Let’s face it, some of us can no longer function without our mobile phones nearby. We are spending more time looking at our mobile phones. Whether we are texting with friends and family nonstop or scrolling through social media platforms, the mobile phone is always close by. The cell phone service provider industry is an excellent example of the oligopoly market structure since it is characterized by a few larger producers that sell a homogeneous or differentiated product. The big three carriers in the United States include Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

However, in recent years, there have been more companies that have entered the industry as demand continues to grow. This means that customers have more choices when it comes to the plethora of plans and prices to choose from. Consumer Rating has compiled their list of the current carrier landscape that can potentially help you decide which to choose based on top recommendations.

Consumers may want to consider one of the mobile virtual network operators or MVNOs that are now available in recent years instead of Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. These MVNOs pay to use the major carrier’s network infrastructure. According to Consumer Rating, the top picks for the best mobile plans based off coverage, network reliability, data needs, plan flexibility, discounts/perks, and customer service include Mint Mobile, Visible, Total Wireless, Ultra Mobile, Kroger Wireless, and Consumer Cellular. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do the principles of cost-benefit analysis apply when selecting a mobile phone carrier, considering factors like pricing, service quality, coverage, and contract terms?
  2. What would make you switch from your current mobile phone carrier to a different mobile phone carrier? Discuss.