Carriers

At this point we can often take for granted just how great mobile carriers are. But if you're trying to troubleshoot an issue, considering a carrier switch, or want to make sure you have the right plan, we have you covered.

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Iridium satellite broadband concept in light of acqusition by Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab just made a deal to become the next Starlink

You might have a new alternative to SpaceX for satellite broadband.

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5 cheat codes to use on your Android phone

Your phone has hidden menus and features you probably didn't know about. Activate them with these secret codes.

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Google Fi text on Pixel 10 lock screen
Google Fi is the best carrier I’m not allowed to use

Google perks and smartwatch support make me wish I could subscribe.

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Cash App Mobile cell service
Cash App now has cell service—here's how it compares to mobile rivals

It's not the cheapest carrier, but it might be the simplest.

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Google Fi international travel.
Google Fi used to be the best for international travel—these cheap eSIMs beat it now

New options are available to travelers.

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This forgotten 2000s tech was supposed to be the ultimate Wi-Fi killer

Everyone thought this sci-fi tech would replace Wi-Fi—then it vanished overnight

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Google logo with green and blue message bubbles.
The SMS app is dead: Why Google Messages is now the only way to text on Android
RCS

You can use RCS in any way you like, as long as it's through Google Messages.

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Google Fi international travel.
3 reasons Google Fi is still the smartest MVNO for frequent travelers

Don't complicate your travels any more than you need to.

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Google Fi text on Pixel 10 lock screen
Google Fi's Flexible plan is still a good deal: Here's how I've used it for the past 8 years

Against all odds, it's still cool.

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Google Fi text on Pixel 10 lock screen
I've used Google Fi for 8 years—here's why I've stuck around for so long

It's not all about the monthly bill.

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iPad screen showing the cellular connection options.
Here's why I'll never buy a cellular tablet again
5G

There's almost always a better alternative

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Blue 3D text spelling 'MVNO', with some SIM cards beside it
MVNOs aren't just cheap—here's 3 things they do better than cellular carriers

Saving money is nice, but that's not all you'll get.

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Several people look happy while holding their phones.
Rethinking wireless value in 2026: Inside T-Mobile’s Better Value plan

This article is sponsored by T-Mobile

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A LoRa 32 package with a case and a battery next to it.
This $27 ESP32 kit lets you send texts without Wi-Fi or cell service

This might be your key to off-grid communication freedom.

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A router with a battery next to it, both with the Spectrum logo
Spectrum's new router has a 5G backup and 8-hour battery

Power outage? Someone dug up a fiber optic cable again? No problem.

Blue 3D text spelling 'MVNO', with some SIM cards beside it
4 things I wish someone had told me before I switched to an MVNO

Still, I have no regrets.

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Smartphone illustration with red warning symbols indicating connection failure and network outage
How to prepare for the next big mobile outage

Can you hear me now? Hello?

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Globe overlaid with a red warning triangle and 'WWW' text, surrounded by disconnected Wi-Fi icons against a blue background.
These 10 massive outages prove just how easily the internet can go dark

A single typo, a routine maintenance error, or a targeted attack can plunge millions into darkness.

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A Verizon retail location storefront.
Verizon will give you $20 for the outage, but you have to claim it now

Hurry and redeem what you're owed.

The front of a Verizon store in a city.
Verizon is having a nationwide outage, but AT&T and T-Mobile are still working

You're not alone.

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