Carriers that Use Multiple Networks

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Alternative Carriers that Use Multiple Networks

Some Prepaid carriers use more than one network. In some cases your wireless device will choose the best network available (the company decides which is "best" and it's not necessarily one with the best signal). In other cases you choose at signup which cellular network your phone will use, then stay with that network exclusively. Some carriers use Wi-Fi first for either Voice Calls or Data, and if they find no Wi-Fi signal will switch to one of the cellular networks. Ideally, you won't know what network you're using, everything happens automatically.

Using Multiple Networks:
Your phone can operate on more than one cellular network. Normally, network selection is automatic.

Using Your Choice of Networks:
You choose the network at sign up, then use that network exclusively. Normally, you can change networks if your first choice doesn't work well.

Using Wi-Fi Networks:
(These carriers use nearby Wi-Fi connections for Voice or Data, in addition to one of the cellular carriers)

Also known as "Wi-Fi First", these phones depend on apps or proprietary software. Switching among networks, Wi-Fi or cellular, is usually seamless. However, Wi-Fi networks can be available in places where cellular is not, such as a basement, and losing Wi-Fi may mean losing service in those locations. This technology works well for customers who use wireless at home or work, but Wi-Fi networks also suffer from having a Wi-Fi signal that is too weak to use, but too strong to switch to the partner cellular network.

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