Cable multiple system operators (MSOs) are mining their assets to excel as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), according to a new study from GlobalData.
The firm tracked the total cost of ownership (TCO) for the Apple iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S25, and Google Pixel 9 across multiple carriers and found that cable-based mobile operators offer competitive prices on the devices while reducing TCO. The release says that cable MVNOs are ahead “by far,” though it offers no specifics.
GlobalData cites Spectrum Mobile, Optimum Mobile, and Xfinity Mobile as examples of cable MVNOs that are doing well. Their strategy is to rely upon 5G and their Wi-Fi hotspot holdings to reduce costs. The press release says that such companies direct almost 90% of its data through Wi-Fi.
“Postpaid wireless players are attaching high-spend plan requirements to most device promotions,” Nicole Teasley, Senior Telecom Consumer Services Analyst at GlobalData said in a press release about the cable MVNOs study.
“But the cable MVNOs target home internet customers with offers of free or low-cost mobile service and pair it with device promotions that are often just as competitive as the big three carriers.”
Another factor in overall TCO is that the big three — AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile — tie device promotions to high-cost plans that can cost $75 or more per month. The price range of cable MVNOs is far lower, usually ranging between $20 and $50.
The ranks of the MVNOs are set to grow by at least one later this year. Last month, a Midco representative told Telecompetitor that the company plans to launch a mobile service this year. The company has not yet named a partner for the project.
