The major networks in the United States all have flanker brands. In most cases, flanker brands cater to budget-sensitive consumers by offering subscribers 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 firm position. Not every category has well-defined boundaries.
Flanker brands by network
AT&T
- Cricket Wireless
T-Mobile:
- Metro
Verizon:
- Visible
Past & future of flanker brands
Sprint used to operate Virgin Mobile USA and Boost Mobile as its flanker brands. Virgin Mobile shut down in early 2020.1 Boost Mobile was sold to DISH to help facilitate a merger between T-Mobile and Sprint.
Verizon is planning to acquire TracFone and its family of MVNO brands. Assuming the acquisition goes through, the brands owned by TracFone may end up looking less like conventional MVNOs and a more like flanker brands.
