Best MVNO On Att Network For Unlimited Data - Complete Guide

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If you're hunting for the best MVNO on the AT&T network for unlimited data, you're in the right place. AT&T's network covers over 99% of Americans, making it a solid backbone for prepaid carriers — but not all AT&T-based MVNOs are created equal.

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What Is an MVNO and Why Does the AT&T Network Matter?

A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a wireless carrier that doesn't own its own cell towers. Instead, it leases network capacity from one of the big three carriers — Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T — and resells it at a lower price. This means you can get AT&T's coverage without paying AT&T's premium prices.

AT&T's network is particularly strong in the southeastern United States, rural areas across the South and Midwest, and major metro areas like Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta. If you live or travel frequently in these regions, an AT&T-based MVNO could be exactly what you need for reliable unlimited data coverage.

The tradeoff is deprioritization. As an MVNO customer, your data may be slowed during congested periods because AT&T's own postpaid customers get priority access. This is true across all three major networks, not just AT&T, so it's worth knowing before you commit.

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The Best MVNOs on the AT&T Network for Unlimited Data

There are two primary MVNOs operating on AT&T's network that offer unlimited data plans: Boost Mobile and Cricket Wireless. Both earned a score of 6/11 in our evaluation criteria, which puts them squarely in the mid-tier range when compared across all prepaid carriers.

Boost Mobile (6/11) — Unlimited Data on AT&T

Boost Mobile runs on AT&T's network and offers unlimited data plans starting around $25/month for a single line. Their unlimited plans include mobile hotspot data, which is a significant advantage over some budget-tier carriers. Boost has invested heavily in expanding coverage following its acquisition by DISH Network and subsequent transition to AT&T's infrastructure.

One area where Boost falls short is customer service and overall transparency. In our 11-point evaluation, Boost scored lower on user experience and support quality compared to top-tier MVNOs. They've also experienced some growing pains during their network transition period.

Cricket Wireless (6/11) — Simplified Unlimited Plans

Cricket Wireless, owned by AT&T itself, is technically a subsidiary rather than an independent MVNO — but it operates on the same AT&T network and offers prepaid pricing. Cricket's unlimited plan comes in at around $55/month for a single line (taxes and fees included), and they periodically offer multi-line discounts that bring the per-line cost down significantly.

Cricket is known for clean, simple plan structures with no surprise fees at checkout. Their unlimited plan includes 15GB of mobile hotspot, standard-definition video streaming, and no annual contracts. However, like Boost, Cricket scored 6/11 in our rankings, reflecting limitations in hotspot allowances and deprioritization policies compared to premium MVNOs.

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Comparing AT&T MVNOs for Unlimited Data Side by Side

Here's how the two main AT&T-network MVNOs stack up on unlimited data plans:

Feature	Boost Mobile	Cricket Wireless
Our Score	6/11	6/11
Network	AT&T	AT&T
Unlimited Price	~$25–$60/mo	~$55/mo
Hotspot Included	Yes	15GB
Taxes Included	No	Yes
Video Streaming	HD	SD (480p)
Data Breaches	Some history	None reported
International Calls	Add-on	Limited included

Both carriers are solid choices for AT&T coverage, but neither rises to the level of the best MVNOs available on other networks. If AT&T coverage is a hard requirement in your area, Cricket Wireless offers a slightly more polished, transparent experience for most users.

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Should You Choose an AT&T MVNO for Unlimited Data?

The honest answer is: it depends on your location. If AT&T is the strongest network in your area — particularly if you're in the southeastern U.S. or rural regions where AT&T's infrastructure dominates — then Boost Mobile or Cricket Wireless can serve you well for unlimited data.

However, if you have good coverage from Verizon or T-Mobile in your area, there are significantly better-rated MVNOs available. Our top-ranked carriers for unlimited data include options that score up to 10/11, compared to AT&T MVNOs sitting at 6/11. That's a meaningful gap in overall quality, pricing, and features.

Before locking in with an AT&T-based carrier, we recommend using our MVNO Plan Finder tool to check which network has the best coverage at your home address. Coverage maps can be misleading, and real-world signal strength varies more than most people expect.

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Better Alternatives: Top-Rated MVNOs Across All Networks

If you're open to T-Mobile or Verizon coverage, here are the top-rated MVNOs for unlimited data — carriers that significantly outperform AT&T-based options in our rankings.

Visible — Best Overall MVNO for Unlimited Data (10/11)

Visible runs on Verizon's network, the largest in the United States, and charges just $25/month with taxes included for unlimited data. There are no hidden fees, no annual contracts, and no data caps. Visible's unlimited plan includes unlimited mobile hotspot (at reduced speeds) and works on eSIM, making setup effortless.

Visible earned a near-perfect score of 10/11 in our evaluation because it combines outstanding network quality with transparent pricing and a strong security track record — including no reported data breaches. For most people looking for the best unlimited data plan, Visible is our top recommendation regardless of network preference.

