Best Cell Phone Plans in Thornton, WV in 2025

Coverage is still king: a few things to keep in mind

Coverage has gotten dramatically better for all carriers in the last few years, especially for Sprint and T-Mobile. While the country's two smallest carriers often had their coverage compared to Swiss cheese in the early 2000s, their LTE networks today are fully modernized, dense, and ready to perform well even during times of peak demand. With that said, it's a good idea to take a look at independent test results that show the strengths of each network. These tests, performed by RootMetrics, will help clarify which carrier is best for clear calls, fast data, or consistent texting.

Best for Calls: For the third time in two years, RootMetrics testing found that all four major carriers are almost the same in Thornton, WV when it comes to 'call performance.' This indicates that all four carriers have crystal clear calls, and that all four carriers rarely drop a call that has been initiated. That's great news if your main area of usage each month is wireless minutes.

Best for Texting: During the second half of 2016, RootMetrics testing found that AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile were tied for first place in overall texting performance. All three carriers had a near-100-percent success rate in sending and delivering texts. Sprint's texting performance was just a bit shy of making this metric a four-way tie.

Best for Data-Heavy Usage: This category is a bit more nuanced than the others. Overall, Verizon's LTE network delivered both the fastest speeds and the most reliable connections to customers in Thornton, WV. T-Mobile's average data speed increased dramatically in 2016, however, and AT&T showed improvement in average speeds as well.

Breadth of Coverage: All four carriers have an extremely broad network in Thornton, WV, with coverage almost everywhere. Sprint, which is still expanding its LTE network, has slightly less high-speed coverage. Even so, it has the high-density city and suburban areas covered very well.

Kinds of cell phone plans

Most Thornton, WV residents desire cell phone service that gives them all the minutes they want, all the texting they care for, and lets them freely use data. Deciding on a wireless plan is determined by several aspects such as data limitations, available minutes, and texting restrictions.

When you rely on a cellular phone for the majority of your exchanges, it's very reassuring to have a mobile package that accommodates you fully. You can research various companies and plans on this site to determine the amount of money you can save if you already have a cellular plan. The three types of mobile plans are: individual plans, family plans, and prepaid plans.

With an individual plan, you have a single line with a single rate for talking, texting, and data sharing. It doesn't come with any other lines or hardware. If you are a single adult, then a personal cell phone plan could be your smartest option.

Family plans allow you to have a wireless line for every one of your family members. Although family plans cost more, they're still your best option if you require multiple lines. Their prices are cheaper compared to having multiple personal plans also. Family plans usually split texts, minutes, and data usage between members, so you'll want to find a plan that's large enough to accommodate your whole family's requirements.

Prepaid or pay-per-use plans are versatile with regard to their price structures. Pay-per-use service has improved considerably since prepaid mobile phone cards first arrived on the scene. It's easy to buy a no-contract phone at your favorite shopping center in Thornton, WV and begin using it immediately. You pay just for how much you use it, but there may be extra charges. Additionally, phone costs are often more expensive unless you choose a very basic or inexpensive phone. A lot of prepaid mobile phone plans provide the most recent and cutting-edge smartphones also. Best of all, you aren't obligated to adhere to a contract.

With most contract plans, you'll have to be enrolled for at least two years, although a few service providers have one-year packages available. There is a fee you must pay every month, but you're required to keep on paying until the contract expires. If you decide to terminate it, you will be assessed an early cancellation charge, which means that any time remaining on your term will be added to the charge as a ratio along with an additional penalty.

Choosing a Suitable Plan

There are several factors to think about while comparing service providers and specific plans. You need to consider the number of individuals or separate mobile devices in your home. It's also important to look at non-voice communication features, such as data access and texting. Internet downloads are measured in gigabytes. Many cell phone providers no longer apply separate limits to texts or voice minutes, especially if users sign multi-year contracts.

Prepaid plans let users buy specific numbers of minutes. For instance, a person might pay $20 to talk for eight hours. The phone stops working after this time runs out. Inexpensive contracts may limit subscribers to less than 500 texts and/or minutes. An unlimited plan is typically more affordable for anyone who repeatedly communicates on a cellphone throughout the day.

Data bandwidth has become an important consideration for Thornton, WV smartphone users. People use it to browse the mobile Web and use online apps. Cell phone companies usually demand considerable monthly fees for plans with high data caps. Substantial extra charges may apply if a person exceeds the limit. It's wise to choose a service that provides more than enough bandwidth. Few providers allow subscribers to download unlimited amounts of data.

Thornton, WV cell phone carrier comparison

There are 4 major cell phone carriers in Thornton, WV. Other smaller carriers, called MVNOs operate using the larger carrier's networks. The big networks offer a lot of coverage, so you will likely find coverage for your area.

AT&T

AT&T offers an array of plans to fit your needs. From individual and family plans to pay-as-you go plans with unlimited data, there are many options for individuals and families from this carrier. Plans from AT&T are reasonably priced, but their overage charges can be expensive. To combat this, some plans offer rollover options.

Verizon Wireless

Verizon is the largest carrier in the U.S., offering coverage in remote areas where service can be spotty. This probably won't be an issue for you in Thornton, WV, but it's reassuring for travel. Verizon has a large selection of plans and phones, but they do not offer unlimited data, and their plans can be pricey.

Sprint

Sprint offers a number of budget-friendly plans, including ones that give you unlimited talk, text and data. These affordable plans are excellent for families, but not great for anyone that requires fast, consistent service. Sprint coverage is not the best and the data speeds can be slow. However, the price is often unbeatable.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile, who call themselves the “Uncarrier,” only offer no-contract plans. Their plans are affordable and most give you unlimited everything, including data. The downside to T-Mobile is their network. T-Mobile does not perform well in some areas, so if you want to consider one of their plans, be sure to check the coverage maps to make sure you'll have peak performance in your area.

MVNOs and other carriers

There are a variety of other carriers out there and some of them have some great deals. Using our cell phone comparison tool, you can find a plan that works for you and then see what's available from smaller carriers.