Patriot Mobile promotes itself as “America’s only Christian conservative wireless service provider” with a mission to support organizations aligned with traditional values. As a smaller regional carrier operating on the nation’s largest networks, Patriot Mobile offers competitive pricing while appealing to an underserved demographic.
However, the provider’s overt political and ideological affiliations have also garnered controversy. Understanding the Patriot Mobile Pros and Cons is key for consumers considering the carrier. This in-depth guide examines the pros and cons to determine if Patriot Mobile is the right wireless choice based on individual needs and priorities.
Pros
- Supporting Conservative Values
- Competitive Pricing and Plans
- Reliable Coverage and Network
- Customer Service and Support
- No Contracts or Hidden Fees
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Options
Cons
- Limited Phone Selection
- Potential Controversy and Backlash
- Fewer Perks and Extras
- Deprioritization During Network Congestion
- Limited Special Offers and Promotions
Table of Contents
What Is Patriot Mobile?
Founded in 2013 and based in Grapevine, Texas, Patriot Mobile operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) utilizing both AT&T and T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G LTE networks. The provider focuses on contract-free wireless service peppered with patriotic messaging.
Rather than simply deliver connectivity, Patriot Mobile aims to advocate for issues like religious freedom, sanctity of life, liberty, and constitutional rights. The company directs a portion of profits to charity partners such as the Family Research Council, The Heritage Foundation, and Concerned Veterans for America aligned with fiscally/socially conservative values. This positions them as the first and only mobile carrier marketing primarily to Christians and right-leaning Americans.
Patriot Mobile Pros
Patriot Mobile attracts consumers by combining wireless service with political activism. Beyond competitive rates and reliable nationwide coverage, the provider appeals to underserved demographics while funding conservative initiatives.
Supporting Conservative Values
The provider’s explicit support for organizations advocating “traditional American values” attracts religious and conservative customers. Those who share beliefs on issues like abortion restrictions, gun rights, immigration reform, and limited government may prefer directing their wireless dollars towards aligned causes.
In particular, partnerships with conservative media outlets like The Daily Wire, Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA, and Todd Starnes News resonate with the target demographic. These help reinforce Patriot Mobile as a values-focused brand.
Competitive Pricing and Plans
Despite its small scale, Patriot Mobile competes aggressively on cost offering affordable talk, text and data. Plans start at just $20 monthly for unlimited talking and texting with no data. Even unlimited plans cost less than larger rivals:
- $40 per month includes 5 GB high-speed data
- $50 per month includes 10 GB high-speed data
- $60 per month includes unlimited high-speed data
Taxes and fees are included in these prices too. For comparison, a similar plan from Verizon or AT&T could cost $80-100. Family plans at Patriot Mobile offer discounted pricing for additional lines. Bringing your own device also reduces the initial sign-up cost.
Reliable Coverage and Network
As an MVNO running on AT&T and T-Mobile, Patriot Mobile inherits the connectivity of these underlying networks utilized by over 300 million Americans. Users can expect solid LTE coverage with average download speeds of 35 Mbps and peak speeds reaching 90 Mbps depending on location.
The provider uses both networks strategically based on regional performance distinctions. T-Mobile excels in metro areas while AT&T covers rural locations effectively. This dual-network foundation ensures customers get the best local infrastructure available.
Customer Service and Support
Subscribers praise Patriot Mobile’s friendly, dedicated U.S.-based support teams. Customers never risk outsourced overseas agents reading from a script. Plans come with 24/7 help via live chat, email, website contact forms and phone (with occasional wait times).
The provider also wins praise for quick issue resolution, personalized assistance and an intuitive online account portal. Customers cite hassle-free experiences switching devices or plan changes.
No Contracts or Hidden Fees
All Patriot Mobile plans are contract-free allowing subscribers to cancel anytime without early termination fees. Consumers wary of getting locked into the fine print welcome such flexibility.
Pricing remains transparent too – taxes and regulatory charges are built into the advertised monthly rates so customers bypass frustrating hidden surcharges. For those wanting to test drive the service, this reduces risk.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Options
Subscribers can use their existing unlocked phones like iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices with Patriot Mobile. This “BYOD” (Bring Your Own Device) approach allows activating the carrier’s SIM card in a compatible previously-owned device.
Compared to buying a brand new $800+ smartphone, the BYOD path saves hundreds upfront. For subscribers with usage needs met by current devices, upgrading gear solely to switch carriers makes little financial sense. BYOD nestles neatly into Patriot Mobile’s themes of affordability and efficiency.
Patriot Mobile Cons
However, Patriot Mobile’s positioning caters to a narrow segment which may deter some customers. Beyond who it appeals to politically, the provider’s regional focus and scaled-back features pose additional drawbacks.
