Prepaid essentially means that you pay for your service before you receive it. And MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator, they essentially buy access to AT&T’s network at wholesale rates.

When it comes to finding a prepaid phone plan, traditional carriers like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile aren't your only options. Here are our picks for the best prepaid phone plans this holiday season.

You can activate your AT&T SIM in-store, online, or by contacting customer service. The process is similar for postpaid and AT&T prepaid customers.

You can save on a new phone after 12 months of service, and fast Ultra Wideband 5G is included with two of Total’s plans. AT&T's own prepaid brand, Cricket Wireless, hasn’t always been very ...