Image: US Mobile
US Mobile is one of the few MVNOs that offers access to all three major networks, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The carrier lets you pick which network you want when signing up, then switch later if you change your mind or discover another network has better service in your area.
The catch is that US Mobile has developed its own names for each network, making it hard to know which has the service you want. US Mobile's network names are:
- Dark Star for AT&T
- Warp for Verizon
- Light Speed for T-Mobile
Here's how each of US Mobile's networks stack up, which are best for different kinds of customers, and how the Multi-Network feature lets you use more than one network at a time.
US Mobile network quick guide
| US Mobile network | Underlying carrier | Key strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Star | AT&T | Unlimited premium data with no throttling | Nationwide coverage with strong rural reliability |
| Warp | Verizon | The largest 4G LTE map in the country | Rural coverage plus fast urban 5G speeds |
| Light Speed | T-Mobile | Largest and fastest nationwide 5G | Urban customers and frequent travelers |
Dark Star: AT&T coverage and the largest data allotments
Dark Star is US Mobile's name for its AT&T network, and right now it's the carrier's best option. US Mobile has attached its largest data allotments, best mobile hotspots, and highest-priority data speeds to plans on its Dark Star network.
- Network: AT&T 4G LTE and 5G
- Best for: Nationwide coverage with strong rural reliability
AT&T offers the second-largest 4G LTE and 5G networks in the country, with strong rural connectivity and widespread coverage.
During our US Mobile review, we measured data speeds as fast as 488Mbps on the Dark Star network, and overall performance was excellent. We had fast speeds and strong coverage in both rural and urban areas. Dark Star is generally the network we recommend for most customers when switching to US Mobile.
When on Dark Star, US Mobile's plans also add extra benefits that aren't available on the other two networks. The Unlimited Starter plan includes unlimited premium data, which is rare for a $25/month plan. The Dark Star Unlimited Premium plan includes completely unlimited premium data and 100GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data.
It also defaults to AT&T's high-priority QCI8 service tier, which is the same tier AT&T uses for its own postpaid customers. That means less deprioritization and better performance for things like HD streaming or gaming.
Warp: Verizon's rural coverage and fast urban 5G
Warp is US Mobile's name for its Verizon network. It's a great option for customers who need strong coverage in rural areas but can leave the fastest speeds to urban hubs.
- Network: Verizon 4G LTE and 5G
- Best for: Rural coverage plus fast urban 5G speeds
Verizon offers the largest 4G LTE network in the nation. That makes Warp a strong pick if you spend a lot of time in rural areas or on the highway, where Verizon's coverage tends to hold up better than AT&T or T-Mobile.
On the other hand, Verizon's 5G network is the smallest of the three overall. In most rural locations, Warp customers are limited to Verizon's 4G LTE network since 5G service simply isn't available. However, in the cities where Verizon offers its 5G, you'll find Verizon's 5G network offers super-fast ultra-wideband speeds.
During our Verizon network testing, we've seen data speeds as fast as 847Mbps on its 5G ultra-wideband network. However, since Verizon's 5G network is the smallest, keep in mind that your average speeds will be much closer to 50Mbps in most areas.
Light Speed: T-Mobile's largest-in-the-nation 5G network
Light Speed is US Mobile's name for its T-Mobile network. Its widespread 5G coverage makes it an excellent choice for urban and suburban customers.
- Network: T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G
- Best for: Urban customers and frequent travelers
T-Mobile has the largest 5G network in the country, making it the fastest option in most places. In our own US Mobile testing, Light Speed network speeds topped out around 350Mbps in an urban area near a 5G tower, with typical everyday speeds in the 20–40Mbps range. Those are excellent speeds for tasks like streaming, gaming, and scrolling social media.
However, while Light Speed has the largest 5G network, it struggles with rural performance from its smaller 4G LTE network. During our testing in remote areas, we sometimes had no signal at all, or speeds so slow the phone was effectively unusable.
