Welcome to my blog. I'm a blind iOS developer who writes about technology, artificial intelligence, investing, accessibility, and life in general. I use AI as a coding partner and write about what I learn along the way.
All entries are written by me and edited with AI assistance. I'm transparent about the tools I use because I believe AI makes us more capable, not less human.
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The Same Towers, Half the Price
February 5, 2026
Want to save money on your phone bill? Good. Let me explain how wireless carriers actually work so you can stop paying twice as much for the same service.
The Big Secret
There are three companies that own cell towers in America: Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. Everyone else rents space on those towers and sells it cheaper. That's it. That's the whole game.
Mint Mobile? Uses T-Mobile's towers. Visible? Verizon's towers. Cricket? AT&T's towers. You're getting the exact same signal—you're just not paying for retail stores and TV commercials.
Think of it like buying store-brand cereal. Same factory, different box, half the price.
What You're Trading
The expensive carriers give you stores to walk into and phones you can finance. The budget brands make you pay upfront and bring your own unlocked phone. You might get slowed down when the network's busy—but honestly, how often is that actually a problem?
If you're on a budget and own an unlocked phone, the budget brands are almost always the better deal. You're using the same towers anyway.
4G vs 5G: The UHF Analogy
Remember old TV? VHF channels (2-13) traveled far and went through walls. UHF channels (14+) didn't go as far but carried more channels.
Wireless works the same way. 4G and LTE use lower frequencies—they go through walls, work indoors, travel miles from the tower. 5G uses higher frequencies—faster speeds, but easily blocked by walls, trees, your hand. Still rolling out.
For texting, browsing, streaming music, watching videos? 4G LTE is more than enough. Don't pay extra for 5G if you spend most of your time indoors.
What It Actually Costs
Prices as of January 2026:
**Mint Mobile (T-Mobile network):** Unlimited for $30/month, or $15/month if you prepay for a year.
**Visible (Verizon network):** Unlimited for $25/month.
**Cricket (AT&T network):** Unlimited for $60/month.
Most people don't need extreme speeds. If Netflix doesn't buffer and web pages load, you're fine. Don't pay for speed you won't use.
Wireless Home Internet
Some budget carriers now offer home internet. Mint Mobile advertises it for $15/month if you prepay annually. I called—they told me it's not available for sale in my area yet, even though I get good cellular service. So test before you assume.
Major carriers also offer wireless home internet, usually $35-60/month, less if you bundle with mobile service. Cheaper than Spectrum's $85/month cable internet.
My Take
I use Mint Mobile and unlocked iPhones because I'm patient and I own my stuff. You might choose differently. Just do your homework, test your options, and stop paying twice as much for the same towers.
That's it. Now go save some money.