A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is a cell phone carrier that uses the network of one of the big 4 wireless carriers, such as T-Mobile’s network or Verizon’s network, to offer their services. Some MVNOs use more than one network to give consumers different options when comparing plans, or for more coverage in areas where some carriers may struggle. And in some cases, like when you look at the difference between MetroPCS and T-Mobile, you’ll notice that the MVNO (Metro) is actually owned by the big carrier (T-Mobile).
These services are becoming popular because they’re cheaper and don’t lock in consumers with contracts. Plus, you get almost the same services that the Big Four provide. But at what cost?
To understand how they work, you also need to know the elements of an MVNO vs. MNO.
A mobile network operator (MNO) is a company that provides telecommunication services, and it owns and controls the elements that allow it to offer such services. The Big Four companies–AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon–are MNOs. Such MNOs also offer several services and plans.
What Does MVNO Mean?
As noted before, MVNO is an abbreviation for the mobile virtual network operator, which is basically a company that uses the equipment of the Big Four carriers to offer telecommunication services. Examples of such companies include Boost Mobile, Metro, Cricket Wireless, and Virgin Mobile.
In some cases, MNOs tend to have unused cellular bandwidth (network capacity) and equipment, which they sell to MVNOs. So, instead of taking a loss due to unused equipment, which incurs them maintenance costs, they make a profit by selling to such smaller companies. The MVNOs benefit as well, as they are able to offer cheaper service. This is because they don’t have the cost of building and maintaining cell towers, paying for radiofrequency spectrum licenses, and investing in other telecommunication infrastructure.
Bear in mind that MVNOs have their own pros and cons. Traditionally, MVNOs are not as easy to deal with since most of their services are offered online, vs the Big 4 having many physical stores. It used to be seen as a service for those who are tech-savvy, as you had to complete tasks, such as changing SIM cards and porting, on your own. This is slowly changing as more companies strive to deliver the best experience for their customers.
Pros
Here are some of the benefits that MVNOs offer:
- A range of plans for easy comparison
- No credit checks when buying your plan
- You can switch from one network to another easily
- Plans are somewhat affordable compared to those offered by the Big Four
- Offer the same network as the ones used by the Big Four
Cons
They also have a fair share of drawbacks that you need to know:
- Data speeds may be slower since the Big Four prioritize their main customers
- You have limited options of phones you can buy
- Plans might have limited features
Is An MVNO Right for You?
If you’re looking to cut the costs of business calls and data, MVNOs can be an option worth considering. They allow you to use the same network like the Big Four’s customers, but at a slightly cheaper rate.
Since most companies operate no-contract prepaid billing, there are usually no credit checks. This means your credit history can’t restrict your plan options. However, if connectivity is your primary concern, and you need to keep your business running without paying an arm and a leg, then it might help to look elsewhere for stable and reliable connections. This is where a reseller comes in.
What About Teltik?
As a wireless reseller, Teltik Communications operates differently from MVNOs, which offer their own plans but use the infrastructure owned by the Big Four. Our route is simply to resell wireless service provided by T-Mobile, with flexible plans ranging from $20 to $50 per month.
Being a T-Mobile reseller, we offer wireless service with unlimited talk, text, and data for your business. This is possible thanks to a robust nationwide network. You have the freedom to pick your monthly plan without worrying about contracts.
Apart from the primary offerings, all plans come with several features, such as internet hotspot support, unlimited domestic roaming, smooth number transfer (porting), and unlimited calls to Canada. In fact, you have access to all of the features that T-Mobile offers to its customers.
The amount of 4G LTE data you get depends on the plan you pick. If you deplete your data before the month ends, you’ll still be connected, but your connection will be throttled to slower speeds until your next billing cycle.
The overall experience can even be better than working with one of the Big Four because of the dedicated service. In this case, Teltik only offers business plans with no contracts to help you power your day-to-day operations.
Why Is A Reseller Better?
Your business needs a reliable and flexible wireless service. However, this is something most businesses feel the Big Four don’t offer, especially when they get stuck in contracts. This is one of the reasons resellers are becoming the go-to providers for business plans.
In the case of Teltik, you get to enjoy all the T-Mobile perks with any plan you choose without a contract. With the unpredictable business landscape, this means you can change your plan depending on your needs.
In addition, you don’t want to have to suffer with slow data because of a congested office building. As a reseller, our service does not suffer from data deprioritization, unlike MVNOs. Data deprioritization is when some devices get their data slowed down due to there being too many devices using a carrier’s network at once. Carriers obviously choose to slow down the MVNOs before their own devices, and so resellers, being that they sell the carrier’s own plans, don’t get deprioritized.
Resellers don’t sell phones, and that means the cost of the phone is not included in your bill. Instead, you can bring your own device. With Teltik, you’ll need any T-Mobile branded device, or be sure to find one that’s appropriately unlocked. If you have a locked phone, you can contact your carrier to assist with unlocking it.
Using resellers means you get the same power and features that MNOs offer to their customers. Some of these features are Wi-Fi calling, mobile hotspot, and rollover data. Others include unlimited data and unlimited entertainment. However, bear in mind that some of the features are only eligible for those who pick premium plans.
Conclusion
When you’re shopping for the best wireless carrier for business, you must compare your options, including resellers, MVNOs, and MNOs. The quality of service and the costs are the two essential factors to guide your decision.
Be sure to review the MVNO’s pros and cons to determine if the service is ideal for you. For example, some of the MVNO’s have speeds capped at, say 8 Mbps, while name-brand customers can get up to 50 Mbps. This is a caveat if you want better speeds for calls and entertainment.
Resellers allow you to get such high speeds without getting stuck in a contract, in addition to many other benefits. To learn more, go to Teltik.com, and give us a try! We’re sure you and your business will appreciate great service at great prices.