Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in the United States lease wireless telephone and data service from the three major cellular carriers in the country—AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile US, and Verizon—and offer various levels of free and/or paid talk, text and data services to their customers. In April 2019, American MVNOs provided service to 36 million active subscribers.
Voice and data service operators In general, the types of phones and other devices supported by the MVNOs are in line with the technologies used by the Mobile Network Operator (MNO), the underlying cellular network provider. All major and regional MNOs use 4G LTE / LTE Advanced and 5G NR protocols (2G and 3G having been deprecated and shut down), with GSM technologies.
However, many MVNOs tend to sell somewhat older phone models (e.g. ones discontinued by the host networks), which can affect whether all technologies supported by the carrier network are usable by MVNO customers. The acronym BYOD means "Bring Your Own Device", indicating that a customer can port a cellphone or other cellular device they already own to the MVNO, rather than having to buy/rent a new device from them (assuming it is compatible with the host network, has not been reported stolen, is not still locked into a contract, etc.). MVNOs often restrict the list of BYOD devices they'll support to a smaller subset than the host networks. MVNOs will often push/favor a specific model phone because it is locked into the host carrier "preferred network" that gives that MVNO the best deal/rates.
Providers supporting multiple host networks use only one of them for each device, depending on the specific phone model and/or SIM card used (except for Google Fi Wireless, which switches automatically between the different listed host networks based on factors such as relative signal strength).
Different companies target different markets: typically a subset of business, lifeline, and personal. Lifeline refers to the Universal Service Fund's Lifeline low-income phone program. In the case of providers with both Lifeline and non-Lifeline offerings, but different options for each (as opposed to the same options, but different costs), the Lifeline offerings have been put on a separate row with "[Lifeline]" in the "Company" field. Note that though the Lifeline program is a Federal one, each state is responsible for implementing its own version, so details beyond the basic requirements of the program can differ significantly from state to state (starting with the set of provider companies available). As of this writing, Lifeline provider info has mostly only been filled in for California and Minnesota.
Most of the MVNOs in this table provide voice, text, and data services to mobile phones ("Yes" in Phone service column; note that this column does not indicate whether the provider sells phones – all providers offering phone service sell phones unless the "BYOD" column contains "Yes, BYOD-only"). Some MVNOs also have data-only offerings, which can be intended for tablets ("Tablet plans available" in Notes column), or can require the purchase (or BYOD) of a dedicated mobile broadband modem, usually in the form of a Wi-Fi Hotspot device ("Yes" in Modem service column; not to be confused with the Tethering / phone hotspotAlso known as "Personal Hotspot" or as "Mobile Hotspot", though the latter can also refer to dedicated hotspot modem/router devices. column, which refers to the ability to use a phone or tablet to share data as a Wi-Fi hotspot or via Bluetooth or USB. There are also MVNOs who provide only data service to mobile hotspot devices (mobile broadband providers).
Native Wi-Fi calling refers to the ability of mobile phones on the service to seamlessly use Wi-Fi rather than the cellular network to connect normally dialed calls, when enabled. It does not refer to the ability to use third-party programs to make calls over Wi-Fi networks, which is generally always supported on smartphones.
Third-party websites have been gaining popularity among American consumers who seek to reduce their expenses on wireless services. These websites have established partnerships with major cellular carriers such as AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile US, and Verizon, to provide customers with discounted plans, along with complimentary or low-priced smartphones and tablets to customers who sign up for services through their portals.
Although certain customers prefer going straight to the major carriers or their MVNO partners, some are drawn to third-party websites due to the unique offers and perks that come along with them. These platforms typically have simplified and expedited signup processes, and may offer additional bonuses such as free shipping or extended warranties.
It's important to keep in mind, however, that not all third-party websites are trustworthy, and some may employ deceitful or fraudulent practices. Thus, it is always advisable for consumers to conduct research and examine reviews prior to engaging in business with any website or service provider.
