A Mobile Virtual Network Operator is a company that does not own a licensed frequency spectrum, but resells wireless services under their own brand name, using the network of another mobile phone operator. The first was Virgin Mobile, launched in the United Kingdom in 1999. Although Virgin Mobile is the first recognized MVNO, a similar idea was pioneered at MCI by then Vice President of Wireless Strategy and Development, Whitey Bluestein, who continues to be a major force in the industry.

An MVNO’s roles and relationship to the mobile phone operator vary by market. In general an MVNO is an entity or company that works independently of the operator and can set its own tariff structures. Usually, it does not own any GSM, CDMA or other wireless infrastructure, such as Mobile Switching Center (MSC) or a radio access network. Some may own their own Home Location Register (HLR), which allows more flexibility since multiple host networks could be used, and the MVNO appears as a roaming partner.

A list of MVNO’s here:

• Fresh Mobile - Lowest UK calls/SMS MVNO. Uses T-Mobile UK
• MobileWorld - Lowest International direct dial calls from the UK. Uses T-Mobile UK
• talktalk Mobile - Free calls between TT Landlines and Mobiles and vice versa. Uses T-Mobile UK
• Euroset Russia - Russian MVNO, great VAS services; backed up by worlds largest mobile sales discounter (3500+ outlets and fast growing).
• Amp’d Mobile - [UPDATE] MVNO service provider out of business.
• Boost Mobile
• BT Mobile
• CallPlus
• DBS Communications
• Disney Mobile
• easyMobile.com - uses T-Mobile
• gametel
• Helio - uses Sprint (CDMA 1xEVDO)
• Ignition Wireless - uses Sprint announced Verizon
• Jitterbug Wireless - uses Sprint (CDMA 1xEVDO)
• Kolumbus
• Liberty Wireless
• M&S Mobile - uses T-Mobile UK
• M-Budget Mobile
• Mobile ESPN - uses Sprint (CDMA 1xEVDO)

• Net10 Wireless, operated by Tracfone - uses GSM
• Payless Cellular - uses Verizon and Cingular
• PlatinumTel Prepaid Wireless - uses Sprint
• PowerNet Mobile
• PC Mobile
• Qualution
• Saunalahti (Finland)
• STi Mobile - uses Sprint

• Telmore
• Tesco Mobile
• TracFone Wireless - uses Verizon Wireless, Alltel, others
• Transatel
• Venture Mobile - uses Verizon, Sprint and announced Cingular
• Vipera - Mobile Applications Virtual Operator
• Virgin Mobile - uses T-Mobile (UK), Sprint (USA), Bell Mobility (Canada) and Optus (Australia)
• Voce Wireless