What is an MVNO?
By Ultra Team
Published February 24, 2025
If you’re tech savvy (or wireless savings savvy) you might have heard the term MVNO and wondered, what is an MVNO?
In this blog we’ll go into what it is, what it isn’t, what makes it great, and what are some things to consider if you’re thinking of switching to an MVNO for your wireless carrier like Ultra Mobile.
“Pro-Tip”
Switching to Ultra Mobile can result in an Ultra-happy wallet. More on that later, for now let’s go back to what makes an MVNO.
What does an MVNO stand for?
MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator. An MVNO is a wireless provider that uses major carriers’ networks to deliver service, often at a lower cost to the customer.
Think of it like renting space in a big, well-maintained building instead of owning it—it’s cost-effective and saves the person renting the space from the exorbitant operational costs of ownership.
Metaphors aside, you may be wondering what the benefits are of going with an MVNO over a regular MNO (Mobile Network Operator)?
Benefits of MVNOs
Affordability
One great thing about MVNOs is that they tend to be more affordable. MVNOs work by purchasing minutes and data bandwidth at wholesale pricing, providing affordable options to cost-conscious customers. That’s why MVNOs like Ultra Mobile have plans as low as $10/month* while still offering nationwide coverage on a major network. This way, you get access to a major network, like the nation’s largest 5G network if you’re on Ultra Mobile, and not have to pay a hefty monthly wireless bill for it.
Access to a reliable network
Another great advantage of going with an MVNO is that you can enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained network without having to pay through the nose for it. As we stated above, MVNOs can provide lower pricing because of their business model. Additionally, when you go with an MVNO like Ultra Mobile, you’re able to get nationwide 5G coverage on the T-Mobile Network. Just a little Ultra-pro tip.
Flexibility & customization
As we stated above, MVNOs are able to offer affordable pricing because they get wholesale pricing on the signal, coverage and network of an MNO (Mobile Network Operator).
There are a lot of MVNOs to choose from, but not all are considered equal. If having affordable pricing and flexible plan options is important to you, an MVNO like Ultra Mobile might be a great fit for you.
Ultra Mobile plans are available as low as $10/month* and in varying plan durations from 3-, 6- or 12-months. Did we mention the variety of data options from 250MB, 2GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, Unlimited and Unlimited+? Ultra Mobile has a plan for every data need and budget.
Bring your own device
Many Mobile Network Operators often try to push customers into a phone to keep them committed, trapping them into hefty monthly plans until they’ve paid off their brand new device.
Many MVNOs like Ultra Mobile have greater flexibility, allowing you to bring your own phone to their network. This helps you save money by not upgrading phones every time you want to switch, and by stretching out the life of your current device. You can also bring your number along to most MVNOs, and definitely to Ultra Mobile.
Fewer strings attached
Very often when you buy wireless from a larger carrier, they require some kind of contract either through a cell phone purchase or other commitment. If you’re unhappy with the service, it can make it difficult (or just expensive) to leave.
Most MVNOs offer prepaid plans, empowering you to pay for shorter periods of time if you wish and if you are unhappy with it, switching is easier with fewer contracted commitments. And many of them allow you to bring your own phone and number, so you don’t have to be stuck with a carrier because your phone hasn’t been paid off.
*taxes & fees extra
Common misconceptions about MVNO’s
There are lots of common misconceptions about MVNOs and what they may or may not provide. While each provider is different, when it comes to Ultra Mobile, most of these are just that – misconceptions.
| True | False |
| MVNOs provide affordable and reliable coverage on a major carrier’s network. | Poor network quality |
| MVNOs provide data options from small to high data amounts. | MVNOs are only for budget users |
| Some MVNOs like Ultra Mobile have excellent Customer Care | “Limited” customer service |
- “Poor network quality” False
MVNOs provide affordable and reliable coverage on a major carrier’s network.
Since MVNOs use the same towers as major carriers, they generally offer similar coverage. MVNOs like Ultra Mobile provide 5G to 98% of Americans and 4G LTE to 99%.* - “MVNOs are only for budget users” False
MVNOs are great for a variety of data users, including high data amounts.
There’s a common misconception that MVNOs are best for budget users looking for lower data plans. At Ultra Mobile, we offer a variety of Unlimited plan options with data allowances that are uncapped, meaning they have no data cap. So if you’re looking for a lot of data at a low price, we’ve got you connected. - “Limited” customer service False
Get excellent customer service from multi-lingual Customer Care at Ultra Mobile.
Though customer service can vary from MVNO to MVNO, many prioritize customer satisfaction. At Ultra Mobile, our quality Customer Care team has a 97% satisfaction rate** with customers, and provides support in English, Spanish, and Mandarin to serve a variety of customer needs.
*Based on analysis by Ookla® of select Prepaid Wireless providers Speedtest Intelligence® data for the U.S., 1H 2024. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
**as of 2/24/25
Ultra Mobile provides
- Free international features like unlimited talk and text to over 90 international destinations, as well as unlimited global text
- More amazing international features like Call Me Free, uTalk, Globe Unlimited
- Unlimited talk & text in Mexico & Canada
- Affordable plans starting from $10/month*
- Flexible plan options available from 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-Month plan durations
- Available in eSIM and physical SIM
- On the nation’s largest 5G network
- Customer-focused care from our multi-lingual quality care team
*Upfront payment required; taxes & fees extra. Capable device required. Actual availability, speed & coverage may vary. Heavy data users (>35GB/mo.) may notice slower speeds when our network is busy. Videos stream at ~480p. Unlimited Talk & Text in Mexico & Canada: Select plans only; no international data roaming included; not for extended international use. INTL 90+: See www.ultramobile.com/international-calling/ for destinations; list subject to change. See full terms for details.
How to get started with Ultra Mobile
In conclusion, there are loads of great benefits to consider if you’re thinking of selecting an MVNO wireless carrier. If you want affordable, flexible wireless plans, with reliable coverage on the nation’s largest 5G network and free international features, Ultra Mobile may be right for you.
