MVNO
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Telecom
| Stands for | Mobile virtual network operator |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
MVNO stands for Mobile virtual network operator, a telecom abbreviation.
Mobile service provider that sells phone plans using another company's network rather than owning radio infrastructure. MVNOs typically offer cheaper or specialized plans, sometimes with lower priority during congestion.
Example: I switched to an MVNO and pay half as much for the same coverage.
Usage notes
Virgin Mobile, launched in the UK in 1999, was one of the first major MVNOs. Well-known examples include Google Fi, Mint Mobile, which T-Mobile acquired in 2023, Visible on Verizon's network, and giffgaff and Tesco Mobile in the UK. Cable companies such as Comcast and Charter have become large MVNOs. MMS and data may need manual APN settings.
Related abbreviations
More telecom abbreviations
- MIMO – Multiple-input multiple-output
- MMS – Multimedia Messaging Service
- mmWave – Millimeter wave
- MNO – Mobile network operator
- modem – Modulator-demodulator
- MSISDN – Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number
- MWC – Mobile World Congress
- NB-IoT – Narrowband Internet of Things
- NFC – Near-field communication
- NR – New Radio
- OFDM – Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing
- ONT – Optical network terminal