Limited Phone Selection
The provider sells just a dozen devices directly for subscribers wanting bundled offerings – mostly affordable Android models best suited to basic usage. For more premium hardware or niche options, customers must traverse the BYOD path absent any device deals.
Many seeking the latest iPhone or Galaxy smartphone must purchase from Apple or Samsung instead at full retail pricing. With far fewer retail locations than national carriers too, testing devices in person before purchasing proves difficult.
Potential Controversy and Backlash
The provider’s right-leaning image sparks high emotions given today’s polarized climate. Those in disagreement may boycott Patriot Mobile as a political statement based solely on its values and partnerships. Without even assessing its wireless offerings objectively, some dismiss the provider out of hand.
For Patriot Mobile, blowback risks from political events remain higher compared to neutral telecoms. Any controversial actions by charity partners for instance might generate negative publicity by association. In an era of cancel culture, this forces Patriot Mobile into periodic crises control.
Fewer Perks and Extras
Scaling operations to its niche regional focus, Patriot Mobile eschews some bells and whistles common among big carriers. Amenities like entertainment perks, travel programs, device insurance, hotspot functionality, eSIM support or international roaming don’t make the cut currently. Even 5G access is limited pending network upgrades.
With sales and support confined to digital channels only, customers reliant on brick-and-mortar stores must handle device setup or account changes online. For subscribers preferring holistic carriers, these gaps force inconvenient workarounds.
Deprioritization During Network Congestion
When connecting to AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks, Patriot Mobile customers face potential speed throttling during times of high local demand. As an MVNO renting spectrum, the provider gets deprioritized behind postpaid subscribers of network owners when towers grow overloaded.
This means slower downloads at crowded venues like airports or concerts should Patriot Mobile’s allotted capacity get exhausted. For customers highly reliant on uninterrupted fast speeds, deprioritization poses headaches.
Limited Special Offers and Promotions
Boutique regional carriers rarely match bigger rivals in deals and discounts. Patriot Mobile follows suit with fewer incentives like new subscriber credits, free device upgrades or bundling sweeteners across its website. Even loyalty programs reward renewals modestly.
For bargain hunters accustomed to flash sales from Verizon and T-Mobile touting hundreds off the latest iPhones, Patriot Mobile won’t scratch the deal-chasing itch. The economics of its smaller user base restrict lavish giveaways.
Patriot Mobile vs. Other Carriers
Weighing Patriot Mobile against competitors AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile clarifies how it both aligns and differs across essential evaluation criteria:
| Carrier | Patriot Mobile | Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network Technology | 4G LTE (some 5G) | 4G LTE plus nationwide 5G | 4G LTE plus nationwide 5G | 4G LTE plus nationwide 5G |
| Network Ownership | MVNO (uses AT&T/T-Mo) | Owns network | Owns network | Owns network |
| Political Values | Conservative focus | Mainstream brand | Mainstream brand | Mainstream brand |
| Plans Starting From | $20/month ($40 for 5GB) | $35/month (5GB) | $50/month (5GB) | $40/month (5GB) |
| Phone Selection | Very limited | Extensive flagship devices | Extensive flagship devices | Extensive flagship devices |
| Perks/Extras | Very few | Extensive suite | Extensive suite | Extensive suite |
| Customer Support | U.S.-based | U.S. and overseas centers | U.S. and overseas centers | U.S. and overseas centers |
| Recommended For | Budget conservatives | Premium shoppers | Brand/bundle loyalty | Value-focus enthusiasts |
Ultimately Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile look more broadly appealing with superior networks, diverse device lineups and tempting perks though at higher monthly prices. Patriot Mobile makes financial sense for conservative-leaning customers fine with a “wireless basics” feature set and more limited device options.
Is Patriot Mobile Right for You?
Does Patriot Mobile align with your needs and priorities? Key questions to ask:
- How Much Data Do I Require? With maximum plan limits of 5 to 10GB monthly, heavy streaming users may encounter throttling. But for simpler usage like email and social media, caps pose no issue. Know your data appetite.
- What Phone Hardware Looks Appealing? The carrier’s device catalog suits most budgets but trails leader Verizon and AT&T on quantity and premium choice. If chasing the latest iPhone matters most, expand the device search to bigger networks.
- How Important Are Customer Service Options? Those wanting extensive retail stores and diverse support channels fare better with major carriers. But customers comfortable with predominantly online account management fit well.
- Do I Share Conservative Political Views? Subscribers backing causes like restricted immigration, abortion limits and religious freedom feel most aligned with an outspoken, values-driven provider. But those in disagreement may feel deterred.
