Anyone have info on Net10?

[buzzcon]

Looking at Net10 and their phone coverage looks way better than Virgin Mobile's. Their coverage map does not show if their 3G coverage is any better. Does anybody have thoughts or experience using Net10 and their 3G?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DarkJedi]

Net10 and it's sister StraightTalk are both owned by TracPhone. The coverage you get depends on which phone model you buy. Each phone works on a different real network (Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, or T-Mobile).

VirginMobile (like its sister BoostMobile) is owned by Sprint. Those 2 operate on Sprint's prepaid network.

Look at the prepaid maps for the 4 major carriers and that will tell you which network coverage you want. Then, pick a phone from Net10/StraightTalk that uses that network.

Personally, I like Verizon's coverage, so I have a Samsung Galaxy Proclaim (available on both Net10 and Straight Talk).

 

[Akedos]

What would the coverage be like if I already have a Verizon Razr Maxx? Similar or the same as Verizon Prepaid?

 

[DarkJedi]

No. The prepaids for all carriers have a smaller coverage area than full contract customers. This is because prepaids operate only on their own towers. Full contract users can roam on other networks (and local cell phone companies) that they have agreements with.

Here is Verizon's map: Verizon Wireless Coverage Map | Verizon Wireless

You can see that the prepaid map excludes what Verizon calls "Extended Digital Coverage".

Of all prepaids, Verizon covers the most area, but you still need to check each carrier's prepaid map to be certain the areas that are most important to you are covered.