If you live in a city, Light Speed is a great choice. If you're regularly out in rural or remote areas, Warp or Dark Star will likely serve you better.
How do you change networks on US Mobile?
US Mobile doesn't force you to pick one network and stick with it. You can switch between them directly on the US Mobile app or get the Multi-Network add-on for your plan to run two networks at once.
US Mobile network transfer
US Mobile's network transfer—previously called Teleportal—lets you move your number between networks without waiting for your plan to renew.
The Unlimited Starter plan gets two free switches total, while the Unlimited Premium plan offers unlimited free switching. You'll request the transfer on the US Mobile website or app, then enter your device's IMEI and install a new eSIM.
US Mobile advertises this as a 10-minute process. However, during my testing, it took almost two hours. While it worked in the end, you shouldn't count on it being instantly available.
US Mobile Multi-Network add-on
The Multi-Network add-on allows your phone to connect with two networks simultaneously through a dual eSIM. This gives you overlapping coverage and can help you always have the fastest speeds and strongest connectivity. US Mobile's Multi-Network add-on costs $10/month or $90/year ($7.50/month), but you can also get two months free to test the feature.
Multi-Network is also expected to be a permanent free perk included in US Mobile's new 001 membership program, alongside other premium offers like yearly device upgrades.
US Mobile international network coverage
While each of US Mobile's networks offers different domestic coverage, each also includes different levels of international coverage. Depending on your destination, you may find you want to switch networks before a big international trip to get the best coverage.
- Light Speed: Coverage in over 180 destinations
- Warp: Coverage in over 125 destinations
- Dark Star: Coverage in over 110 destinations
Light Speed is currently the best network for international travelers. I tested Light Speed for a week in Aruba, and it connected automatically and worked reliably for the whole trip. US Mobile has also worked to expand its Warp international roaming coverage, making it a solid option, too, in most destinations.
Switching to US Mobile
Ready to pick your network and switch? You can easily bring your phone to US Mobile and get access to its widespread coverage.
Unlimited Starter begins at $25/month and includes 70GB of premium data and a 10GB hotspot on Warp and Light Speed, or unlimited data and a 20GB hotspot on Dark Star. It's a solid mid-range pick for most people. We tested this plan firsthand for a month and found it to be one of the best values we've seen from an MVNO.
Unlimited Premium starts at $44/month and bumps you up to unlimited premium data on every network, plus a 50GB high-speed hotspot (100GB on Dark Star), free unlimited network switching, and up to 20GB of international data. Three or more Unlimited Premium lines on a family plan can also score you a free streaming perk like Netflix or Spotify. It's a solid option for power users who need a ton of mobile data for tasks like streaming, mobile gaming, or remote work.
US Mobile networks: FAQ
What network does US Mobile use?
US Mobile uses all three major networks: AT&T (Dark Star), Verizon (Warp), and T-Mobile (Light Speed). You choose which one to use when you sign up, and can switch later.
What is Dark Star network on US Mobile?
Dark Star is US Mobile's name for its AT&T network. It's currently the carrier's strongest option, offering unlimited premium data on both its unlimited plans and high-priority access on its top plan.
How does US Mobile's Multi-Network feature work?
The US Mobile Multi-Network paid add-on lets a compatible dual-eSIM phone connect to two US Mobile networks at the same time. This gives the phone a better chance of always having a phone signal or faster speeds.
How do I switch networks on US Mobile?
To switch networks on US Mobile, log into the US Mobile website or app and go to the Network Transfer option. You'll enter your device's IMEI and follow the prompts to request a switch. Once approved, you'll install a new eSIM for your new network while keeping your current phone number.
Is US Mobile's Multi-Network add-on worth it?
US Mobile's Multi-Network add-on is worth it if no single network gives you reliable coverage where you live and work. If one network already covers you well in the places you spend most of your time, you're better off skipping the paid add-on and using free network switching instead.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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