MVNO
Mobile Virtual Network Operator — a wireless carrier that doesn't own its own towers. MVNOs lease network access from the big three (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) and resell at lower prices.
An MVNO is a wireless carrier that doesn't own and operate its own cell towers. Instead, it leases network capacity from one or more of the major US carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and now Dish) and resells service to consumers — usually at significantly lower prices than the postpaid plans of the underlying network.
How MVNOs work
The major carrier (the MNO) sells wholesale capacity to the MVNO. The MVNO handles its own billing, customer service, branding, and (sometimes) plan structure. From the radio's perspective, an MVNO's SIM is just another customer of the underlying network — but the MVNO's plans, prices, and policies can be very different from the parent.
MVNO trade-offs
- Cheaper. Often 50%+ less than postpaid plans on the same towers. Typical MVNO unlimited plan: $25–$45/mo. Same coverage as the underlying network.
- Deprioritization. When a tower gets congested, MNOs prioritize their direct customers. MVNO customers see slower speeds first. Read more.
- Customer service. Smaller MVNOs often have weaker support than the big three. Some have only chat or email; some have outsourced call centers.
- Plan stability. MVNOs sometimes change plan structures or shut down with little notice. Low-cost MVNOs in particular have higher churn than MNOs.
Examples
Some popular US MVNOs in 2026: Mint Mobile (T-Mobile), Visible (Verizon-owned), US Mobile (Verizon + T-Mobile), Cricket (AT&T-owned), Tello (T-Mobile), Google Fi (T-Mobile + international), Consumer Cellular (multi-network).