MVNOs, or Mobile Virtual Network Operators, are companies that offers cellular service, but do not own their own cellular networks. They are independently operated, unlike prepaid subsidiaries that are owned by the carriers themselves.
MVNOs purchase bulk capacity from the major carriers and resell it under their own branding, generally with an official contract with the carrier to do so.
MVNO Smartphone Plans
MVNOs can offer plans on only one of the major carriers, or on multiple networks. Many of them offer only smartphone plans, but a several offer hotspot/data-only plans as well. This entry focuses on MVNOs that only offer smart phone plans. MVNOs that offer data plans will have their own individual entries.
In many cases, the MVNO may not directly state what network they are using, but it's usually not too hard to figure out. For example, a plan called the "Red" plan is likely on Verizon, while a "Blue" plan is likely on AT&T.
MVNOs may offer plans that are cheaper or have differing terms than going directly through a major network provider, but it's important to remember that your data will always be prioritized behind customers who purchase directly with the carriers.
Also be sure to pay attention to details of the plans offered, such as limitations on video streaming, mobile hotspot use or speed throttling.
All MVNOs are not created equal, and there is a lot of variety of the terms of plan offerings they provide.
News, Videos, & Status
We don't tend to pay too much attention to MVNO smartphone plans, as they rarely meet our definition of 'mobile internet'.
Related News Stories
Alternatives to Consider
Also consider some of our other top pick data plans:
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Purchasing
Smartphone plans in general aren't considered 'mobile internet' for our purposes in close tracking, and MVNO plans even less so.
We are offering this listing of MVNOs that have tended to offer smartphone plans with at least 10GB of high speed mobile hotspot use - which can serve as a back-up option as part of a mobile internet arsenal. You'll need to continue your research on these options as to their suitability in your setup.
This List is NOT AN ENDORSEMENT
This listing is in no way an endorsement or vetting for any MVNO you see listed, nor confirmation that they have a legit contract with the carrier. We do not remove vendors just because we receive a complaint on them - they are listed simply because they have a website that offers a smartphone plan with at least 10GB of mobile hotspot data.
Please do your own continued research and evaluation.
We have absolutely no affiliation with any MVNO, none pay for their listing on our site, and we do not participate in kickbacks for sign-ups.
- Airvoice (AT&T)
- Affinity Cellular (Verizon)
- Boom! Mobile (AT&T)
- Connected Mobile (T-Mobile)
- Consumer Cellular (AT&T, T-Mobile) - See our Gear Center Entry
- Credo Mobile (Verizon)
- EarthLink Mobile (T-Mobile)
- Freedom Pop (AT&T)
- Gen Mobile (Dish, T-Mobile)
- H20 Wireless (AT&T)
- Helium Mobile (T-Mobile)
- i3 Mobile (AT&T)
- Karma (T-Mobile)
- Kroger Wireless (T-Mobile)
- Lyca Mobile (T-Mobile)
- Mint Mobile (T-Mobile) - See our Gear Center Entry
- Mobile X (Verizon)
- Optimum Mobile (Regional) (T-Mobile)
- Pulse Cellular (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon)
- Pure Talk (AT&T)
- Reach Mobile (T-Mobile)
- Red Pocket (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon)
- Selectel (Verizon)
- Spectrum Mobile (Verizon) - See our Gear Center Entry
- Straight Talk (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) - See our Gear Center Entry
- Tello (T-Mobile)
- Teltik (T-Mobile)
- Text Now (T-Mobile)
- Ting Mobile (T-Mobile, Verizon for some grandfathered plans)
- Total Wireless (Verizon) - See our Gear Center Entry
- Tracfone (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) - See our Gear Center Entry
- Ultra Mobile (T-Mobile)
- Unreal Mobile (AT&T)
- US Mobile (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) - See our Gear Center Entry
- Wing (T-Mobile, Verizon)
- Xfinity (Verizon) - See our Gear Center Entry
Shopping for Cellular Data Plans
Finding the right plans for your needs is no easy task - quite simply mobile travelers using cellular data as their primary way online is not how most carriers have designed their plans. Many of us want plans that provide copious amounts of data.
Here's our video going over ways to get LOTS of data for use in your travels:
But a data plan alone will not keep you online. You also need the right gear, signal enhancing strategy and planning your travels around the options you carry with you. Head on over to our collection of guides:
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Top Data Plan Picks
Our constantly updated list of the BEST data plans.
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Which Carrier is Best?
Is Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Dish best for your travels?
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Selecting Data Plans
Our deep dive into understanding data plans and shopping for them.
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Data Plan Pricing Grid
Our always updated spreadsheet comparing all data plans suitable for mobile internet.
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Getting LOTS of the Data
Learn how to get lots of cellular data in your mobile internet arsenal.
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of