Connect with us

Technologies

Mint Mobile, Google Fi, Xfinity Mobile, Visible: Which Wireless Networks Do Smaller Providers Use?

Smaller wireless carriers often use more popular networks.

When it comes to picking a wireless provider, there are plenty of options beyond AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Your cable provider — particularly if you have Optimum, Comcast’s Xfinity or Charter’s Spectrum — has likely tried to get you to move to their mobile service over the last year. You also have smaller players like Mint Mobile, Visible, Boost Mobile and others. 

Here’s the not-so-secret twist: These providers don’t actually run their own cellular networks, for the most part. Instead, most are what’s called MVNOs, which stands for mobile virtual network operators. They partner with the larger carriers and piggyback on their networks. Let’s break down who is partnered with whom and if features like 5G are included. 

Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile

mint mobile logo on phonemint mobile logo on phone
Sarah Tew/CNET

Ryan Reynolds’ cell carrier is actually using T-Mobile’s service for its network. In March, T-Mobile announced it plans to buy Mint and its parent company in a potential $1.35 billion deal. 

Is 5G included? Mint has access to T-Mobile’s 5G network, and like T-Mobile, Mint also includes 5G access with all plans so long as you have a 5G phone. 

Google Fi uses T-Mobile 

google fi logo on phonegoogle fi logo on phone
Sarah Tew/CNET

Google’s mobile phone service uses an amalgamation of different networks to provide service. Post T-Mobile’s merger with Sprint, the group of three networks dropped to just T-Mobile and US Cellular. Now the carrier seems set to drop US Cellular and will rely mainly on T-Mobile for service. 

Is 5G included? 5G is included with all Fi plans, but you’ll need to make sure your phone works with T-Mobile’s 5G network. At the moment that list includes a variety of Android phones, namely recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices as well as some Motorola phones. In March, as part of the iOS 16.4 update, Google Fi finally allowed iPhones to access 5G on its network.

Visible uses Verizon

visible logo on phonevisible logo on phone
Sarah Tew/CNET

Visible is a sub-brand of Verizon and, as such, runs on its network. 

Is 5G included? Visible plans include access to Verizon’s 5G network. This includes Verizon’s low-band nationwide network as well as its fastest millimeter-wave service that is available in parts of certain cities. Speeds, even when on the faster flavor of 5G, are capped at 200Mbps. 

Boost Mobile uses AT&T, T-Mobile and Dish

boost mobile and dish wireless logos on phonesboost mobile and dish wireless logos on phones
Sarah Tew/CNET

Boost Mobile, which was spun off to Dish by Sprint as part of the T-Mobile/Sprint merger, runs on AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s networks. Dish is in the process of building out its own 5G network and will begin transitioning users in those areas to its service as it becomes available. 

The first city, Las Vegas, is now live, and last May the company listed 100 additional cities that it planned to expand to. As part of the merger, Dish was granted the ability to continue using T-Mobile’s network for seven years as it builds out its own network. 

While T-Mobile was expected to be the roaming network, in 2021 Dish announced a new deal with AT&T that will let it roam on the latter’s wireless network for 10 years. Although it will still be able to tap into T-Mobile for part of this time, expect to use a combination AT&T, T-Mobile and Dish’s own network going forward.

Is 5G included? Boost does not charge extra for accessing 5G. 

US Mobile uses T-Mobile and Verizon

us mobile tmobile and verizon logos on phonesus mobile tmobile and verizon logos on phones
Sarah Tew/CNET

US Mobile, a newer player in the wireless game, uses a combination of T-Mobile and Verizon.

Is 5G included? US Mobile includes 5G with all of its plans, though whether you are connecting to Verizon or T-Mobile isn’t as simple as an option like Google Fi. Whereas that service will automatically switch you to whichever network has the best coverage, US Mobile actually has two different SIM cards: the black SIM card is for Verizon (what the company calls Warp 5G), while the white SIM card is for T-Mobile (which the company calls GSM). 

The Warp 5G network the carrier is pushing uses Verizon’s network. 

Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon 

verizon and spectrum mobile logo on phoneverizon and spectrum mobile logo on phone
Sarah Tew/CNET

Charter’s Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon’s network for its coverage. 

