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Carrier Are cheap plans worth it for backup or even as a main use ?
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Freedom pop does actually offer a free plan, but it makes you attach a credit/debit card..in case you ever want to upgrade service. They are a scummy company though, and sometimes "accidentally" upgrade you to a paid plan. If you do get their service, use a privacy.com card with like a $1 limit or something, or an almost depleted prepaid card.
I used them with a iPad mini for a few years, and they did try to charge me but it of course never went though. Service still worked until I sold the iPad.
I used them with a iPad mini for a few years, and they did try to charge me but it of course never went though. Service still worked until I sold the iPad.
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They claim to not be using VoIP tech and just normal numbers now, but services like Venmo still don't accept my phone number with FreedomPop as valid. It's a huge pain.
I have used freedom pop several times. The company is kinda scummy and customer services is crap. But it is free. I bet they sell your data usage or something though lol.
I have Verizon (main esim) and Mint Mobile (secondary esim). I have some relatives with Mint and wanted to try it out. It's so cheap that I just pre-paid a year and have been using 2 esim carriers on my phone now for a month.
I find that when Verizon has no reception, Mint (T-Mobile) usually has really good reception, and the other way around - when Mint has poor reception, Verizon is usually pretty strong. I'm in Southern CA so around downtown LA and other places - T-Mobile seems to have more places with better reception...
Anyway, I haven't noticed any effect on battery life. Switching between the two is pretty seamless and kinda fun. It has been pretty handy in places that I normally wouldn't have reception. I find it pretty cool how when Verizon has no reception, it can use Mint's cellular service for "wifi" like reception.
Obviously Mint isn't as cheap as Freedom Pop.
I find that when Verizon has no reception, Mint (T-Mobile) usually has really good reception, and the other way around - when Mint has poor reception, Verizon is usually pretty strong. I'm in Southern CA so around downtown LA and other places - T-Mobile seems to have more places with better reception...
Anyway, I haven't noticed any effect on battery life. Switching between the two is pretty seamless and kinda fun. It has been pretty handy in places that I normally wouldn't have reception. I find it pretty cool how when Verizon has no reception, it can use Mint's cellular service for "wifi" like reception.
Obviously Mint isn't as cheap as Freedom Pop.
Presently I am using Mint and it is good. With Mint, you can use Wifi calling, which not all MVNOs allow.
I've also used Twigby, which is dirt cheap (and uses Verizon) - also good, although no wifi calling.
Data speeds are obviously sometimes slower, but for general use internet, I have no issues.
I've also used Twigby, which is dirt cheap (and uses Verizon) - also good, although no wifi calling.
Data speeds are obviously sometimes slower, but for general use internet, I have no issues.