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Ask the Editors: Specialty cell phone carriers
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Specialty cell phone carriers
February 28, 2006
Q
What is an MVNO?
Submitted by:
Kathleen,
via e-mail
Kent German
Kent German
Senior editor
The acronym stands for mobile virtual network operator, which is basically a "lifestyle" carrier targeting a particular demographic. Typically, MVNOs offer prepaid and themed phones and services. Also, since they are virtual carriers, they don't own or operate equipment. Instead, they buy huge batches of minutes from traditional wireless carriers, essentially piggybacking on those networks. Two youth-focused examples are Virgin Mobile, which operates over Sprint's network, and Boost Mobile, which uses Nextel. New MVNOs are Mobile ESPN, which offers a made-over Sanyo handset complete with sports content, and Amp'd Mobile, which has 3G phones such as the Kyocera Jet targeted toward urban hipsters. For more information on choosing an MVNO, visit CNET's quick guide to prepaid phones.
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Kent German covers the latest trends and devices in cell phones, smart phones, and accessories. He's been covering technology for four years and loves to talk on the phone.


 
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