If you’ve been shopping for cheaper phone service, you may have come across Ting Mobile.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at everything you need to know about Ting Mobile before making the switch.
This article was updated in April 2024 and I review it every 12 months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here.
What To Know Before Signing Up for Ting Mobile
Ting Mobile is a low-cost cell phone service provider owned by Dish Wireless, which is the same parent organization of Boost Mobile and Republic Wireless.
Ting offers four postpaid plans and one pay-as-you-go plan (all contract-free) beginning at $10 for unlimited talk and text. Unlimited data plans begin at $25 for 5GB of high-speed data before unlimited 2G speeds (128 Kbps).
All of Ting Mobile’s plans run on T-Mobile’s network.
I checked out the details of Ting’s mobile plans, coverage, phone deals and more. I’ve also compared the carrier to other available phone plans and service providers to help you determine whether or not you should make the switch.
Table of Contents:
Below, you’ll find more information about Ting Mobile including what plans are available, how reliable the service is and whether or not you should consider it as your mobile carrier.
1. Plans and Pricing
Ting offers four different monthly unlimited mobile plans. These plans all include a set amount of high-speed mobile data (some or all of which can be used as mobile hotspot). After you’ve reached your monthly allotment of high-speed data, you’ll still have access to unlimited 2G speeds (128 Kbps).
In the table below, you can see each of Ting’s monthly unlimited mobile plans including the plan name, monthly cost, each plan’s high-speed data allotment and how much of that data can be used as mobile hotspot:
| Plan | Price | High-Speed Data | Mobile Hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set 5 | $25 | 5GB | All 5GB can be used as hotspot |
| Set 12 | $35 | 12GB | Up to 8GB can be used as hotspot |
| Unlimited | $45 | 22GB | Up to 12GB can be used as hotspot |
| Ollo™ Unlimited Pro | $55 | 35GB | Up to 18GB can used as hotspot |
Each of these plans includes unlimited talk and text as well as access to 5G/LTE speeds on T-Mobile’s network. Additionally, if you run out of high-speed data, you can add additional data for $5/GB, and any unused high-speed data that you’ve added carries over to the next month.
None of the plans include international features, but you can check calling and roaming rates online. These rates are charged in addition to your Ting Mobile monthly plan.
Ting does offer one additional mobile plan: Flex. This plan costs $10 per month for unlimited talk and text as well as pay-as-you-go data for $5/GB. The data you purchase with this plan can also be used as mobile hotspot data.
For more information on Ting’s mobile plans, visit the company’s website.
2. Network Coverage
Ting Mobile provides access to T-Mobile’s 5G and 4G/LTE networks. If T-Mobile offers coverage in your area, you’ll likely have reliable access to service with Ting Mobile.
To see if you’ll have coverage with Ting, visit the company’s website and enter your ZIP code.
Additionally, you can enter your ZIP code on T-Mobile’s coverage map for a more comprehensive overview of coverage in your area since they run on the same towers.
3. Activation Process
If you decide to make the switch to Ting Mobile, you’ll have to activate your service online. Ting doesn’t charge any activation fees for mobile service, but you will have to purchase a SIM card for $1. Currently, Ting Mobile does not support eSIMs.
To sign up for service with Ting, visit the company’s website and choose the mobile plan you’d like to purchase. You’ll have to create an account to get started using your full name, email address and a contact number.
Once you create your account, you’ll be able to choose whether you want to bring your own phone or browse new phones.
If you want to bring your own phone, be sure to check its compatibility online first. To do this, you’ll simply need to enter your phone’s 15-digit IMEI number.
After that, you’ll be able to check the coverage in your area and verify the monthly plan you want to purchase. You’ll also be able to determine whether you want a new number or if you want to port your current number. Then, you’ll be able to enter shipping and payment information.
Because Ting’s mobile service is postpaid, you’ll only have to pay for the SIM card (and phone if you choose to buy a new device) at the time of purchase. Your first month of service will be due on your first bill.
4. Phone Selection
Most people who are switching to Ting Mobile will want to keep their own phones for the most savings. You’ll just need to make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible before you get started.
However, if you do want to purchase a new phone through Ting, you’ll find a few to choose from.
At the time of writing (April 2024), Ting was offering four different smartphones. The cheapest phone I saw was a Motorola moto e (2020) for $99. Other phones included a Samsung Galaxy A03s for $159, a Samsung Galaxy A23 5G for $299 and an Apple iPhone SE for $429.
You can check out the full phone selection online. For more options, check out our top picks for the best places to buy an unlocked phone.
5. Data Speeds
One of the biggest concerns when switching to a prepaid carrier is that your data will be significantly slower. If you’re currently paying for an unlimited data plan from one of the major three cell phone service providers, you may be wondering if Ting Mobile will be able to meet your data needs.
Ting does not offer unlimited high-speed data with any phone plan. Instead, its unlimited plans include a set amount of high-speed data before deprioritization kicks in. At that point, data speeds will be throttled to 128 kbps.
High-speed data allotments range from 5GB per month for $25 to 35GB per month for $55.
Before you reach your monthly data allotment, you’ll have access to high-speed data through T-Mobile’s 5G and/or 4G/LTE networks. Of course, your actual data speeds vary based on a number of factors including your location and coverage in your area, the device you’re using, network traffic and more.
6. Customer Service
Ting Mobile can be contacted over the phone or via online chat.
To reach Ting Mobile over the phone, you can call 1-855-846-4389 for support. For help with new signups specifically, you can call 1-855-999-7266.
You can also chat with a live agent online by visiting Ting’s contact page and clicking “Chat online” during operating hours.
Live representatives are available over the phone every day from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET and available via online chat every day from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about switching to Ting for your mobile service, I recommend checking the coverage in your area and your phone’s compatibility first.
You can check coverage in your area by entering your ZIP code on Ting’s website. Then, you can check your phone’s compatibility with Ting Mobile by entering your phone’s IMEI number online.
When you sign up, know that you won’t have any activation fees as a new customer; however, a SIM card will cost $1. This is the only payment you’ll need to make upfront — the cost of your monthly plan will be due on your first bill.
Ting’s mobile service runs on T-Mobile’s network, so if T-Mobile has strong signal in your area, then switching to this low-cost carrier could be a great way to save. Compared to other T-Mobile MVNOs, Ting offers decent mobile plan prices. However, you’ll find cheaper plans with other carriers like Tello Mobile, Visible and Mint Mobile.
If you do decide to make the switch, be sure to check out this guide that we put together to take you step-by-step through the process. If you’re still looking for the best fit, you can find more options in our guide on the best cell phone plans and deals available now.
Have you tried Ting Mobile? Let us know in our Clark.com Community or check out the latest conversations around cell phones.
Article Updates
- April 2, 2024: Updated current phone selection and availability from Ting Mobile
