What Network Does Mint Mobile Use? Your Carrier Questions Answered

Mint Mobile is a popular small prepaid carrier, or MVNO, that makes use of T-Mobile's coverage network to provide service to its customers. This is good news for Mint Mobile customers, since T-Mobile wields the most powerful 5G network in the country, and one of the best 4G networks.

In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the Mint Mobile coverage map, so you can decide if signing up for a cell phone plan aboard the carrier's network makes sense for you.

Mint Mobile 4G LTE Coverage

One look at the map above shows just how far-reaching Mint Mobile's 4G LTE coverage is. Aside from some dead zones in remote and rural areas of Nevada, Arizona, Southern Utah, Oregon, and isolated bits of the Mountain West, Mint Mobile's 4G network is present.

Mint Mobile 5G Coverage

Mint Mobile customers not only get access to T-Mobile's 4G network and coverage area, but its 5G network as well. A quick glance at the coverage map above shows just how formidable this 5G network is—and why it's currently the best in the country in terms of the amount of area it covers throughout the United States (side note: to see this 5G map, click over to "5G Basic," or "5G Enhanced" on the map).

While some of the same dead zones that are present in the Mint Mobile 4G coverage map are present on the 5G coverage map, rest assured that these areas will fill in with coverage in the coming months as T-Mobile continues to build out its 5G network.

Mint Mobile Towers 

Much like other small service providers, Mint is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). Essentially, what that means is they don’t have their own wireless infrastructure. Instead, they lease network access from one of the four major US network operators, in this case, T-Mobile. 

This partnership provides Mint Mobile customers with the same reliable coverage as T-Mobile’s customers. But, since Mint Mobile doesn’t have to worry about the complexities and costs of building and maintaining a network, they’re able to focus on what they do best — providing minty-fresh savings with a side of playful puns.

Mint Mobile Plans

Mint Mobile offers great nationwide coverage—and a range of low-cost cell phone plan to enjoy it with. This includes both unlimited data and limited data plans.

All Mint Mobile cell phone plans include unlimited talk and text (including free international calling to Mexico and Canada), free mobile hotspot usage, WiFi calling, and high-speed (4G LTE and 5G) nationwide coverage on T-Mobile's network.

Here’s a more detailed look at their current prepaid plans. Keep in mind that because these are prepaid plans, customers will have to pay a portion of the total cost upfront.

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Are you worried about unexpected data overages affecting your budget? Don’t be. If you go over your monthly data allotment, Mint Mobile phone plans reduce your speeds rather than charge you overages. If you need to maintain your access to high-speed data, you can easily top up your account or upgrade to an unlimited plan from the Mint Mobile App.

Mint Mobile Phones

As a budget-friendly provider, Mint Mobile encourages users to bring their own phones to its network, including Android models (like the latest Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel handsets) and Apple iPhones alike.

The carrier offers a convenient phone compatibility checker and SIM cards for hassle-free activation. However, if you're in the market for a new phone, Mint Mobile offers new customers six months free with the purchase of an eligible device on any 12-month data plan.

The Bottom Line

Before choosing any service provider, it’s always best to rank your priorities. If you're on the hunt for an affordable data plan with wide coverage, solid reliability, and a dash of witty sarcasm thrown in for good measure — then you just might be Mint to be. But if you’re in need of more premium data and prefer postpaid cell phone plans, try our free, unbiased Plan Finder below. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mint Mobile use AT&T Towers?

Mint Mobile does not use AT&T's towers. Instead, it operates on T-Mobile's network, relying on its towers for coverage. This gives Mint Mobile broad nationwide coverage that competes well with other carriers, especially for high-speed data plans.

Does Mint Mobile have hidden fees?

Mint Mobile is transparent about fees, so you'll know exactly what you're paying. The subtotal covers the cost of your selected plan, while the company says the Recovery Fee helps offset administrative expenses related to federal and state compliance. Fees are clearly laid out upfront.

Does Ryan Reynolds still own Mint Mobile?

No, Ryan Reynolds no longer owns part of Mint Mobile. In March 2023, T-Mobile acquired the company for up to $1.35 billion after getting the green light from the FCC. Reynolds, who held a 25 percent stake, reportedly made around $300 million from the sale.