What Network Does Q Link Wireless Use

QLink is one of the most popular MVNO in America right now. MVNO are service providers that do not have their own towers. Instead, they rely on established carriers for network. So, their services are cheaper than the others. For instance, QLink offers cheapest services offers unlimited talk time, texts and data under the Lifeline federal program. This is a program that provides free wireless phones to low-income citizens in the USA. Besides the unlimited services, QLink also provides free caller ID, voice mail and no credit checks.

With over 2 million subscribers, QLink has set itself apart as a company to watch. According to a 2019 ranking, it was listed as the fastest growing tech company in the United States. All these great milestones may prompt one to ask what network is behind the QLink’s growing popularity. If this question has been disturbing you, we are here to answer you. We will also enumerate on why the company’s cellular network has been posting stellar performances. So, read on to get all these and more;

What Network Towers Does Q Link Wireless Use?

Being an MVNO, Qlink doesn’t have its own network towers. Since inception, the company has been relying on Sprint’s towers to serve its customers. Although after Sprint merging with T-Mobile in 2020, Qlink moved to T-Mobile towers. This switch is one of the reasons Qlink subscribers have increased exponentially. 

Q Link Wireless Coverage Area

The fact that Qlink uses T-Mobile network guarantees it an incredible wireless network coverage. According to official records, it covers over 97% of the country and over 280 million people. That means their network is available in most of the states. Although, some states are partially covered. That means you may not get the services in some areas of the state.

Factors such as terrain, weather, technicalities and building structures affect the network coverage. To know whether your area has Qlink network, you can check their official website for the coverage map. Alternatively, you can apply for the Lifeline program online. They will help you to know whether your area is covered.

Some of the states covered by QLink network include;

Does QLink Wireless 4G or 5G?

QLink has both 4G and 5G network coverage. Since the carrier uses both T-Mobile and Sprint network, you can easily compare with the big carriers. However, the primary subscribers have higher priorities when it comes to services. T-Mobile has over 8300 towers across the country making their 5G network the widest. It is actually twice that of AT&T and Verizon.

The 4G coverage is slightly low although it still reaches 99% of the country. The rest of the population is complemented by LTE network. Basically, QLink enjoys an awesome network infrastructure.

Which Devices are Compatible with Qlink’s Network?

The GSM and CDMA are the two main network technologies used by all carriers. Sprint uses CDMA whereas T-Mobile operated on GSM. Therefore, Qlink uses both CDMA and GSM technologies.

Qlink devices are recent and trendy. Their mobile devices can work on both the CDMA, GSM and also LTE networks. Most of the mobile manufacturers currently have adopted this method to ensure they can work with all the three standards. But still, some don’t consider this factor. So, you may have to check it out before buying your device.

Thanks to their hybrid network coverage, Qlink supports a diverse range of devices. You can get from high-end phones, midrange and refurbished models all at different prices. With the option to bring your current device onboard, Qlink is hard to beat in this spectrum.

The good news is; you don’t have to buy your phone from Qlink shop for it to be compatible. There are several merchants and retailers who stock these phones. All you have to do is confirm before purchase that they support any of the three Qlink technologies. Some of the compatible devices include;

Pros and Cons of Qlink’s Cellular Network

It is normal for any company to have its advantages and disadvantages. Similarly, Qlink as a company and net has a set of its pros and cons. These include;

Can You Bring Your Phone to Qlink?

Yes. You don’t have to purchase a new device if you want to access Qlink services. Although, to bring your device it must be compatible with the network infrastructure. The company has a set of simple steps you can get your current phone top work on their network. So, if you want to bring your phone to Qlink, follow the steps below to bring it on board;

• Test the compatibility: If you are not sure whether your phone is compatible with Qlink, you need it IMEI to test. If you don’t have the IMEI displayed anywhere on the phone or listed on the packaging, dial *#06#.
• Network reset: Carrying out a network reset eliminates the existing network configurations. This is important to prepare your phone for migration to another technology. To do this, you can consult your device’s manufacturers website or the FAQs section.
• Order a SIM card: If you are enrolling through the Lifeline program, you will receive a free SIM card. You can also get one from a retail shop.
• Device activation: After ensuring you have everything, its time to trigger the device. There are two ways you can do it. One, you can do this online through your account or visit their shop. After activation, you will receive a new phone number.

You can also port your old number if you don’t want to lose your contacts. It is a straightforward procedure which doesn’t take a lot of time. It can be completed within 2 hours.

Final Recap

In as much as there is no perfect service provider, Qlink is one of the most reliable. Their network coverage is incredible reaching over 97% population. Relying on T-Mobile towers, theirs is one of the most stable and strong networks. Their services are also very affordable especially to the low-income earners. Under the Lifeline program, the government gives free phones to eligible subscribers.

If you’re looking for a good service provider without complications, Qlink is a perfect one. Besides, you can also move to the network with your current phone comfortably. The process is simple and straightforward. As long as your device is compatible with CDMA, GSM or LTE, you are okay to move in.