Cellular Service

Why We Don't Bundle

Most telecom companies push bundles — internet, TV, phone, and cell service all wrapped into one bill. It sounds convenient, but bundling comes with real downsides:

• Less choice. Bundles lock you into one company's version of everything. If their cell service is mediocre, you're stuck with it to keep the "deal."
• Higher prices over time. Introductory bundle rates expire. The price you signed up for rarely stays the same, and untangling services later is deliberately painful.
• Lock-in by design. Bundling makes it harder to leave. That's the point — it's not a benefit to you, it's a retention strategy for them.

At Treehouse, we provide internet, whole-home wifi, outbuilding wifi construction, and home phone — but we'll never bundle them to lock you in. For everything else, we'd rather point you to the best option out there.

Our Pick: US Mobile

We've looked at the options and recommend US Mobile for cellular service. US Mobile lets you choose between three major networks — AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile — at a fraction of the price, with no contracts.

In the Ely area, AT&T has the most towers, so we recommend choosing US Mobile's Dark Star network (their AT&T-based option) for the best local coverage.

A note on data priority: Carriers assign priority levels that determine whose data gets through first when a tower is busy. In late 2025, we confirmed that US Mobile's Dark Star plans had the same data priority level as our previous $100/month AT&T business mobile plan. Priority levels can change over time, but for now you're getting the same treatment at a fraction of the cost.

What About Your Phone?

Most phones can be unlocked from your current carrier and used on US Mobile — so you may not need a new phone at all. If you've paid off your device (or bought it outright), your carrier is required to unlock it on request. Once unlocked, just pop in a US Mobile SIM and you're set. If your phone is new enough, you can use an eSIM and skip waiting for a physical card entirely.

If you're ready for an upgrade, we recommend buying unlocked directly from the manufacturer instead of financing through a carrier. Carrier payment plans lock you into their service — leave early, and you owe the remaining balance in full. The "deal" only works if you stay put as monthly prices rise. That's their game.

Buy outright or use Apple's and Google's own monthly payment plans — no carrier lock-in either way. Two great options:

• iPhone 17e — Apple's latest affordable iPhone, starting at $599.
• Google Pixel 9a — Google's budget-friendly option with an excellent camera, starting at $499.

Either way, you keep full control of your device and the freedom to switch carriers whenever you want.

How to Switch

1. Call your current carrier and ask for your port-out PIN. You can usually reach them by dialing *611 from your phone. This PIN lets you keep your phone number when you switch.
2. Sign up for a plan at US Mobile. We recommend the middle option. Skip the add-ons and check out.
3. Activate and go. US Mobile will walk you through porting your number. Their support is excellent — just hit the message button on their site if you need help.