If you are looking for a simple way to lower your monthly expenses, listen up. One woman found a small change that saved her a lot of money on her phone bill—$60 every month, to be exact. Let’s dive into this easy trick and see how you can do the same.
How did she save so much on her phone bill?
Lauren Savalle, a 27-year-old stay-at-home mom from Phoenix, Arizona, was shocked when she realized how much money she could save by just switching her phone service. She had been paying $90 a month on her Verizon bill when she already owned her phone. Unsatisfied, Lauren did some digging and found out a surprisingly easy way to save.
She stumbled upon a company called Visible and, in fact, it is part of Verizon; she’d never heard of this place, but with a little digging on information about it, it turned out much simpler: a no-frills phone service devoid of all the extras Verizon offers. Moreover, it works off the very Verizon Towers. This costs just $45 a month. That isn’t all. They were running a promotion for new customers at the time: the first 25 months were only $30/mo.
“I had no idea about this until I saw a video and started researching,” Savalle said. “Who is gatekeeping this?” she asked, referring to the service that offers such savings.
Savalle made the switch and kept the same phone. As a result, her phone bill dropped from $90 to just $30. “It is literally Verizon, but at a fraction of the cost,” she said. “That is insane!”
How can a smaller service provider save you money?
Visible is an example of a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). This means that while the company does not own its own cell towers, it leases the network from major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. This helps keep costs lower for you while still providing great coverage and service.
Here are a few things to know about MVNOs:
- MVNOs use the same networks as bigger carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T).
- They do not offer all the extra features that major carriers do, which helps keep costs down.
- If you live in an area with good coverage, you can get the same quality service for a lot less.
However, there are some trade-offs. While the coverage is generally good, MVNOs sometimes offer less customer support, and during times of high network traffic, service may be slower or harder to use.
Why switch to Visible or other MVNOs?
You may be wondering, why should you consider making the switch, especially if you are happy with your current phone provider? Here are a few reasons why switching to a smaller MVNO like Visible could benefit you:
- Lower monthly cost: As Savalle demonstrated, you can slash your bill by over half.
- Same great coverage: If you are already getting good coverage with Verizon, you will likely get the same with Visible.
- No need to change your phone: If your phone is paid off, you can switch to Visible and keep the same device.
Are there any downsides to switching?
While the savings are tempting, switching to an MVNO may not be right for everyone. Some potential downsides include:
- Limited customer support: MVNOs may not have the same level of customer service as major carriers.
- Network congestion: During busy times, you may experience slower speeds or fewer available services.
- Coverage in rural areas: If you live in a rural area, the coverage might not be as reliable as it would be with a bigger carrier.
That said, many customers have reported positive experiences with MVNOs like Visible, Mint Mobile, and Cricket. These services can be a great option for those who want to save money while still enjoying solid phone coverage.
How to switch and save on your phone bill
Switching is easier than you might think. Savalle shared that it took her less than 10 minutes to make the change. You simply need to:
- Check if your phone is paid off: You need to own your phone outright to make the switch.
- Sign up with an MVNO: Research options like Visible, Mint, or Cricket to find the best deal for you.
- Transfer your number: Most MVNOs allow you to keep your current phone number when you switch.
- Start saving: Enjoy a lower bill without sacrificing the quality of service.
If you are looking to save money on your phone bill, switching to a service like Visible is definitely worth considering. Just like Savalle, you could be saving $60 a month or more. It might just be the easiest money-saving hack you’ve ever tried.