- How Large is My Budget for Wireless Bills? Focusing on value, Patriot Mobile brings welcome savings over Verizon and AT&T especially for individuals and families open to acceptable feature tradeoffs. Evaluate discounts available.
Ultimately consumers accepting limitations around device selection, network prioritization and extra features get an affordable wireless gateway supporting conservative principles. Weigh priorities against compromises to see if Patriot Mobile delivers the ideal fit. Their positioning carves out an enticing niche.
How to Switch to Patriot Mobile
Transitioning existing devices and numbers to the carrier requires planning but Patriot Mobile eases the process. Follow these key steps:
1. Confirm Device Compatibility – Double check your current mobile or BYOD model works with Patriot Mobile’s networks by contacting customer service or using the online checker. Some unlocked devices won’t function properly.
2. Request Account Number and PIN – Ask your existing wireless provider for this account info essential for porting over your number later. Many carriers charge small fees for this.
3. Choose Patriot Mobile Plan & Add-Ons – Select the best value monthly plan based on usage needs. Add extras like mobile hotspot or international calling if required down the road. These help finalize projected costs.
4. Initiate Port Request – Activate service by requesting your number transfer. Patriot Mobile handles contacting old carrier via behind-the-scenes porting systems to migrate line and shut off old service.
5. Update Phone Settings – Once activated on the new network, adjust phone settings like voicemail PIN and data/MMS access points provided by Patriot Mobile to enable full functionality.
The process completes within 1-3 days in most cases. Contact customer service with any activation issues or plan changes post-signup.
Patriot Mobile’s Impact and Future
Despite catering to a conservative niche, Patriot Mobile registers impressive growth. Revenues climbed from $5 million in 2017 to over $100 million in 2021. Subscriber counts tripled during 2020 alone to nearly 300,000 users as marketing expanded.
Investment funding now exceeds $100 million, suggesting ambitions to rival second-tier carriers through aggressive promotion across right-leaning media channels. Indeed their recent success secures Patriot Mobile among the fastest-growing wireless providers behind stalwarts like T-Mobile and Charter Communications.
The provider also pledges network upgrades supporting faster 5G connectivity. With owner-level priority plans in the works, performance slowdowns from deprioritization should ease also.
On the philanthropic front, Patriot Mobile vows to ramp donations to charity partners over time. Their messaging aims to make conservatives ‘proud’ of their wireless choice while financially supporting key causes. This communication looks to resonate given many right-leaning Americans feel underrepresented by corporations adopting progressive ideals nowadays.
If current trends persist, the provider may evolve into the country’s premier conservative telecom – an alternative echo chamber supporting restricted immigration, gun rights, abortion bans, and deregulation appealing to those finding mainstream wireless carriers too left-leaning.
Conclusion
For conservative consumers focused on practical wireless service with affordable rates, Patriot Mobile checks key boxes as a niche provider giving back to aligned causes. Solid performance riding proven national 4G LTE networks ensures reliable core functionality for everyday needs – albeit with limitations on devices, speed prioritization and extra features that bigger rivals exceed on.
But the provider’s political affiliations and donation practices consistently generate controversy as well. In an increasingly tribal climate, stances proving objectionable can deter some customers regardless of quality telecom service offered. Weigh such factors carefully against priorities.
Subscribers comfortable overlooking current gaps in capabilities and device choices experience a satisfying wireless option purpose-built to reflect traditional values while saving money monthly. As Patriot Mobile continues expanding, they merit consideration against mainstream carriers – especially for Americans feeling their beliefs get short shrift from corporations newly embracing progressive stances.
FAQs
Does Patriot Mobile offer family plans?
Yes. Multi-line accounts receive discounted pricing for additional users with savings growing for larger families. However unlimited data gets slower beyond 5 lines.
Can I use Patriot Mobile internationally?
Currently international roaming doesn’t come activated. Some basic call/text functionality works abroad but data access proves spotty. International travel perks remain limited compared to bigger U.S. carriers.
How reliable is Patriot Mobile’s service?
Utilizing both AT&T and T-Mobile infrastructure delivers solid overall reliability for minutes/texts/data although some coverage gaps emerge in remote rural zones. Speeds suffice for everyday usage but peak velocities lag Verizon and AT&T somewhat.
What happens if I exceed my data limits?
Plans throttling speeds to 2G speeds (~128 Kbps) limiting web access and slowing video. For continued full-speed access, customers can enroll in Auto-Boost automatically triggering high-speed data top-ups at $5 per GB as needed.
Can I stream video content on Patriot Mobile?
Yes. Streaming proves possible on high-speed plans although standard definition quality suffices for most applications. For 4K/UHD streaming or mobile hotspot usage, another carrier may better accommodate higher data requirements.
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