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8 important considerations when switching to an MVNO

Don't jump to a prepaid carrier before doing your homework.

For the most part, an MVNO's business model — buy wireless service in bulk and resell with no frills — means it'll have some restrictions on what you can and can't do, such as video streaming or using your allotted data while using your phone as a hotspot. Most MVNOs include international calling & texting, as well as hotspot use (albeit often with a cap on the data limit) with their plans, but you can also buy these services in the form of add-ons for an extra fee. (Image credit: Samuel Contreras)Prioritization means a big carrier like T-Mobile can identify which phones using its network are doing it through an MVNO (e.g., Mint Mobile) and gives priority to its direct customers.

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