Unsure About Coverage? US Mobile's ~$25 per month unlimited plan runs over a subscriber's choice of any of the 3 major networks. Subscribers can easily transfer between networks.
The major networks in the United States all have flanker brands. These brands usually cater to budget-sensitive consumers with low-cost, prepaid service. While flanker brands operate over the major networks, the services they offer are not necessarily be the exact same as services network operators offer direct subscribers. For example, it’s common for flanker brands’ subscribers to have limited roaming options or low priority during network congestion.
Flanker brands vs. MVNOs
Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) pay wholesale rates to network operators and resell service to consumers. While MVNOs and flanker brands often have similar business models and cater to similar customers, only flanker brands are owned by network operators.
In practice, people regularly refer to flanker brands as MVNOs. Occasionally, I run into debates about whether this terminology is accurate. I’m content not taking a position. Categories don’t always have well-defined boundaries.
Flanker brands by network
AT&T
- Cricket Wireless
T-Mobile:
- Metro
- Mint Mobile
Verizon:
- Visible
- TracFone + related brands
Evolution of flanker brands
When Sprint was still around, it operated Virgin Mobile USA and Boost Mobile as its flanker brands.
Some of today’s flanker brands used to be independent MVNOs before acquisitions by major networks (e.g., Mint Mobile, TracFone, and other brands in the TracFone family).
