Everything is more expensive now, so if you're looking for ways to cut down monthly bills, your mobile phone plan can be a great place to start. You might already be on a plan from AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile and realize you aren't using all the features you're paying for. Or perhaps you can get by with a limited amount of wireless data each month instead of an unlimited firehose. The picks below have many of the same features as you'll find from the "big three" carriers.
With the three major carriers in the US, you’re paying to use their infrastructure, and if there aren’t any high-speed towers in your area, you’re out of luck. By contrast, US Mobile calls itself a Super Carrier because, without a network of its own, it rides those of the three big US carriers' networks. US Mobile's plans are given special names -- no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition -- and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon and Light Speed is T-Mobile.
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Pros
- Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed"
- 10GB high-speed data, then unlimited at slower speed
- Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
- 5GB of hotspot data
Cons
- Limited times you can switch networks for free
- The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan
- Phone data slows to 1Mbps after high-speed data is used up
- Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
If Verizon’s network is strongest in your area, Visible by Verizon’s single-named Visible plan is a competitive option at $25 a month when paying monthly. You can cut that down to about $23 by prepaying for an entire year at $275, but even that turns out not to be the best option. When you sign up for 12 months on the monthly plan as a new member, use the code FRESHSTART at checkout to knock the price down to $20 a month. You need to stick with Visible for the full consecutive 12 months without switching plans to keep that rate, or else it goes back to $25 (which is still cheaper than many competitors). (Visible swaps its discount codes on a regular basis, so check the site for the latest deals.)
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Pros
- Runs on Verizon's network
- Unlimited hotspot data
- Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada
- Taxes and fees are factored into the sticker price
- Frequently offers deals for committing to 12 or 24 months (check site for latest offer)
Cons
- Best pricing requires a full year commitment and is limited to new customers
- No access to fastest 5G Ultra Wideband network
- Cheapest rate requires promo code and multi-month commitment
- No phone support, although the company touts 24/7 access to "human assistance" via chat
When looking at setting up multiple lines, you could go with a set of US Mobile's Unlimited Flex plans for $17.50 a month, or mix and match the company's other plans. So why am I recommending the Unlimited Starter plan, which currently costs $16.60 a month for new subscribers if you prepay for a year? It's less expensive than Flex plans and offers more features, but keep in mind that after 12 months, the rate returns to $25 a month.
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Pros
- Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed"
- Unlimited high-speed data
- 20GB of hotspot data
- 1GB international data
- Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
Cons
- Limited times you can switch networks for free
- The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan
- Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
Looking at the Google Fi Wireless plans, the Ultimate Essentials stands out for a group of four lines by coming in at $90, or just $23 per person for a month (plus taxes and fees). That's the inexpensive pick, but not necessarily the value choice. For just $10 more at $100 for four lines, the Unlimited Standard plan includes 50GB of high-speed data, 25GB of hotspot tethering and free calls to Canada and Mexico for each line. On compatible phones, you get 5G access for unlimited talk and text, which is largely carried by T-Mobile's network. And currently, Google has a deal that drops the price down to $75 a month for four lines, or $18.75 per person, for 12 months.
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Pros
- Runs on T-Mobile's network
- Can add Samsung or Google cellular smartwatches at no extra charge
- Includes hotspot data
- Free international calls and texts to Mexico and Canada
Cons
- High-speed hotspot data counts toward monthly high-speed data usage
- Taxes and fees not included
Today’s phones are so data-consuming that it's hard to imagine not using any data at all. And yet that's pretty close to what you'd be opting for with TextNow's Free Flex Plan, which includes just 550MB (yes, megabytes) of data at up to 5Mbps, which is then throttled to 128kbps. And the cost is... nothing. Well, there's a $5 fee for purchasing a SIM card, but you can bypass that with TextNow's new eSIM options.
