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Your Guide To Cell Phone Coverage And Networks

There are four major carriers, and Tracfone gives you access to them all.

You’re probably familiar with the four major network carriers in the U.S.: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint. But did you know that Tracfone lets you use your phone on all four carriers? That’s right. We give you access to the largest and most dependable networks in America. Let’s take a closer look.

Four cell towers

GSM vs. CDMA

There are two main types of network technologies: GSM (Global System for Mobiles) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). They’re what keep our phones connected. T-Mobile and AT&T use GSM, while Verizon and Sprint use CDMA.

What’s the main difference? GSM phones require the use of SIM cards while CDMA phones don’t. The use of SIM cards gives mobile users the flexibility to switch between phones whenever they want. CDMA phones, on the other hand, use embedded serial numbers.

Nowadays, most Verizon and Sprint phones do have SIM cards, because SIM cards are required to support LTEᶧ coverage. However, these SIM cards don’t function the same way that GSM ones do. Regardless, you can register and activate your current phone with a Tracfone plan no matter which network it uses.

We've got your back

The type of technology a phone uses doesn’t really affect the overall mobile experience. That has more to do with how the carriers built their networks. That’s why they all offer different coverage in different parts of the country. Luckily, Tracfone lets you use your phone on all four major carriers, giving you access to Unbeatable Nationwide Coverage™. This means Tracfone has you covered just about everywhere in the U.S. Check your coverage right now to see what we mean.

The coverage you deserve

Choose an affordable, no-contract, 30-day Tracfone plan on America’s best networks.

At Tracfone, we make it easy for you to switch. You can either purchase a Tracfone phone or keep the one you already have. Questions? Visit our Help Center. No matter what device you use, you’ll get to choose from our affordable, no-contract, 30-day service plans all on America’s best networks.

Airtime Service Plan required for activation. Plans and phones sold separately. Tracfone is a registered trademark of TracFone Wireless, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, and trade names referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

†To get 4G LTE speed, you must have a 4G LTE capable device. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.