An MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) is a wireless provider that sells talk, text, and data services without owning any of the cellular infrastructure it uses to deliver them. Instead, MVNOs lease access to one or more of the major carrier networks which include AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, and resell those services under their own brands.
Think of MVNOs as retailers of wireless service. While the “product” (network coverage) comes from a major carrier, the pricing, packaging, marketing, customer service, and sometimes even the plan features come from the MVNO.
How MVNOs Work in Simple Terms
- MVNO negotiates wholesale rates with a carrier (or through an intermediary).
- MVNO creates its own phone plans and sells them to customers.
- Customers get access to the same network towers used by the major carrier, just through a different brand.
This allows MVNOs to offer lower-cost alternatives to the major carriers, often by trimming expenses like physical retail stores, customer support staff, or bundled perks.
Examples of Independent MVNOs
As of 2025, these are some true MVNOs companies that are independently owned and lease access to one or more networks:
- US Mobile – Offers plans on AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile
- Tello Mobile – Operates on T-Mobile’s network
- MobileX – Uses Verizon
- Red Pocket Mobile – Offers access to all three major U.S. networks
What Is Not an MVNO?
Many people confuse MVNOs with carrier-owned prepaid brands but they are fundamentally different.
Carrier-Owned Prepaid Brands:
These are examples of what are not MVNOs, because they are owned and operated by the same companies that own the networks.
| Brand | Parent Network | MVNO? |
|---|---|---|
| Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile | ❌ No |
| Cricket Wireless | AT&T | ❌ No |
| Total Wireless | Verizon | ❌ No |
| Straight Talk | Verizon | ❌ No |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | ❌ No |
These brands operate as prepaid divisions of the carriers and typically benefit from:
- Better integration with the network
- Features not extended to independent MVNOs (e.g., truly unlimited data)
They do not require the same wholesale agreements or technical enablement as independent MVNOs because they are owned and managed by the same parent company.
Quick Summary
| Feature | MVNO | Carrier-Owned Prepaid |
|---|---|---|
| Owns towers? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (via parent) |
| Independent? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Negotiates wholesale access? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (direct access) |
| Example brands | US Mobile, MobileX, Tello, Red Pocket | Metro, Cricket, Mint Mobile |