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Mobile Plan ratings methodology

How our seven criteria contribute to a final score out of 10.

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Megan B. Shepherd

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Our methodology establishes an objective, data-driven framework for evaluating Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) wireless carriers targeting budget-conscious consumers. The framework is specifically designed to rate secondary mobile phone plan providers including Visible, Total Wireless, Straight Talk, Tracfone and similar providers.

Our methodology uses a weighted scoring system (1-10 scale) based on factors most important to the target customer demographic, with data sourced exclusively from first-party carrier information and reputable third-party review platforms.

Seven factors we consider for our scores

Rating CriteriaWeightDescription
Price Value25%Monthly cost for unlimited plans, taxes/fees inclusion, multi-line discounts
Network Quality20%Parent network reliability, coverage area, 5G access, deprioritization policy
Plan Features15%Data allotments, hotspot, international options, streaming perks
Flexibility15%Contract terms, BYOD support, plan variety, price guarantees
Customer Service10%Support channels, response times, resolution quality, hours of operation
Customer Satisfaction10%Third-party review ratings (Trustpilot, BBB, J.D. Power)
Transparency5%Clarity of pricing, terms disclosure, no hidden fees

What do our scores mean?

9+ Excellent
– These are the mobile plans that offer the best overall product, and should be considered an excellent choice for all consumers.

8+ Great
– These are very good options, may lack in one or more areas but overall are very good choices, worth considering for most consumers.

5+ Standard
– Usually, these plans fall short in one or more areas but based on specific needs, may still be a viable option balancing cost, coverage and feature considerations.

0-5 Basic
– These mobile plans are significantly lacking in one or more key criteria and should be avoided by most consumers in favor of better options.
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Editor, Loans & Insurance

Megan B. Shepherd is a personal finance expert and editor for loans and insurance at Finder. Her personal finance expertise has been featured on Forbes, Nasdaq, MediaFeed, Fox News, Time, Reviews.com, and carinsurance.com, adding invaluable information related to personal loans, financial strategies and smart borrowing tactics. Megan graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a BS in Business Administration with an entrepreneurial focus. She's worked as a certified financial adviser and has earned certificates of completion from A.D. Banker & Company. See full bio

Megan B.'s expertise
Megan B. has written 24 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Personal loans, business loans and home loans
  • Underwriting guidelines
  • Life, disability, car, health, accident, critical illness, dental and vision insurance
  • Policy comparison
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