Tello — Best Value Unlimited on T-Mobile (9.5/11)

Tello operates on T-Mobile's network and scored 9.5/11, making it one of the top-rated prepaid carriers in the country. Tello's unlimited plan starts at around $25/month and includes truly unlimited hotspot data — a feature that even many major carriers restrict. Plans are fully customizable, so you only pay for what you need.

Tello is an excellent choice for users who want flexibility along with reliable nationwide T-Mobile coverage. T-Mobile's network has expanded aggressively in recent years and now rivals Verizon in overall coverage, particularly in rural areas following the Sprint merger.

US Mobile — Best for Multi-Network Flexibility (9.5/11)

US Mobile is unique in that it operates on all three major networks — Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. That means if you specifically need AT&T coverage, US Mobile can provide it while still earning the benefits of a higher-rated carrier (9.5/11 vs. 6/11 for direct AT&T MVNOs).

US Mobile lets you build a custom plan or choose from preset unlimited options. Their multi-network flexibility means you can switch between networks without switching carriers, which is particularly useful for those who travel frequently between regions with different coverage strengths. Learn more in our US Mobile vs. Mint Mobile comparison.

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What to Look for in an AT&T MVNO for Unlimited Data

When evaluating any MVNO for unlimited data, there are several factors beyond the monthly price that matter. Here's what we evaluate in our 11-point scoring system:

Network Quality: How well does the underlying network perform in your area? For AT&T MVNOs, you get AT&T's towers, but at a lower priority tier than postpaid customers.

Hotspot Allotment: Many "unlimited" plans restrict how much data you can use as a mobile hotspot. Boost includes hotspot on unlimited plans; Cricket caps it at 15GB.

Price Transparency: Are taxes and fees included in the advertised price? Cricket includes them; Boost often does not, which can add $5–10/month to your bill.

Data Security: We check all carriers for reported data breaches. This is increasingly important as identity theft rises. Neither Boost nor Cricket has a spotless record here.

Customer Support: How easy is it to get help when something goes wrong? AT&T-based MVNOs score lower here compared to top-tier competitors.

For a broader look at how prepaid carriers stack up on privacy and security, see our guide on the safest prepaid carriers with no data breaches.

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Best Phone to Pair With This Plan

If you need an unlocked phone that works perfectly with AT&T-network MVNOs like Cricket or Boost — or top alternatives like Visible and Tello — we recommend the Google Pixel 9a. It's our top budget phone pick for 2026:

• Works with all US carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T networks)
• Supports eSIM + physical SIM for easy switching
• 7 years of software updates
• Excellent camera and battery life
• Around $499 unlocked

View Pixel 9a on Amazon →

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The Bottom Line

The best MVNO on the AT&T network for unlimited data is Cricket Wireless for most users, thanks to its cleaner pricing, taxes-included billing, and more reliable customer experience. Boost Mobile is a competitive second, especially if you find a promotional rate that undercuts Cricket's pricing.

That said, both AT&T MVNOs score just 6/11 in our comprehensive rankings. If AT&T coverage isn't a strict requirement in your area, Visible (10/11, $25/month on Verizon) and Tello (9.5/11, from $25/month on T-Mobile) offer dramatically better value and overall quality for unlimited data. Use our MVNO Plan Finder to compare coverage in your ZIP code before making a final decision.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which MVNO uses AT&T's network for unlimited data?

The two main MVNOs running on AT&T's network with unlimited data plans are Boost Mobile and Cricket Wireless. Cricket is technically owned by AT&T, while Boost operates as an independent carrier using AT&T's infrastructure.

Q: Is Cricket or Boost better for unlimited data on AT&T?

Cricket Wireless is generally the better choice for most users due to its transparent pricing (taxes included), simpler plan structure, and more consistent customer service reputation. Boost Mobile can be cheaper in promotional periods but has had more complaints regarding service consistency.

Q: How does AT&T MVNO unlimited data compare to Verizon or T-Mobile MVNOs?

AT&T MVNOs like Cricket and Boost score 6/11 in our rankings. By comparison, Visible (Verizon) scores 10/11 and Tello (T-Mobile) scores 9.5/11. Unless AT&T has significantly better coverage in your specific area, the Verizon and T-Mobile alternatives offer better overall value for unlimited data.

Q: Do AT&T MVNOs throttle unlimited data?

Yes. Like all MVNOs, AT&T-based carriers are subject to data deprioritization during network congestion. This means your speeds may slow during busy hours in heavily populated areas. AT&T's own postpaid customers receive higher network priority than MVNO subscribers.

Q: Can I keep my current phone if I switch to an AT&T MVNO?

In most cases, yes — as long as your phone is unlocked and AT&T-compatible. Most modern smartphones sold in the U.S. are compatible with AT&T's network bands. You can check compatibility on the carrier's website or by contacting their support team before switching.

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