Tron MVNO was created in 2010.

They use At&t's network because they are a MVNO or they share their network.

T-Mobile MVNOs may throttle data usage for customers by slowing down internet speeds once a certain data limit is reached. This can affect the browsing experience for users who have exceeded their data allowance.

Asda Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in the UK, operated by Asda, by 2p/min and 2p/text, however is 60p/MB more expensive for Internet use. Asda Mobile does not provide an unlocking service, nor does it supply.

Only GSM Cell phone's operating on the AT&T frequency will work. PureTalk is an AT&T MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) which basically means they are an AT&T service reseller, buying the service in bulk and setting their own fees. Network access/speed wouldn't be compromised because it would still be AT&T.

Straight Talk is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), which means that don't use their own towers - rather they "lease" service from a couple other of the nation's leading service providers.

Tracfone wireless piggybacks on all four of the major carriers, depending on what phone you use.

GSM: AT&T, T-Mobile

CDMA:Verizon,Sprint

Helio began as a joint venture between Earthlink and SK Telecom. Earthlink has divested itself from the partnership and it is now owned and operated by SK Telecom. (The previous answer here indicated that Sprint owned 1/3 of Helio, which is incorrect).

Helio is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that uses the Sprint Network.

You cannot activate Helio phones with Sprint directly.

As a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Straight Talk doesn't own its own network but rather leases service from AT&T and T-Mobile for GSM phones, and Sprint and Verizon for CDMA phones.

This means that Straight Talk customers get service everywhere cellular service is available.

If your Service Provider does not have adequate coverage in your circle (Eg. Mumbai) then it may tie-up with some other operator within the same circle which would allow you to use its network in the areas of low coverage. Thus a subscriber of operator 'A' would be latched onto the network of operator 'B' within the same circle. This is intra-Circle roaming.

The MVNO's also use a similar concept of infrastructure sharing. In near future, operators might start sharing the 3G infrastructure on the similar concept to allow 3G services to its customers (for the operators which do not have 3G spectrum in that particular circle)

Sanket Angane

(Telecom Engineer)

Consumer Cellular operates as an MVNO on AT&T's network, thus you can use any AT&T compatible phone with Consumer Cellular's SIM card, even if its not unlocked (yes, even the iPhone's).

If you want to use a T-Mobile phone or another GSM phone that's not from AT&T, you will need to get it unlocked.

CDMA phones (Verizon/Sprint/MetroPCS/etc) are not compatible as they do not use GSM or SIM cards.

Say, "YES ! ! !" to an MVNO... Consumer Cellular is an especially GREAT way for a family $AVE and share minutes with smartphones on the AT&T network (2nd largest in the USA)...Even if you need to pay early termination fees (ETF), your savings will rapidly pay for a switch...My family of 4 all has iPhones (Any AT&T phone will work) and with 5% AARP discount (available to people of any age) our total monthly bill, including taxes, is just under $100. We easily share 1,000 minutes and 10,000 texts and 2GB data. Chase Ink Business credit card offers another 5% off as cash back for internet, cable and cell phone charges, so my total cost is under $95 per month including taxes...Consumer Cellular also offers a $10 referral credit to me and $10 to you if you let them know Jamey Wagner 805-637-ate744 referred you.

They run on GSM as well as CDMA depending on the phone you get FROM THEM... Or you can purchase a SIM card from Straight Talk to use in your unlocked GSM phone. Then you can purchase the $45 card from Straight Talk or Wal-Mart to use on your new converted phone.

Tracfone is a MVNO (Mobile Vertual Network Operator) which is a fancy way to say they are a reseller. They buy minutes from Verizon and sell them to their customers.

Tracfone is the oldest of the MVNOs. (They weren't even called that back then). Essentially, the network is the same but you pay a lot less on Tracfone's prepaid service.

Verizon is a carrier using CDMA technology (as does Sprint). It is difficult to switch CDMA phones from one network to another. Its much easier on GSM which is the technology used by T-Mobile and AT&T. In fact, 95% of all networks in the world are GSM.

The Bottom Line - You may be able to find a local Tracfone dealer who can "re-program" (hack) your Verizon phone to work on Tracfone. The main reason you'd want to do this is that Tracfone's service is really cheap but they offer only really crappy phones.

They use AT&T. Say, "YES ! ! !" to an MVNO... Consumer Cellular is an especially GREAT way for a family $AVE and share minutes with smartphones on the AT&T network (2nd largest in the USA)...Even if you need to pay early termination fees (ETF), your savings will rapidly pay for a switch...My family of 4 all has iPhones (Any AT&T phone will work) and with 5% AARP discount (available to people of any age) our total monthly bill, including taxes, is just under $100. We easily share 1,000 minutes and 10,000 texts and 2GB data. Chase Ink Business credit card offers another 5% off as cash back for internet, cable and cell phone charges, so my total cost is under $95 per month including taxes...Consumer Cellular also offers a $10 referral credit to me and $10 to you if you let them know Jamey Wagner 805-637-ate744 referred you.

In the USA, when it comes to eSIMs, I have had a wonderful experience with Prune.co.in They offer eSIMs that provide practicality and a sense of ease and relief for your mobile needs in USA.

eSIMs are perfect for travellers,

With their no-contract SIM plans, you can enjoy:

Unlimited USA Wide Calls

Unlimited Local & International Text Messaging (SMS)

Caller ID & Voicemail

I'd highly recommend visiting prune.co.in website for the latest eSIM offerings and pricing. Keep in mind that eSIM availability may depend on your device and carrier compatibility.

Yes! You don't even have to unlock the iPhone. In fact, this method work on all versions of iOS with all versions of the iPhone...

Say, "YES ! ! !" to an MVNO... Consumer Cellular is an especially GREAT way for a family $AVE and share minutes with smartphones on the AT&T network (2nd largest in the USA)...Even if you need to pay early termination fees (ETF), your savings will rapidly pay for a switch...My family of 4 all has iPhones (Any AT&T phone will work) and with 5% AARP discount (available to people of any age) our total monthly bill, including taxes, is just under $100. We easily share 1,000 minutes and 10,000 texts and 2GB data. Chase Ink Business credit card offers another 5% off as cash back for internet, cable and cell phone charges, so my total cost is under $95 per month including taxes...Consumer Cellular also offers a $10 referral credit to me and $10 to you if you let them know Jamey Wagner 805-637-ate744 referred you.