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Pros
- Runs on T-Mobile's network
- Free talk and text
Cons
- Need to use the TextNow app to call and text
- App has ads
- Minimal cellular data
- No access to services such as WhatsApp over cellular
- Adding data is pricey
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What is the best cheap phone plan?
We've broken this list down into some common categories, such as plans for people who need a single line, plans for families or other groups of four and options if you want limited (or even zero) mobile data. None of the big carriers made the list, even though some of their budget plans come close. You'll also see that US Mobile nabbed several spots, thanks to its plans' prices and the carrier's unique method of working with the strongest wireless network in your area. As you take these recommendations into consideration, think about which features are most important to you; for example, having high-speed 5G data is definitely a bonus, but if you own an old phone or are in an area that's light on the fastest 5G speeds, you don't want to be paying for premium data.
Best cheap single lines with unlimited data
Pros
- Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed"
- 10GB high-speed data, then unlimited at slower speed
- Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
- 5GB of hotspot data
Cons
- Limited times you can switch networks for free
- The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan
- Phone data slows to 1Mbps after high-speed data is used up
- Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
With the three major carriers in the US, you’re paying to use their infrastructure, and if there aren’t any high-speed towers in your area, you’re out of luck. By contrast, US Mobile calls itself a Super Carrier because, without a network of its own, it rides those of the three big US carriers' networks. US Mobile's plans are given special names -- no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition -- and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon and Light Speed is T-Mobile.
That sounds convoluted, but it means you can switch to a better network for your area if needed without transitioning to an entirely new carrier. You still need to choose one, but you get two free network transfers and then pay $2 per transfer if you want to switch again after that -- it’s a good way to test which one works best in your area.
But to be fair, it can still get a little complicated, depending on the network. Dark Star data speeds are at a reduced priority (dubbed QCI 9) in times of network congestion; for an additional $12 per month, you can bump that up to a higher priority (QCI 8). With the Warp level, data speeds are at QCI 9 on 5G devices (plans in place before Aug. 18, 2025 are grandfathered in at the QCI 8 speed). The Light Speed level is of even higher priority at QCI 7.
The Unlimited Flex plan gives you 10GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at 1Mbps, for just $17.50 a month if you purchase an annual plan. (Otherwise it’s $25 a month.) Hotspot data is 5GB, but US Mobile says, "Hotspot data usage above this may be capped." International calls and texts from inside the US are included, but if you’re traveling, you’ll need to buy add-on roaming packages costing either $15 (1GB, 150 minutes, 150 texts) or $30 (5GB, 500 minutes, 500 texts).
Why we like it
It’s an inexpensive plan with taxes and fees rolled into the price, plus you get the ability to surf among the major carrier networks to find the one that works best for your area.
Who it’s best for
Someone looking for a simple phone line who doesn’t expect to use much data.
Customer service options
• Online: US Mobile
• Phone: 878-205-0088
• Store: n/a
• App: US Mobile iOS, Android
Pros
- Runs on Verizon's network
- Unlimited hotspot data
- Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada
- Taxes and fees are factored into the sticker price
- Frequently offers deals for committing to 12 or 24 months (check site for latest offer)
Cons
- Best pricing requires a full year commitment and is limited to new customers
- No access to fastest 5G Ultra Wideband network
- Cheapest rate requires promo code and multi-month commitment
- No phone support, although the company touts 24/7 access to "human assistance" via chat
If Verizon’s network is strongest in your area, Visible by Verizon’s single-named Visible plan is a competitive option at $25 a month when paying monthly. You can cut that down to about $23 by prepaying for an entire year at $275, but even that turns out not to be the best option. When you sign up for 12 months on the monthly plan as a new member, use the code FRESHSTART at checkout to knock the price down to $20 a month. You need to stick with Visible for the full consecutive 12 months without switching plans to keep that rate, or else it goes back to $25 (which is still cheaper than many competitors). (Visible swaps its discount codes on a regular basis, so check the site for the latest deals.)