+ Company Host network(s) Market Phone service Modem service BYOD Unlimited fast data Unlimited slow data 5G access Tethering / phone hotspot International Native calling Notes Access Wireless T-Mobile Lifeline: CA , but must call to check compatibility , plans capped at 6 GB maximum for Californians Owned by i-wireless. Affinity Cellular Verizon Personal , on Unlimited Data plan, though "On our Unlimited Data plan, the fair use threshold is 35 GB of data. If this amount is exceeded, it will result in throttling of data." , with compatible device. ; also, no service in Alaska AAA members receive extra benefits. Airvoice WirelessAT&T Personal ? , "We have the right to slow down the speed of data browsing upon our own discretion at any time during your 5 or 30 day cycle." , on Unlimited data plan (only?); 2G speeds: 128 kbit/s , unlimited int'l calling and texting on appropriate plans Owned by Airvoice Wireless. Terms of Services includes "Since you are on an Unlimited Plan, there will be no disputes about calls not connecting or dropped calls or any other reason to call customer service and complain." Allvoi Wireless AT&T Personal ? , plans capped at 15 GB max , on Unlimited plans , Calls to int'l #s on Unlimited plans Americas Favorite MobileT-MobilePersonal , on Unlimited Data plan, though "Usage over 26 GB of data in a month period may result in throttled speeds when in congested areas." , on 4 GB Data plan Available to the general public. Gives a portion of its proceeds to veterans and military personnel via a charity foundation. Previously used the Verizon network. Formerly known as Armed Forces Wireless. Assist WirelessT-Mobile Lifeline: OK, AR, MD and MO , plans capped at 6 GB maximum with additional payment of $5 per month from consumer with OK Tribal Lifeline Plan Assurance WirelessT-MobileLifeline: Over 40 states , plans capped at 6 GB maximum for ZIP codes within California Owned by T-Mobile. Beast Mobile AT&T Personal , plans capped at 10 GB max , on Unlimited Talk, Text & High Speed Data plan , phone hotspot on Sprint only, for extra fee , int'l calling from U.S. with add-on? First MVNO based on the FreeMo MVNE. Operates "Phones For The Homeless" program in Seattle and Oakland. Black Wireless AT&T Personal , BYOD-only; no online compatibility-checker? , plans capped at 6 GB max , 2G speeds: 128 kbit/s , non–Pay As You Go plans include unlimited (but not "unreasonable") calls to up to 10 unique int'l #s per month in >65 countries boom! MOBILE T-Mobile, Verizon Personal, Business , but no online compatibility-checker , plans capped at 20 GB max on Verizon, 60 GB max on AT&T , 2G speeds: 128 kbit/s , but "iPhone Only for Non-HD" (??) on Verizon network , int'l calling and texting, but on AT&T network only AT&T network available to business customers only.Boost MobileAT&T, T-MobilePersonal, Business , with compatible device. , for an additional fee Owned by Boost Mobile.Breezeline MobileAT&TPersonal ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Owned by Cogeco. CellNUVO AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Personal : depends on the MVNO or major network : depends on the MVNO or major network : depends on the MVNO or major network : depends on the MVNO or major network : depends on the MVNO or major network : depends on the MVNO or major network "Virtual MVNO" that directs customers to WhistleOut (so, arguably "virtual virtual virtual") to get price comparisons of other MVNOs and major carriers with affiliate links to sign up. In addition, users may install and use CellNUVO app to play ad-supported "simple swipe games" to earn credits to apply against cell service bills. Cellular Abroad AT&T Personal , plans capped at 1 GB max , int'l calling, texting, and roaming Owned by Cellular Abroad Inc. No unlimited services except incoming texts (worldwide). Sells and rents int'l phones & hotspot devices. Offers VPN that works in China. Offers service in Antarctica. BBB A+ rating. Charity Mobile Verizon Personal , on Unlimited plan, but "Data usage of 30 GB or more on any line will result in cellular data access being throttled for the remainder of the billing cycle." , on Unlimited plan, throttled after 30 GB of usage. , requires a Data Enabled line. , additional rates apply per country Pro-life charitiesChina Telecom CTExcelT-MobilePersonal , BYOD-only , plans capped at 10 GB max , 2G speeds: 128 kbit/s , plans available with unlimited calls to 20 countries, unlimited int'l texts, int'l roaming Owned by China Telecom. China Telecom and parent company China Telecommunications Corporation are state-owned (by China). Dual-number activation: U.S. phone number and virtual Chinese local number.Community Phone AT&T, Verizon Personal ? , though after 22 GB, speeds are not throttled, but service may be deprioritized during periods of network congestion. After 30 GB the service may slow down or stop. , after 22 GB of fast data, during some periods of network congestion , with Unlimited plans, unlimited Calls to Canada and Mexico, and unlimited roaming in Mexico Tablet plans available. Physical store in Cambridge, MA. Promotes tech literacy, puts on seminars at senior centers, etc. Consumer Cellular AT&T (new activations), T-Mobile (Legacy activations only) Personal ? , after 50 GB of use, your access to high speed data will be reduced to 30%, and you may experience slower speeds for the remainder of your billing cycle. , though speeds may be throttled once use exceeds 50 GB in addition to overage charging , Access to both TMO and ATT 5G Networks. , Tethering data is shared with data on the account.; reportedly, tethering can be added to plans on request , int'l calling, texting, and roaming Owned by GTCR. Tablet plans available. Discounts offered to AARP members, including 5% off monthly service. CREDO Mobile Verizon Personal , plans capped at 20 GB max , on Unlimited Data plan; 2G speeds: 64 kbit/s , int'l calls and roaming for select countries Owned by Working Assets. Tablet plans available. Switched from Sprint to Verizon in August 2016. Sells itself as a strong supporter of liberal / progressive political issues such as "Saving Mother Earth" and funds Planned Parenthood, among others. Cricket Wireless AT&T Personal , on Unlimited extra. On unlimited data plans, but data speeds throttled to 3 Mbit/s, video streaming throttled to 1.5 Mbit/s (SD quality); after 22 GB on Unlimited plan, or anytime on Unlimited Extra plan, "Cricket may temporarily slow data speeds during network congestion" , with compatible device. , but on Unlimited data plans, after 10 GB, throttled to 2G speeds: 128 kbit/s , with appropriate plans: unlimited calling to landlines in 35 countries from U.S., unlimited texts to 37 countries from U.S., unlimited calling and texts to and from Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., roaming in Canada and Mexico Owned by AT&T. DataXoom AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Business ? ? ENC Mobile