
2.Get a Simple Mobile SIM kit:.
Pick up a Simple Mobile Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) SIM kit. You can find these at many electronics counters or order one directly to your house.
3.Initiate the Simple Mobile activation:
Head over to the Simple Mobile website and click on Activate. Choose the option that says Bring Your Own Number (also called porting).
4.Provide your Ultra Mobile account information:
Input your current phone number, the Ultra Mobile account number you gathered, and your 4-digit PIN. Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to pick your new monthly plan.
5.Swap the SIM cards upon completion:
Your Ultra Mobile service will stay active until the transfer goes through. Once your old phone line goes completely silent and shows “No Service,” take out the Ultra Mobile SIM card. Insert your new Simple Mobile SIM, turn your phone off and back on, and your new service will be ready to go!
Remember:
Most number transfers take less than an hour, but they can occasionally take up to 24 hours if the information is typed incorrectly. It is always a smart idea to start your transfer during the day on a weekday so customer support is fully available if you hit a snag!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my own phone with these carriers?
Yes! Both carriers have Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs. Your phone must be completely unlocked. It also needs to be compatible with the network. Simple Mobile requires a phone that works with Verizon towers. Ultra Mobile requires a phone that works with T-Mobile towers. You just need to swap in the new carrier’s SIM card.
Which carrier has better international options?
Ultra Mobile is the clear winner for international service. Every single plan includes free calling and texting to more than 80 countries. They also offer excellent international roaming options for global travel. Simple Mobile includes calling to select countries and offers standard roaming inside Mexico and Canada, but its global features are much more limited.
Which carrier is better for families?
Simple Mobile is much better for families. They offer deep discounts when you add up to 5 lines to one bill. Ultra Mobile does not focus on multi-line accounts. With Ultra, you save money by paying for multiple months in advance instead of adding more lines.
The Verdict
The best carrier depends on what you need most:
Go with Simple Mobile if you want to save money on a family plan with multiple lines. It is also perfect if you need the wide coverage footprint of the Verizon network.
Go with Ultra Mobile if you are a single-line user who wants a cheap plan. It is the absolute best choice if you have friends or family overseas and need to make regular international calls.