For that price, you get unlimited talk, text and data on Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G networks, but not at the fastest 5G Ultra Wideband speeds, even if your phone supports it. Hotspot data is also unlimited but capped at 5Mbps speeds. Calls and texts to Mexico and Canada while you’re in the US are unlimited, too; if you’re traveling, Visible’s Global Pass costs $5 a day in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands or $10 a day for 2GB of data in more than 140 countries.
Why we like it
Unlimited data, even if it’s not at the highest 5G and hotspot speeds, is still worthwhile for the price.
Who it’s best for
People in strong Verizon coverage areas who want to save money.
Customer service options
• Online: Visible Help Center
• Phone: n/a, live chat only
• Store: n/a
• App: Visible iOS, Android
Pros
- Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed"
- Unlimited high-speed data
- 20GB of hotspot data
- 1GB international data
- Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
Cons
- Limited times you can switch networks for free
- The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan
- Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
When looking at setting up multiple lines, you could go with a set of US Mobile's Unlimited Flex plans for $17.50 a month, or mix and match the company's other plans. So why am I recommending the Unlimited Starter plan, which currently costs $16.60 a month for new subscribers if you prepay for a year? It's less expensive than Flex plans and offers more features, but keep in mind that after 12 months, the rate returns to $25 a month.
Even without the discount, that's still a competitive rate for what the plan includes. You get unlimited high-speed data (which can be slowed after 70GB of use on the Warp and Light Speed networks), 20GB of hotspot data and 1GB of data to use when traveling internationally.
As a refresher, US Mobile calls itself a Super Carrier because you can use whichever major carrier network is strongest in your area. "Dark Star" is AT&T, "Warp" is Verizon and "Light Speed" is T-Mobile. One downside is that data priority for the Unlimited Starter plan is reduced during network congestion (technically classified as QCI 9; the other US Mobile plans are either the higher-priority QCI-8 or offer the option to upgrade to it). Also, if you travel to an area in the US that doesn't have your chosen network, you get 10GB of "domestic roaming."
Why we like it
It’s an affordable bump up from the Unlimited Flex plan, with unlimited high-speed data and hotspot data that works on any of the "big three" carrier networks.
Who it’s best for
People who don’t want to pay much for high-speed data.
Customer service options
• Online: US Mobile
• Phone: 878-205-0088
• Store: n/a
• App: US Mobile iOS, Android
Pros
- Runs on T-Mobile's network
- Can add Samsung or Google cellular smartwatches at no extra charge
- Includes hotspot data
- Free international calls and texts to Mexico and Canada
Cons
- High-speed hotspot data counts toward monthly high-speed data usage
- Taxes and fees not included
Looking at the Google Fi Wireless plans, the Ultimate Essentials stands out for a group of four lines by coming in at $90, or just $23 per person for a month (plus taxes and fees). That's the inexpensive pick, but not necessarily the value choice. For just $10 more at $100 for four lines, the Unlimited Standard plan includes 50GB of high-speed data, 25GB of hotspot tethering and free calls to Canada and Mexico for each line. On compatible phones, you get 5G access for unlimited talk and text, which is largely carried by T-Mobile's network. And currently, Google has a deal that drops the price down to $75 a month for four lines, or $18.75 per person, for 12 months.
Not so great is the drop-off of data speeds after you’ve exhausted the 50GB of high-speed data -- then the service crawls at 256kbps for the rest of the month. You can pony up $10 per gigabyte to get back into the fast lane if needed, but that can get expensive real quick. Also, that 25GB of high-speed hotspot data counts toward the 50GB of fast data.
Why we like it
Compared with similarly priced prepaid plans by Metro or Cricket, Google Fi Wireless comes out ahead at the same price with its 50GB of high-speed data and hotspot feature.
Who it's best for
It's an affordable plan for a family with average data needs.
