NRNextRange MobileMore freedom. Always in range.

What Is NextRange Mobile?

NextRange Mobile is a prepaid mobile data service designed for families, currently in private beta. It lets parents add cellular data to a compatible eSIM smartphone or tablet without purchasing a traditional voice-and-text phone line. It's built specifically for the moment a child needs connectivity away from Wi-Fi but doesn't yet need a full phone line.

Who it's for

Parents of a child getting their first connected device, especially households with a compatible hand-me-down iPhone or Android phone sitting unused. NextRange is a fit when a child mainly needs messaging, maps, video calling, and app access away from Wi-Fi.

Who it's not for

Anyone who needs a traditional phone number their child can give out and receive calls or texts on independent of an app, unlimited SMS, or cellular voice calling. NextRange doesn't include those in its current data-only service. A full phone plan is the better fit for that need.

How it works

  1. Check that your device is compatible and carrier-unlocked.
  2. Join the waitlist and choose a planned beta plan when invited.
  3. NextRange provisions a data eSIM and sends install instructions after beta activation.
  4. Install the eSIM on the device.
  5. Manage data and parent controls as beta features roll out.

See the full how it works walkthrough, or platform-specific setup guides for iPhone, Android, and Samsung.

Pricing

Current beta pricing estimates include two Standard data tiers. Max Coverage is a separate validation track:

  • 2 GB/month: $7.99 Standard, with rollover up to 5 GB on top of the monthly grant.
  • 5 GB/month: $11.99 Standard, with rollover up to 12 GB on top of the monthly grant.
  • Additional line: +$4.99/month per device, +1 GB added to the shared family data bank.
  • Top-ups: planned 1 GB or 3 GB options, expiring 12 months from purchase.
  • Max Coverage: planned upgrade under validation before broader availability.

Full breakdown at /pricing. Month-to-month billing is planned, with cancellation effective at the end of the current billing cycle.

Data allowances and rollover

Each plan includes a monthly data grant. Unused data rolls over on top of the following month's grant, up to a defined cap. It does not reset to zero, but it also doesn't accumulate indefinitely. There are no automatic overage charges: when the monthly allowance and rollover bank are exhausted, data access pauses until the next cycle or until more data is added.

Device compatibility

NextRange requires a device that supports a standard, user-installable eSIM profile (via QR code, SM-DP+, or an "Add eSIM" option), not just a device that technically contains eSIM hardware. Support varies by brand, model, and region. See the full supported devices list for exact models and any region-specific notes. Carrier-managed wearable eSIMs, including Apple Watch, are not supported.

Coverage

NextRange's first launch track is Standard, designed around single-network coverage. Max Coverage is a planned multi-network upgrade that is still being validated before broader rollout. We don't publish which specific carriers power each tier.

eSIM requirements

The device must be carrier-unlocked and support a standard downloadable eSIM. See how to check if your phone is unlocked if you're not sure.

iMessage, FaceTime, and Find My (iPhone)

On compatible iPhones, iMessage and FaceTime both work using just an Apple ID (no traditional phone number required) over Wi-Fi or a NextRange data connection. Find My works the same way, using Apple ID and location services rather than carrier-based tracking.

Messaging on Android and Samsung

Android's default messaging app generally ties full RCS chat features to an active SIM phone number, which a data-only eSIM doesn't provide. We recommend an internet-based option instead: see our messaging apps comparison for a full breakdown of what does and doesn't need a phone number. Video calling (Google Meet) and location sharing (Find My Device) both work over data via a Google Account, no phone number required.

Parental controls

NextRange is designed around parent-managed controls: pause/resume, scheduled rules, per-device usage visibility, and one shared data bank across siblings. Some controls are still being validated as part of the private beta.

What NextRange does not currently include

To be direct about the current limitations of the service:

  • No traditional phone number, SMS line, or cellular voice calling. NextRange is intentionally data-only.
  • No mobile hotspot / tethering. Sharing the NextRange data connection with other devices is not currently a supported use case.
  • No built-in content filtering. Filtering internet content would require separate DNS, VPN, or device-management technology, which isn't part of the current service. Use your platform's own parental controls (Screen Time, Family Link) for content restrictions.
  • No guaranteed specific-carrier selection. Standard and Max Coverage describe network breadth, not a chosen carrier.

Cancellation and refunds

Plans are intended to be month-to-month with no long-term contract. Cancellation is planned to take effect at the end of the current paid period.

How NextRange compares to a traditional phone plan

See the full comparison for a detailed breakdown. In short: a traditional phone plan includes a phone number, voice, and SMS, generally at a higher monthly cost per line. NextRange trades those out for a lower-cost, data-only plan built around parental controls, designed for a family that mostly needs connectivity and control rather than a full phone line.

Current status

NextRange Mobile is in private beta. Join the waitlist to get early access as spots open up.