Network Scrutiny

MVNO QCI Level & Priority Data Lookup Tool

Searchable US MVNO database: QCI level, host network (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), throttling thresholds, and evidence tags—filter by carrier or plan tier.

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Last updated 2026-08-13· US mobile & MVNO focus · English · Free; no account required

Use this MVNO QCI lookup to instantly check the QoS Class Identifier (QCI) level, host network, and throttling / deprioritization rules for major US prepaid and MVNO plans. Search by brand (Mint, Visible, US Mobile, Google Fi, Cricket, and more), filter by Verizon / AT&T / T-Mobile, and read whether each row is carrier-published, policy-language only, or field inference.

Showing 26 of 26 US MVNO plan rows · Verified through August 2026 · Lower QCI = higher priority when congested

MVNOPlan tierHostQCIEvidence

Dataset: Network Scrutiny US MVNO QCI lookup (26 rows, CC BY 4.0). Methodology · On-device QCI checker

Before you start

QCI matters when towers are busy—not on empty suburban sectors. Lower numbers mean higher scheduler priority during congestion. This database does not replace on-device bearer reads; pair it with our how to check QCI level guide when you need proof on your own SIM.

How to use this QCI lookup database

Type an MVNO name or plan tier in the search box, or filter by host network and evidence type. Click any row to expand congestion notes, usage thresholds (like Mint's >50 GB/mo heavy-user rule), and outbound primary sources.

Rows tagged Published come from carriers that name QCI explicitly—today that is mostly US Mobile. Policy rows use official "may be slower when busy" or "premium data" language without an integer. Inference rows reflect field tools and independent QCI lists—treat them as hypotheses until you verify on your phone.

QCI levels at a glance (3GPP consumer data classes)

On LTE bearers, common US smartphone classes include QCI 6 (higher priority, often postpaid / Google Fi Unlimited Plus inference), QCI 7 (mid-tier prepaid / many T-Mobile MVNOs), QCI 8 (premium MVNO / Visible+ inference), and QCI 9 (deprioritized budget unlimited). 5G NR uses 5QI with a parallel idea—engineering menus may show one label but not the other.

For the conceptual frame, read MVNO QCI levels explained. For a static reference table without search, see the MVNO QCI master list.

Throttling vs deprioritization — read both columns

A plan can show QCI 8 and still feel slow if you hit a usage throttle (video optimization, hotspot cap, or extreme-usage guardrail). Mint Mobile separates >50 GB/mo heavy-user deprioritization from baseline QCI inference. Total Wireless MAX can apply a 1.5 Mbps extreme-usage rule unrelated to everyday QCI queueing.

When shopping, compare congestion priority and billing-cycle slowdowns separately—our lookup lists both where primary sources allow.

Frequently asked questions

Concise answers; carrier terms change—verify on official sites.

What QCI level does Mint Mobile use?
Mint does not publish a QCI integer. Its October 28, 2025 network management policy defines heavy users above 50 GB/mo as lower priority during congestion. Field inference on T-Mobile's host network is typically QCI 7—use our lookup row and verify with on-device reads.
What is the QCI for Visible base vs Visible+?
Visible does not name QCI on plan pages. Base unlimited discloses data may be temporarily slower than other traffic when busy (QCI 9 inference). Visible+ advertises unlimited premium data without prioritization slowdowns (QCI 8 inference). Confirm current footnotes on visible.com.
Which MVNO publishes QCI levels officially?
US Mobile is the clearest: QCI 7 on all Light Speed (T-Mobile) plans, QCI 8 on Warp/Dark Star Unlimited Premium, and QCI 9 on Warp/Dark Star Unlimited Starter—per its public QCI explainer.
Does a lower QCI number mean faster speeds always?
No. QCI only affects scheduling when the cell is congested. Off-peak, QCI 6 and QCI 9 phones often speed-test similarly on idle towers. Coverage, band, and backhaul still dominate.
How often is this database updated?
Rows carry per-source verified dates; the tool page lastUpdated field reflects the editorial refresh. Re-check carrier plan pages before you port—wholesale QoS mappings can change without public notice.
Can I check QCI on iPhone with this tool?
This lookup tells you what your plan tier should map to—not your live bearer. iPhone does not expose QCI in Settings; use our on-device QCI checker guide and congestion A/B tests.

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