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Prepaid and specialty cell phone carriers
We've already invited you to rate the nation's biggest cell phone carriers, and now we need your help with America's other carriers. These operators differ in a number of ways. Like MetroPCS, they could focus on a specific region or like Virgin Mobile, Helio, and Boost Mobile, they could cater to a youth audience. Also, there are a number of Mobile Virtual Network Operators. Rather than operating their own calling networks, these carriers lease space from other carriers. Besides Virgin Mobile and Helio, MVNOs include TracFone. Both TracFone and Cricket Communications offer low-cost calling plans, simple phones, and basic services. You might even find prepaid plans as well.
For each carrier, we'll tell you everything you need to know, from what kind of phones it offers to which markets it serves. But again, we need your input on exactly how these carriers are performing. Do you think they're doing a good job by providing a great network with a range of services and satisfying customer service? Most importantly, are they a good value? Your opinion counts so please share it below.
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| Product name |
MetroPCS |
Virgin Mobile |
Helio |
Boost Mobile |
Cricket Communications |
TracFone Wireless |
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| Review date | June 07, 2007 | March 21, 2008 | April 24, 2008 | April 21, 2008 | March 10, 2008 | April 24, 2008 |
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| Users' rating |
5.9 Average |
5.6 Average (
from 8
users)
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7.2 Very good (
from 9
users)
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8.2 Excellent (
from 4
users)
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7.1 Very good (
from 8
users)
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5.8 Average (
from 8
users)
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| Buying choices |
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| Local shopping | No local stores found | No local stores found | No local stores found | No local stores found | No local stores found | No local stores found |
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| Review summary | MetroPCS offers a basic phone selection, but its service plans come with few restrictions. | Virgin Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator that offers prepaid plans and music services for a young audience. | Helio is a young mobile virtual network operator that offers high-end handsets and services. | Boost Mobile is a youth-oriented carrier that runs on Sprint Nextel's network. | Cricket Communications provides monthly, no-contract wireless service across the United States. | TracFone is a nationwide MVNO that offers prepaid services on both CDMA and GSM networks. |
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| Product name | MetroPCS | Virgin Mobile | Helio | Boost Mobile | Cricket Communications | TracFone Wireless |
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| Full specifications | Full Specifications | Full Specifications | Full Specifications | Full Specifications | Full Specifications | Full Specifications |
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| Price range |
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