MVNO Explained: 10 Reasons Why To Use UnlockedCell Phones On An MVNO

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Oct 27, 2014 8:00:00 AM

MVNOs are very attractive for American phone users for many reasons, especially the freedom touse unlocked cell phones!

However, they're still somewhat of a mystery for the mainstream. We've all heard of Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular, but how many folks know:

Walmart Family

Solavei

Go Smart

Straight Talk

Ting

And many more...

So as an MVNO operator, you know that your potential consumers could use having an MVNOexplained to them!

The cell phones are just one reason to love MVNOs, but there are 9 more great reasons that you canuse to encourage others to come over to, and start benefiting from, your services!

Keep reading as we go through 10 reasons why...

Your MVNO Explained...

Bear in mind that MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are still the little brother of the Americangiants such as Verizon, and AT&T; both of these being household names.

You may indeed be able to compete with these big guns, or in fact offer even better services, but as anewcomer to the party you're going to need to justify why folks should choose you!

These 10 reasons will help make your case:

1. Bring Across Unlocked Cell Phones

As mentioned at the top, unlocked cell phones are a huge draw for MVNO subscribers.

Sign up for a contract from, say, Verizon, and you may receive a 'free' top-of-the-range handset.However you'll then pay a high monthly fee over 18 months, or 2 years, paying back massively inexcess of the cost of the phone, minutes, data, and more!

But what if you have a perfectly good phone? The average smartphone will give you 2 or 3 years ofgood service. Whilst you may 'like' a new phone sooner, there's no need to keep being forced to

upgrade in the way that big networks force you to.

Many of us can't afford a new phone so regularly, or perhaps just don't need one yet.

Luckily, many MVNOs allow you bring across any unlocked cell phone. Just be sure that your phonewill work on their network. Ask them before purchasing the SIM card!

2. Low Cost

Every MVNO is buying wholesale bandwidth from the major carriers, and then selling it to you atwhichever price they like. Of course, it's lower than the big boys, as this is their business model.

The point of an MVNO is to undercut the major carriers, and gain users in this way.

Major carriers don't mind as they're still selling their bandwidth that may not have been otherwise sold.

Subscribers are happy as they get a cheaper service, and it's a lot cheaper...

"The average monthly MVNO smartphone plan, including unlimited data (at least, up to a fairlygenerous point) is somewhere around just $40. This will be double or more with large carriers, ataround $100!" (Tweet this stat)

3. Flexible & No Contract

Most MVNO SIMs are pre pay, and are very flexible in favor of the user. They often offer either pay asyou go, bi-monthly, or monthly services, with a plethora of payment options.

You could have:

All-inclusive smartphone service including data

Voice and SMS only

Data only

A la carte: You choose what you get

You can't really ask for more really, can you?

This is a far cry from the major carriers who lock you into a legal, set contract for at least around 18months, where the cost is automatically deducted from your bank account.

4. It's The Green Choice

Since most MVNOs don't require you to have a forced upgrade every couple of years or so, you cankeep unlocked cell phones for as long as you like! This means that less older handsets are filling uplandfill, or being wasted by sitting in an old drawer gathering dust.

This interesting infographic illustrates the environmental impact of discarded cell phoneson the environment.

5. They're 'As Good' As The Big Networks

Many customers who are new to MVNOs don't realize that the MVNO isn't just a small, tin-pot, network.They are offering the same network as the big name that they are buying their bandwidth from.

Therefore, if you know that Sprint offers a great service in your area, you'll get exactly the same servicefrom an MVNO using Sprint's network (but a lot cheaper)!

6. Great Customer Support

An MVNO is much smaller than the 'big 4' carriers in the USA.

We all know that the larger the organisation, the worse their customer support will be. Just look at thegovernment for a great example of this. The same goes for the larger operators.

These little guys really care about getting, and keeping, your custom, because they need to grow!That's why the average MVNO will go the extra mile to help you at all times!

7. Extra Diversity Stimulates The USA Mobile Industry To Do Better

The bigger networks can often be accused of complacency, hence charging customers so much to awholly unjustified level!

With the new waves of MVNO in USA breathing down their necks, it's forcing services to become betterfor all Americans, no matter if they're using an MVNO or not.

A good example is telecoms giant T-Mobile, who are now starting to offer more flexible contracts as a

knee-jerk reaction to the challenge from MVNOs.

The broad competition also means that all networks are now constantly striving to bring out new offersand promotions to gain customers. Good for users!

8. You Can Keep Your Old Cell Number

Consumers also need to know that they can keep their old cell number when moving to an MVNO. Thisis both convenient, and helpful, as they won't have the headache of needing to change number, theirdetails, and inform all of their family, friends, and colleagues. Ask your new MVNO for details.

This will depend, however, on if you're staying in the same place. If you're moving out of State, you mayneed to take on a new cell number unfortunately.

9. Minutes Often 'Roll Over'

Not only do MVNOs offer all of the above benefits, but they often roll over any unused voice minutes tothe following month (if with a monthly plan). Whilst some of the bigger operators also do this, it's still agreat benefit for MVNO users, especially coupled with lower prices and flexibility!

Since there are 100+ MVNO in USA, you should check the details of the one you're interested in to seeif they do indeed offer this, or any of the other, benefits.

10. MVNOs Are Kind

How often must have expensive cell phone contracts that users are legally obliged to pay each monthcaused people to get into financial difficulty?

Lost your job? You still have to pay.

Signed up for a plan that turns out to be too expensive? You still have to pay.

MVNOs are the kinder, more ethical choice. They don't lock people into long contracts, and offer themthe freedom to stop using their service at any time.

They also don't require your details, such as credit card information, or personal details for the mostpart; instead leaving you to pay either in advance in cash, or on a monthly basis.

Furthermore, they don't demand a credit check, making them suitable for most people, no matter theircircumstances!

CONCLUSION:

There are no doubt even more reasons why people who have had an MVNO explained to them wouldlove to switch! They're now a serious contender in the USA for any phone user who values low costs,unlocked cell phones, and convenience!

Which features of MVNOs do you find most attractive?

Are you currently with an MVNO, or are you now tempted to change?

Let us know in the comments please.

By buying cell phones and then adding an MVNO SIM card, you're on the road to saving a lot ofmoney.

AMGOO smartphones offer advanced features found in much more expensive phones, but with lowprices. An AMGOO cell phone added to a year of fully inclusive voice, data, and SMS with an MVNO, isstill likely to cost much less than an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S5 for example!

See our full range below, and see which suits you:

Topics: Customer Needs on Phones, MVNO