The article, from Engadget's tech-tips section, explains why consumers looking to cut mobile phone costs should consider mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) instead of the major US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon). Standard postpaid plans from the big three often cost $50-$100 a month, partly because customers need pricier tiers to access "free phone" deals and bundled extras. MVNOs lease network capacity from these major carriers but sell it more cheaply by avoiding physical stores, bundled subscriptions and in-house device financing, though their customers can face slower speeds during network congestion since network owners' direct customers get priority.

The piece outlines several MVNO options: Mint Mobile (owned by T-Mobile) offers prepaid plans from $15 a month with upfront payment; Visible (Verizon's MVNO) costs $25-plus a month for unlimited data; US Mobile lets users choose from all three major networks and offers family or custom plans; and Google Fi Wireless, at $65 a month for its premium tier, suits frequent international travellers with data that works in most countries abroad. Most MVNOs use prepaid billing rather than contracts, avoiding credit checks and long-term device payment obligations.