"The news of the last few days has raised the question of whether MVNOs are viable here in the U.S. The answer is: 'Yes, but it’s difficult to do.'
The primary challenge that MVNOs face is that they can’t compete with wireless carriers (e.g., Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility, etc.) on the criteria the majority of subscribers use to select a wireless service provider. The majority of subscribers who selected their wireless service provider (i.e., they are not on their parents’ plan or that of an employer) did so based on quality of coverage and cost of services. Handset selection barely made the top ten on our list. Those who own and control the network meet these criteria best. It’s hard for MVNOs to compete for the majority of U.S. subscribers."
