Why Clark Howard Switched His Cell Phone Service After 18 Years With T-Mobile

Clark was a T-Mobile customer for almost two decades, but it was time for a change. Clark explains why he decided to leave T-Mobile and which provider he selected for his cell phone service.

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[danklein]

I have been with Mint mobile for 3 years. $15.00 per month and never a problem. I am amazed at what people pay monthly for their cell phone service.

[mikef]

One thing to remember about going to a Mobile Virtual Network Operator ("MVNO") which carriers such as Mint, Google Fi, Spectrum, Visible, etc. are, is that they don't own and operate cellular networks (towers & switching centers) like the MNO"s AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile do. All MVNO's use the networks of the big three. As such, MVNO customers are secondary to direct customers of the MNO"s. You may not notice that in daily cell phone use, but if there is any network congestion, say at a sporting event, a major fire or accident, or anywhere there is abnormally high cell phone use, MVNO customer's data will be throttled first, and making a phone call may be delayed or at times impossible, because the direct customers of the big three will have priority.

If you can live with that, then yes, going to an MVNO will definitely save money. But, there's no such thing as a free lunch.

[seanfromme]

Why blame the Germans, LOL? Deutsche Telekom has owned T-Mobile US since 2001. Not a recent development. It's more that their continued acquisitions (Sprint, Mint, US Cellular) have continued to drive up the company's debt and they are struggling to overcome it.

[bohenriksson]

Recently looked into moving from ATT to T-mobile. Walked into several stores to inquire. Was uniformly mostly ignored, and when someone deigned to talk to me, rude. No thanks!

[fritzkabeano]

Been with T-Mobile since they were VoiceStream so I've got a few years on Mr. Howard. The reason I'll probably never leave T-Mobile is the $25 International add-on plan I got about 10 years ago. Unlimited highspeed data hotspot/tethering in the US/Canada/Mexico. So I basically have a cable modem in my pocket. Mr. Howard missed the boat when they offered that add-on plan!

[johnbrentford]

I will never do business with Verizon again for any reason.

[lindak]

I’m moving to Visible, I’m on their 15 day trial now. We moved to a rural area and T-Mobile does not have a tower close enough to get a signal. So far with Visible I get 2 bars. I didn’t like the fact that we was having to use our internet for calling. No electricity no phone. Thanks for this video to help me choose. I was on on their 55 and older plan which was $55 and my watch was $12 a month. Now I can get both for 32.91 a month! And get a signal.

[robho]

My 55 plus account went up $5 per line. They broke a promise that it would never go up. They also broke another promise about using a cc on file for a $10 discount. Now they want a checking account deduction for that discount. Even after data breaches. I am done starting August 1st. Had t mobile for 15 years.

[skeptick]

Had metro pcs a tmobile division and the service is fine, great price, 50 bucks for two lines, no problems whatsoever.

[tduck]

I've been thinking about switching from t mobile but omg comparing from carrier to carrier is awful. I feel that about just paying and doing what you have always done!!

[atlantabenplasma]

I would argue that, even with the high travel rate that Clark does (probably the highest rate of travel for Americans that aren't international businessmen), Google Fi is overpriced compared to just doing an international eSIM on a phone as a dual SIM add-on when traveling. They are so cheap per GB.

[jpHarkins-kbvv]

Sorry Clark you are wrong. The original owners of T-Mobile was Deutsche telekom. So it was founded and started in Europe. U.S. companies bought it and now it's Germany owns Tmobile.. NOT as you said. And yes Tmobile sucks.

[EVans-nwfe]

What about Patriot Mobile? The MSM will ignore them in their articles but they are a solid company with a good price

[therealmeachy]

"Tmobile is now owned..." 🤣🤣🤣 I now live in my current home. I also lived there 25 years ago, and every day since, but I do live there now.

[stainsafe]

There's a big point he is skipping. The smaller carriers usually don't off cell phone insurance, not anywhere as good as Assurant and the free stuff from t mobile makes a difference.. triple AAA membership. Free Netflix . Those things cost money on their own. That's why not totally sold yet

[Chowtime]

I also switched to Google Fi for the same reason you mentioned. I do like to travel to Europe and I don't have to worry Data or making phone calls. I used to be a T-Mobile customer and after spending 2 weeks in Europe I maxed out their allowance for data and all my services slowed down significantly. Now we Google fi I get 5G all the time.

[joannac]

I have had Mint Mobile for a few years. Absolutely love it and the yearly price.

[frankallen]

Had T Mobile, and since 2005, I have never called customer service. And there is no cable run companies anywhere near my house or land. Satellite is the only internet and tv option

[melaniestarkey]

I am a customer of T-Mobile 17 years now. They gave me the best customer service.

[jefftatchio]

Utah Jeff …. Here…. I quit going to the T-Mobile store …. I am on a very old plan …. 5 lines unlimited for $135 …. Every time I go there they want me to change to a new plan for $185. Why would I switch for the same plan costing $50 more. …. Do these high school think I am stupid? 20 plus years with T- Mobile ….they coverage still sucks however, especially on the Oregon coast.