Customer service options
• Online: Google Fi Wireless
• Phone: 844-825-5234
• Store: n/a
• App: Google Fi
Pros
- Runs on T-Mobile's network
- Free talk and text
Cons
- Need to use the TextNow app to call and text
- App has ads
- Minimal cellular data
- No access to services such as WhatsApp over cellular
- Adding data is pricey
Today’s phones are so data-consuming that it's hard to imagine not using any data at all. And yet that's pretty close to what you'd be opting for with TextNow's Free Flex Plan, which includes just 550MB (yes, megabytes) of data at up to 5Mbps, which is then throttled to 128kbps. And the cost is... nothing. Well, there's a $5 fee for purchasing a SIM card, but you can bypass that with TextNow's new eSIM options.
The catch is that calls and texts happen inside the TextNow app, not in the phone, messages, WhatsApp or other communications apps that use data. And because you're locked into the app, you're also served ads. TextNow uses T-Mobile’s network for wireless access. If you do need data access, TextNow has "passes" you can purchase, including a $3 day pass with 2GB of high-speed data and then unlimited 2G data. There's also a $9 weekly pass with 5GB of high-speed data and a $36 month pass with 20GB of high-speed data and no ads, but if you're spending that much, it makes sense to go with a cheaper plan from another provider with more options.
Why we like it
Aside from the optional fee for purchasing a SIM (if you don't go for the eSIM option) and putting up with ads, it's hard to beat free.
Who it's best for
Someone who rarely needs to use a phone, or has a basic phone as a backup or burner.
Customer service options
• Online: TextNow Help
• Phone: n/a
• Store: n/a
• App: TextNow app
Pros
- Cheap rate for 2GB of data
- Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed"
- 2GB high-speed data
- Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
Cons
- Limited times you can switch networks for free
- International calling is a separate add-on
- Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
It’s easy to get wrapped up in unlimited data plans and streaming perks, but some people just need a way to connect to their friends and family with a little bit of data to get them through the month. If you’re usually connected to Wi-Fi or need a phone line just for emergencies, the US Mobile Light Plan is the most affordable option.
The plan includes unlimited talk and text and 2GB of premium data. If you prepay for a year, it costs $96, including taxes and fees, which breaks down to $8 a month. (You can choose to pay monthly at $10 a month.) Did 2GB turn out to be too little data? You can add a "Top Up" for $2 per gigabyte.
US Mobile’s approach is to use all three major carriers’ infrastructure, allowing you to test and choose which one is the best in your area. They’re given special names -- no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition -- and they break down like this: "Dark Star" is AT&T, "Warp" is Verizon and "Light Speed" is T-Mobile. If you want to switch to switch between networks, you can do so up to two times free; after that there's a $2 Network Transfer charge.
Why we like it
The cost is low and you can jump onto whichever carrier’s network is strongest in your area.
Who it’s best for
Someone looking for a simple phone line who doesn’t expect to use much data.
Customer service options
• Online: US Mobile
• Phone: 878-205-0088
• Store: n/a
• App: US Mobile iOS, Android
| Plan | Cost 1 line (AutoPay) | Cost 4 lines (AutoPay) | High-speed data | Hotspot data limit | Price guarantee | Max number of lines | Streaming resolution | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Fi Wireless | Unlimited Standard | $50 | $100 | 50GB | 25GB | n/a | 6 | 480p (SD) |
| TextNow | Essential Data | Free | n/a | 350MB | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| US Mobile | Unlimited Flex | $17.50 | $70 | 10GB | 5GB | n/a | Unlimited | 480p (SD) |
| US Mobile | Unlimited Starter | $16.60 | $66.40 | Unlimited | 20GB | n/a | Unlimited | 480p (SD) |
| US Mobile | Light Plan | $8 | n/a | 2GB | n/a | n.a | 1 | 480p (SD) |
| Visible | Visible | $19 | n/a | Unlimited | 15GB | n/a | n/a | 480p (SD) |
This guide has been overhauled since its last update, with new recommendations and updated pricing.
