Connectivity Chronicles - August Bi-Weekly Edition

MVNO: What are MVNOs and the Best Options to be one?

For consumers & businesses, smartphone connectivity is an essential service, yet services may be expensive or inadequate despite its seeming commodity nature. If devices are getting overcharged for cellular services, using a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) rather than the more costly big mobile suppliers might be a better choice. MVNO providers deliver the same level of coverage as big carriers but at a reduced cost. This is because they employ the same networks as the Big Three—AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile—while offering a vastly different product portfolio. These pay-as-you-go plans enable consumers to avoid a massive uptick in costs while still getting the work done.

What Exactly is an MVNO?

A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a provider that offers mobile services by leasing wireless capacity from larger carriers (MNOs). Unlike traditional Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), MVNOs do not own the physical network infrastructure. Instead, they have strategic alliances with MNOs, Fiber Network Operators, and Internet Service Providers worldwide. This vendor-agnostic strategy enables them to find the optimum solution for each customer while maintaining flexible terms and reasonable prices. MVNOs are fantastic partners for enterprises that rely significantly on international IoT or strategically rely on running their operations with connected devices.

MVNO Enablement platform

The MVNO Enablement platform allows any enterprise to source services from multiple operators, design their own mobile plans, distribute & charge for services and offer differentiated user experience. This includes creating and distributing custom plans for both SIM cards and eSIMs - distributed through their marketplaces, apps or offline retail channels. The MVNO enablement platform offers several key features:

• Tailor the service without the network management overhead: MVNOs can function with full operational capabilities without owning the physical network.
• Complete control over services and offers: The platform provides tools for managing services, offers, and customer interactions.
• Breakage!: MVNOs can manage and utilize their traffic, optimizing network usage and cost efficiency. MVNO enablement platform enables MVNOs to source plans at wholesale rates and repackage them to their customers for maximizing value for end users and the business.

Types of MVNOs

Different types of MVNOs include:

1. Independent MVNOs: These MVNOs operate independently of any MNO and lease network access from one or multiple MNOs to provide their own services and plans. They have complete control over their offerings, allowing them to tailor services to specific market segments.
2. Operator-owned MVNOs: These MVNOs are subsidiaries or brands of larger MNOs. They operate under their parent company’s umbrella, often offering specialized plans or targeting specific market segments. This allows them to leverage the resources and network infrastructure of the parent MNO while maintaining a distinct brand identity.
3. Cable company MVNOs: Cable companies that enter the MVNO space leverage their existing customer base and bundle mobile services with their cable and internet offerings. This strategy allows them to offer competitive pricing and integrated service packages, appealing to customers seeking comprehensive connectivity solutions.

Best MVNO Carriers

1. Google Fi: Utilizes the best connection from Sprint, T-Mobile, or US Cellular. Offers simple pricing structures and extensive international coverage.
2. Cricket Wireless: Offers reasonably priced plans with no speed limitations, making it a competitive option for cost-conscious consumers .
3. US Mobile: Provides a range of customizable plans, including affordable options for backup or emergency phones. Their flexible plans cater to varying needs and usage patterns .
4. Consumer Cellular: Targets older adults with straightforward, no-contract plans. They are known for exceptional customer service and have consistently ranked high in customer satisfaction surveys .
5. Ting Mobile: Offers flexible plans with affordable rates starting at $10 per month. Ting’s pay-as-you-go model is ideal for users with varying usage patterns .
6. Xfinity Mobile: Uses Verizon’s network and offers low-cost unlimited plans, available exclusively to Comcast internet customers. This bundling strategy provides significant savings for existing Comcast customers .
7. Visible: Provides unlimited plans with straightforward pricing. Visible’s service is based on Verizon’s network, ensuring reliable coverage and performance .
8. Mint Mobile: Offers prepaid plans with excellent overall pricing. Their competitive pricing structure makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers .
9. Tello: Allows customization of plans based on minutes and data requirements. Tello’s flexibility makes it easy for customers to find a plan that fits their specific needs .

Which MVNOs are the Best?

The best MVNOs promise and deliver great value to a discerning niche audience based on their needs and preferences. MVNOs are a great way to receive the same outstanding service on major networks while dramatically lowering their cell phone bill, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually. Businesses can choose an MVNO with a plan that is "fit for purpose". If such as service does not exist for the specific use case- launch your own MVNO!

Talk to Us

Spenza helps businesses become an MVNO within hours and enables them to offer connectivity services to their customers, creating an additional revenue stream for the company. It is an embeddable, API-first MVNO enablement platform that lets them offer custom phone & data plans to their business customers, company devices or retail users without the hassle of working with individual operators in every market. Spenza is an authorized reseller of ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile, and dozens of IoT and MVNO operators across the globe, serving dozens of companies. Schedule a time with our connectivity experts.

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