Is 5G included? Spectrum Mobile includes access to Verizon’s 5G networks. Data speeds aren’t capped but, per the company’s disclosures, your data may be slowed in busy areas with a lot of network congestion. The company states once the congestion «lessens,» however, «your speed will return to normal.»

Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon

xfinity mobile and verizon logos on phonesxfinity mobile and verizon logos on phones
Sarah Tew/CNET

Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon’s network for its coverage. 

Is 5G included? Like Spectrum Mobile, Comcast’s offering has access to Verizon’s 5G networks. As with that service, data speeds aren’t capped but Comcast notes in its disclosure that in busy areas where Verizon’s network may be congested, Xfinity Mobile customers may see their data slowed until the congestion clears. 

Optimum Mobile (formerly Altice) uses T-Mobile 

t-mobile-and-optimum-mobile-logo on phonest-mobile-and-optimum-mobile-logo on phones
Sarah Tew/CNET

Optimum Mobile (once known as Altice Mobile), which is offered to Optimum and Suddenlink users, uses T-Mobile’s network. 

Is 5G included? Optimum Mobile includes 5G with all of its plans, though if you go over your monthly data limit for its 1GB or 3GB plans you will be «reduced to 2G speeds» for the remainder of your billing cycle. If you have the company’s «Unlimited» or «Unlimited Max» plans your data will slow to «3G speeds» after 20GB or 50GB is used, respectively. 

Technologies

Want to Watch a Podcast? Netflix and Spotify Partner to Bring Video Podcasts to Streaming

Starting in early 2026, Netflix subscribers in the US will be able to watch select Spotify Studios and Ringer podcasts directly on the streaming platform.

Netflix and Spotify are teaming up to blur the line between streaming and podcasting. The two companies announced a new partnership that will bring a curated slate of Spotify’s top video podcasts, including shows from Spotify Studios and The Ringer, to Netflix starting in early 2026. The goal is to make popular podcasts as watchable as TV, expanding both services’ reach into sports, culture, lifestyle and true crime.


Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.


The deal marks Spotify’s most significant distribution push beyond its own platform, and for Netflix, it’s a new way to keep audiences engaged with talk-driven, low-cost programming. Early titles include The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Rewatchables, Dissect, Conspiracy Theories and Serial Killers, among others. You can find the complete list here.

More shows and genres are expected to be added over time.

Netflix says the partnership complements its library of documentaries and talk shows, offering «fresh voices and new perspectives.» Spotify, meanwhile, described it as «a new chapter for podcasting,» giving creators access to Netflix’s global audience while expanding discovery for listeners who prefer watching podcasts.

The rollout will begin in the US early next year, with additional markets to follow in 2026.

Continue Reading

Technologies

Every Active Borderlands 4 SHiFT Code

It’s dangerous to explore Kairos without some legendary gear. These promo codes will unlock epic loot and vault hunter cosmetics in Borderlands 4.

The biggest looter shooter of the year, Borderlands 4, is out, and tons of players are already taking the fight to the Timekeeper on Kairos. If you want to put the beat down on someone strong enough to control time, then you’re going to need an arsenal of powerful weapons and equipment.

Luckily, developer Gearbox Software is willing to lend a helping hand. Instead of having to farm every piece of legendary equipment in-game, you can roll the dice on some loot with Golden Keys unlocked by SHiFT promo codes.

If you’re already swimming in more loot than you know what to do with, some SHiFT codes also unlock special cosmetic looks for your favorite vault hunters. Special in-game challenges have already unlocked promo codes for Amon, Rafa and Vex vault hunter skins, with a Harlowe skin unlocking soon. Here’s how to use the latest SHiFT codes in Borderlands 4.

All active SHiFT codes for Borderlands 4

You can hunt down SHiFT codes on social media, but we’ll keep all of the active promo codes in one place for ease of access.