A wireless carrier saying it offers 5G is like me saying I have a car. Good for me -- but what make and model is it? Does it run reliably? Can it actually get up to the top speed on the speedometer or will it sputter when I try to merge onto the freeway? And could I have gotten the same performance if I'd paid less for a model without extras such as heated seats and a TruCoat sealant?
As you're evaluating carriers, keep the following things in mind.
CNET's video producer, Carly Marsh, films senior technology reporter, Abrar Al-Heeti as she tests the Galaxy S26 ultra at MWC 2026.
Tara Brown/CNETKnow your area
Wireless coverage can make or break a plan. If you aren't getting reliably fast connections, or if calls often drop or aren't picked up, then you could be paying for more than you're getting. Fortunately, most areas of the US are blanketed by some type of cellular coverage, so there aren't as many dead zones as there used to be. (And now satellite service is starting to fill those holes.) The major companies are also putting a lot of money and effort into broadening their coverage.
On the other hand, even in a dense area, one carrier's network may be stronger than another's, or signals could be reduced due to interference. So the best approach is to ask friends or family members which services they use and if the quality is acceptable. You can also test-drive services to see how your devices work in your area. (See the FAQ below for more on how reliable coverage maps can be.)
Know your deals and discounts
One other thing to keep in mind: discounts. All the carriers offer additional discounts you could be eligible for, depending on your employer, military status, student status or age.
First responders, military members, veterans, nurses and teachers can get discounts from every major carrier. Verizon has discounts for students, while T-Mobile's Work perk could knock 15% off the monthly price of an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan, with AT&T offering a similar program for its Premium 2.0 plan. AT&T also has a promotion for teachers that offers 20% off its latest unlimited plans.
If you're 55 or older, you may also be eligible for a discounted plan: T-Mobile offers discounted plans nationwide for as low as $60 a month for two lines. Verizon and AT&T offer similar options, but only for Florida residents.
It's also worth noting that some carriers may advertise different rates geared toward switchers on their websites -- for example, if you bring your own phone (not trade in and finance a new one on an installment plan). Our recommendations reflect the actual rate outside of these very specific promotions.
Know which carriers run on which networks
The main mobile infrastructure in the US is provided by networks belonging to T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. Prepaid carriers and mobile plans from cable companies (such as Xfinity Mobile) use those networks for connectivity. So it’s important to know which network is strongest in your area. Here’s a list of the companies listed here and the networks they use (in bold), plus some of the other alternative providers:
• US Mobile: AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile
• Visible: Verizon (which owns it)
• Google Fi Wireless: T-Mobile
• TextNow: T-Mobile
• Cricket: AT&T (which owns it)
• Mint Mobile: T-Mobile (which owns it)
• Metro: T-Mobile (which owns it)
• Tracfone: Verizon (which owns it)
• Total Wireless: Verizon (which owns it)
• MobileX: Verizon
• Boost Mobile: AT&T
Picking a wireless plan and carrier is a highly personal process. What works for you and your family's needs may be vastly different from what your friends or neighbors are looking for. Even geographically, some areas have better AT&T coverage, while others work best on Verizon or T-Mobile. The picks we make are based on more than a decade of covering and evaluating wireless carriers, their offerings and overall performance.
Specifically, we take into account coverage, price/value and perks.
A worker climbs a cell tower.
T-MobileCoverage
Since all three major providers cover most of the country with reliable 4G LTE or 5G, this is largely a toss-up on a macro level. It's why we recommend a variety of eSIM options for figuring out what works best for you in your particular location, so you can best decide what's right for you. Looking at coverage maps on each provider's website will likely show that you get good coverage even if your experience isn't full bars or the fastest speeds.
Price/value
Value is factoring in the total experience you might get, such as how much high-speed data you get and what's included in the sticker price. We also take into account whether a plan includes typical taxes and fees, or whether those are charged separately, inching your monthly bill up higher.
