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I worked in mobile telecom in the 2000s when MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators - basically resellers) were the next big thing. Companies like Amp'd or Boo
by mosburger 10y ago
I worked in mobile telecom in the 2000s when MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators - basically resellers) were the next big thing. Companies like Amp'd or Boost or Virgin Mobile would resell another carrier's network with their own branding and personality. One of the reasons there was a disappointing uptake in MVNOs were that the carriers were stubbornly refusing to become wholesale dumb pipes. The only one that seemed consistently cool with it (perhaps out of desperation) was Sprint, which is why most MVNOs that you've heard of use Sprint's network. So if any of the carriers took this route of differentiation, it seems like they would be the one.
- stanleydrew 10y agoHaving worked closely with Sprint while building our MVNO at Charge (https://charge.co https://charge.co) I can tell you that there are enough systemic issues within their billing and activation systems that they won't be able to become a dumb pipe, even if they wanted to. At this point I'd bet on a GSM carrier like T-Mobile to get there first.
- shanacarp 10y agowhat are said systemic issues? I'm actually curious
- stanleydrew 10y agoIf you're in SF and buy me a beer I'll tell you all about it.
- mosburger 10y agoI actually designed and built a decent chunk of Amp'd Mobile's backend integration with Verizon Wireless. I'd be pretty shocked if anyone were more difficult to integrate with.