What network and towers does Mint Mobile use? Does it have its own?

Thanks to pretty constant marketing, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Mint Mobile. The carrier prides itself in affordable pricing and is notable for only offering its plans in prepayment packages of 3, 6, or 12 months. If you’ve considered Mint Mobile, you might be curious about what towers Mint Mobile uses as well as what the Mint Mobile coverage map looks like. Good question!

What network and cell towers does Mint Mobile use?

Mint Mobile traditionally was a T-mobile MVNO, which meant it was an independent cellular service provider that utilized the T-mobile network through a partnership but was still responsible for all its plans, advertising, promos, and more. These days Mint Mobile is actually owned by T-Mobile after a recent acquisition, though it is still controlled and operated independently. 

While Mint Mobile might use the T-mobile network, the question as to what cell towers are used can vary. A cell phone tower is made up of several parts, including a fiber optic internet connection. This and government regulations make it pretty expensive to put up a tower and maintain it. To keep costs manageable, sometimes multiple carriers will share the same tower, though there will be a different radio system for each carrier that uses the tower.

In other words, Mint might use a tower shared by AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile in some situations. That said, it will only use T-Mobile’s radio equipment and network.

Is the Mint Mobile coverage map the same as T-Mobile offers?

Yes, for the most part, Mint Mobile and T-Mobile have identical coverage maps. That said, T-Mobile postpaid customers will likely have roaming agreements and other arrangements that improve their coverage. This won’t be available to Mint Mobile users. You can take a closer look at Mint Mobile’s coverage map, as well as T-Mobile’s map, for comparison.

Can you use Verizon or AT&T phones on Mint Mobile?

Although Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network exclusively, it is very possible your existing AT&T or Verizon phone can be brought over to Mint’s network. Most newer phones released in the United States have all the necessary bands required to work on just about any carrier. T-Mobile, in particular, uses some of the most common bands present in phone hardware, and so that helps ensure compatibility.

Not every phone will work, however. First, the phone will need to be unlocked. Many carriers automatically unlock phones after a certain period of use, but the exact steps required will vary depending on your carrier. Providing the phone isn’t locked to another network, you’ll be able to bring it to Mint as long as it works with the required T-Mobile bands.

You can check Mint Mobile’s compatibility tool to see if your existing phone will play nicely or not. Conversely, you can download the Mint Mobile app and can even activate the service immediately if your phone has an eSIM card.

Happy with Tmo signal in your area and looking to save big? Sign up for Mint Mobile now

If you are looking for one of the best prepaid carriers that runs on T-mobile’s network, you really can’t do much better than Mint Mobile. Be sure to hit up the link below to sign up now!