Below, you’ll find a chart that contains every active SHiFT code for Borderlands 4, what it unlocks and its expiration date:

Active Borderlands 4 SHiFT codes

Reward SHiFT code Expiration date
Golden Key WZK3B-SHTHF-JZ59K-SBT3B-TWHXT Oct. 19, 2025
Vex Mass Market Appeal Skin BZ6JJ-CB6CT-WXJJW-3TT3B-56FZ5 Jan. 1, 2031
Amon Cult Classic Skin JZ6BJ-SBR5J-WF3BK-BT3BB-TX9HB Dec. 31, 2030
Rafa Savings Savior Skin TZXT3-XJXCB-CXBJW-BTTJT-9SK6B Dec. 31, 2030
Break Free Cosmetics Pack JS63J-JSCWJ-CFTBW-3TJ3J-WJS5R Jan. 1, 2031
Golden Key T9RJB-BFKRR-3RBTW-B33TB-KCZB9 No expiration

How to redeem SHiFT codes for your Borderlands 4 account

While SHiFT codes are totally free rewards for you to accumulate, you must make a SHiFT account to input any active codes in-game.

SHiFT is a service that Gearbox integrates into its biggest games, and making an account unlocks forums and exclusive beta participation. It’s also necessary to create an account to turn in any promo codes, which is what most fans care about.

Once your account is created, you can enter your SHiFT codes in two separate places. Within your SHiFT account settings, you can find a Rewards tab with a field to enter any Borderlands promo codes. Once you enter the codes, any unlocked items will be added to your account the next time you open the game.

However, an easier way to input your SHiFT codes is within Borderlands 4 itself. Within the game’s pause menu, you can access a SHiFT. Select the Rewards tab from the resulting menu, input your codes, and the unlocked items will be immediately available on your save.

Where are SHiFT codes normally released?

SHiFT codes are released fairly frequently on Gearbox and Gearbox-affiliated social media channels. For the best chance at catching every new SHiFT code that gets released, you should follow Gearbox on X and on Facebook.

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford also releases promos on his X account, so if you’re brave enough to follow him despite his frequent outbursts toward fans you can find SHiFT codes there as well.

What are SHiFT codes?

SHiFT codes are promo codes that Gearbox occasionally releases that reward players with loot and cosmetics in Borderlands games. The main SHiFT code reward is a Golden Key, which opens the Golden Chest in most Borderlands hub areas.

But don’t spend them immediately — it’s worth saving your Golden Keys until you reach the level cap and are playing on the hardest difficulty, as the loot rewards will scale to your character accordingly. This is a great way to begin farming some endgame legendaries quickly and easily.

Continue Reading

Technologies

Barack Obama Reveals He Only Plays This One Phone Game

No, it’s not Wordle or Connections, but you’ve almost certainly heard of it.

Many of us rely on our smartphones for entertainment as well as communication, playing New York Times games such as Wordle, Connections and Strands on our phones. (CNET has daily answers for those games, plus Connections: Sports Edition and the Mini Crossword, if you’re ever stumped.) Now, one very famous person recently revealed that he plays only one phone game — and it’s one you’ve likely heard of.


Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.


Former President Barack Obama appeared on the final episode of the podcast WTF with Marc Maronhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1686-barack-obama/id329875043?i=1000731550704#link={%22linkText%22:%22final episode of the podcast WTF with Marc Maron%22,%22target%22:%22_blank%22,%22href%22:%22https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1686-barack-obama/id329875043?i=1000731550704%22,%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22}on Monday. He revealed the only game he plays on his phone is Words With Friends.

Obama says he plays the word game to keep up his friendship with longtime White House photographer Pete Souza.

«I could be in the middle of negotiations on a nuclear treaty, and if that ping goes off, there’s a part of me that’s like, ‘I wonder what [word] he [Pete Souza] played,» Obama said.

Words With Friends is similar to, but not associated with, the world-building game Scrabble. It was released in 2009 and is owned by game company Zynga, and can be played on devices running iOS and Android. Players take turns creating words on a game board using their rack of seven letter tiles, trying to score as high as possible while using special bonus squares to double or triple their points. As of Tuesday, Words With Friends ranked No. 14 on the free Word Games list in the Apple App Store.

Obama did not share whether he or Souza tends to win the majority of the pair’s games.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © Verum World Media