2021 List Of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) And Carriers

What The Heck Is An MVNO?

A mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO for short, is any wireless provider that does not own the network that it uses to provide service to its customers. Instead, an MVNO relies on a mobile network operator, or MNO for short, to maintain and supply the network for its customers. There are just three major MNOs in the United States. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. But there are some smaller regionalized MNOs like US Cellular. The DISH Network is starting to build out its own network with the intent to become a major MNO. Most wireless providers in the USA are actually MVNOs.

MVNOs Pros And Cons

MVNOs certainly have their fair share of pros and cons. When you sort through the list of MVNOs and carrier MNOs further down below, you'll be able to see the differences between each provider. But there are some pros and cons common to virtually all MVNOs. In general, MVNOs have the following:

Pros

• MVNOs can be very cheap. Especially for single line customers
• They can provide plans for a wide range of budgets and needs
• MVNOs can offer specialty services to cater to niche markets
• They can offer plans not available from major carriers
• They use the same networks as the major carriers

Cons

• No stores to walk into for support
• Customer support can be limited
• Many do not sell phones or only offer a limited selection
• MVNO customers are typically deprioritized* below customers that are signed up directly with a carrier
• Multi-line discounts are often unavailable or not as robust as from a major carrier

*Deprioritized means that when a major carrier's network becomes congested with a lot of traffic, MVNO customers may notice their data speeds slowing down, sometimes dramatically. This is to give priority access with faster speeds to higher paying customers that subscribe directly to AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon.

MVNOs: What Are The Best Options?

There is no single best option available for everybody. Go back to the list of pros and cons above and take a second look at two of the major pros: "1) they can provide plans for a wide range of budgets and needs, and 2) MVNOs can offer specialty services to cater to niche markets." So which one is best for you will depend on your specific needs and if you need something that falls under a niche market or not. They aren't right for everybody. If you have several lines and need a truly unlimited data plan and are in a heavily congested area, a phone plan from a major wireless carrier may be better for you. Below is a list of carriers and MVNOs with some of the pros and cons of each highlighted.