Is Altice Mobile worth it?

Launching in 2019, Altice Mobile is unique in its offerings and network structure – and it is one network you should check out.

Altice Mobile offers more than you would normally expect from a mobile network operator. When you sign up for their service, you get tethering, unlimited voice, tethering, and data, as long as you use it within the U.S. Additionally, you get (almost) unlimited voice, data, and text roaming services in 35 countries –making Altice Mobile worth using.

What is Altice Mobile?

The company is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) with its beginnings in late-2019. Its network structure mainly uses AT&T and Sprint’s LTE roaming partners and networks, increasing their reach as long as either of the two networks is available.

Altice US operates the network, which also has its footing in Suddenlink and Optimum Internet ISPs that serve markets such as Texas, New Jersey, and New York.

You can access their service when you pay a monthly fee of $30 (or $20 if you have a Suddenlink or Optimum subscription) and an activation fee of $10. Some of their offerings include:

• Unlimited text, voice, and data when traveling abroad in at least 35 countries
• Unlimited international text and voice from the U.S. to at least 35 countries
• Unlimited video streaming
• Unlimited mobile hotspot
• Nationwide coverage and unlimited text, voice, and data

You can use the network on your BYOD (unlocked device) or opt for Moto, Samsung, and Apple smartphones.

Summary about Altice Mobile

 Phone plans

The company offers a discount of $10 monthly on all plans as long as you are a Suddenlink or Optimum user. Other than this, they offer three plans:

• The $20 and $12 plans only apply to new Altice Mobile subscribers, and a current subscriber cannot switch to them unless you purchase a new line and add it to your account.
• A residential customer account can manage a maximum of 5 lines, while a business account can manage a maximum of 10 lines.
• All plans have a hotspot available.
• Data top-ups only work for the $12 and $20 plans. You buy 1 GB at $6 that lasts for up to 30 days.

Are there any catches?

The short answer is ‘yes’. Even though most people will not mind the caveats, some people will think of them as deal-breakers. These terms are:

Limited availability

The availability of Altice Mobile is low compared to other mobile networks, as you can only access its full benefits if you live in a ZIP code within Suddenlink and Optimum service areas.

Limited handset compatibility

If you already own an unlocked mobile device and want to sign up for the Altice Mobile service, you must provide its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number.This means that Altice Mobile supports few unlocked handsets, with the most supported ones beingrecentSamsung and Apple devices.

On the other hand, if getting a new compatible handset is not your preference, you can opt to pay an additional fee and bundle a new smartphone compatible with the Altice Mobile service. An instance would be using an iPhone 10 alongside the service for an additional $20 monthly. While this is a reasonable deal, the problem again lies in the limited device compatibility.

The complicated activation process

With most SIM cards, the activation process only involves inserting them into the device – however, Altice Mobile SIM cards have an entirely different process. The catch is the activation of the SIM card depends on your physical location – your location must be within the Altice US’ Suddenlink and Optimum service areas.

You cannot swap devices

Once you activate your SIM card, you can forget about swapping phones. When you provide your device’s IMEI number, the network only whitelists the devices that have the Altice SIM card – in other words, only the device you signed up with.

Pros

• Good coverage
• Competitive pricing
• Includes a reliable mobile hotspot
• It has very good data speeds, with some areas including 5G
• Offers extensive international data roaming packages

Cons

• Mobile hotspot speed is limited to 600 Kbps
• Limited handset support
• Cannot swap phones easily
• Its service activation only happens in areas where Suddenlink and Optimum operate

Conclusion

There is plenty to love about Altice Mobile, as they offer a nationwide mobile service that is reliable and competitively-priced international data roaming. However, its drawbacks are limited activation areas and limited handset support.

FAQs

Which network company does Altice mobile fall under?

It is under AT&T and works as a so-called Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that leases wireless service from AT&T and re-sells it to users.

How is the mobile coverage from Altice?

Since Altice is an MVNO, Sprint 4G LTE and the national AT&T networks power their mobile network. That allows you to access their network in many places at affordable prices.