That surprises a lot of people.

When most people think about wireless service, they picture dozens of competing cellular companies. In reality, nearly every wireless provider in the United States operates on one of just three nationwide networks (with a fourth nationwide network continuing to expand).

So how can there be hundreds of wireless companies?

The answer is the MVNO.

MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator.

Instead of building billions of dollars' worth of cell towers and network equipment, an MVNO purchases network capacity from one or more nationwide carriers and then sells that service under its own brand name.

Companies such as AirTalk Wireless, US Mobile, Mint Mobile, Tello, and many others are examples of this business model.

This allows smaller companies to compete while offering customers lower prices, flexible plans, and innovative features.

Yes.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in wireless.

Brands like Cricket, Metro, and Total are owned directly by one of the nationwide carriers.

An MVNO, on the other hand, is an independent company that purchases network access and builds its own business around customer service, pricing, and features.

That's an important distinction because independent MVNOs often have much more flexibility in how they package and market their services.

Many people wonder why some MVNOs don't prominently advertise the network they operate on.

In many cases, that's intentional.

Network owners invest enormous amounts of money promoting the quality and reliability of their own brands. Agreements with MVNO partners may limit how those relationships are advertised, allowing the network owner to maintain its own brand identity while still selling wholesale network access.

As a result, many MVNOs focus on the coverage and service they provide rather than making the underlying network the centerpiece of their marketing.

For many people, an MVNO offers the best value in wireless service.

Benefits often include:

• Lower monthly prices
• No annual contracts
• No credit checks on prepaid plans
• Flexible plan options
• Access to reliable nationwide networks
• Greater competition in the wireless marketplace

Most MVNOs operate using prepaid service. Because customers pay in advance, the provider doesn't assume the financial risk associated with monthly billing, which helps keep prices competitive.

An MVNO isn't a second-class wireless provider.

It's simply a different business model.

For many customers, an MVNO can provide excellent service at a significantly lower cost than traditional postpaid wireless plans.

The key is finding the provider whose plans, features, and customer support best match your needs.

That's exactly what JackWagon is here to help you do.

After spending more than four decades in the communications industry, I've learned that the biggest phone bill isn't always the best phone service.

The smartest purchase is the one that gives you the features and coverage you need without paying for the ones you don't.

That's why you'll see so many MVNO reviews on JackWagon.

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