Perks
Perks are add-ons beyond the core components of wireless service (talk, text and data). This could range from bundling in or discounting streaming services, to extra hotspot data or the ability to use your phone internationally.
What's the difference between "prepaid" and "postpaid" plans?
When you're choosing a phone plan, there are generally two main options: a postpaid carrier such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile (plus cable options like Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile) and prepaid providers such as Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Google Fi Wireless and Cricket.
The difference boils down to this: With postpaid, you're paying for your plan after you've used your service, while prepaid lets you buy that allotment in advance.
Prepaid providers are generally cheaper than postpaid options, though they're also often (but not always) more limited when it comes to additional streaming perks, hotspot data or device discounts. For instance, to get a several-hundred-dollar trade-in credit toward a new iPhone, Pixel or Galaxy, you often will need to commit to a postpaid plan from one of the "big three" carriers and be willing to stay with that provider for 24 to 36 months.
All three of the major wireless carriers also offer various discounts on the plan pricing depending on age, employment, military or veteran status or if you or someone on your family plan is a nurse, teacher or first responder. You can find details here for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
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How reliable are coverage maps?
The three major companies in the US -- AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon -- offer services directly and have robust nationwide networks that offer 4G LTE (fast) and 5G (even faster) data. They all promise coverage that blankets most of the US, and they're actively trying to build out 5G coverage everywhere they can.
But maps are one thing and experience is another. That's why it's impossible to say that one carrier is objectively better than another. For example, T-Mobile's service in New York may be excellent, but Verizon may be more reliable in parts of rural Iowa. Or you may have basic 5G coverage but not faster millimeter wave 5G.
If possible, ask neighbors, friends or family near you about which carriers they use and how fast or reliable the wireless service is. And don't forget to take into consideration not just where you live, but the places you frequent: Your house might get a clear connection, but your workplace could be in a cellular black hole.
You may also be able to test-drive a network; go to a carrier's store and ask if there are free ways to try out the company's service. T-Mobile offers a free three-month Network Pass, Verizon has a 30-day "trial" program and AT&T has its own 30-day eSIM free trial program.
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What to know about 5G
"5G" is an umbrella term that encompasses the current fifth-generation cellular wireless network technologies. All the major carriers and phones support 5G connections, which can offer faster data speeds than older technologies such as 4G LTE or 3G.
Essentially, there are three types of 5G: Millimeter-wave ( or "mmWave"), which can be fast but has limited range; low-band 5G, which has slower speeds but works on a broader range; and midband, which is a balance between the two that's faster than low-band but also covers a larger range than millimeter-wave. Midband also incorporates C-band, a batch of spectrum auctioned off by the Federal Communications Commission in 2021.
Your phone's 5G connection depends on which type blankets the area you're in, as well as other factors, such as population density and infrastructure. For instance, mmWave is super fast, but its signals can be thwarted by buildings, glass, leaves or being inside a structure.
When your device is connected to a 5G network, it can show up as several variations such as 5G, 5G Plus, 5G UW or others, depending on the carrier. Here’s a list of icons you see at the top of your phone for the major services:
AT&T: 5GE (which isn't actually 5G, but rather a sly marketing name for 4G LTE), 5G (low band), 5G Plus (mmWave, midband)
Verizon: 5G (low band, also called "Nationwide 5G"), 5G UW/5G UWB (midband and mmWave, also called "5G Ultra Wideband")
T-Mobile: 5G (low band), 5G UC (midband and mmWave, also called "Ultra Capacity 5G")
There's also 5G Reduced Capacity (5G RedCap), which is a lower-power, smaller-capacity branch of 5G used by devices such as smartwatches and portable health devices; the Apple Watch Ultra 3, for example, connects via 5G RedCap.
Just around the corner is 5G Advanced, promising much faster speeds due to carrier aggregation, or combining multiple spectrums.
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