Latest MVNO entrant backed by former Cricket, Simple Mobile execs
The domestic wireless market’s ultra-competitive environment is not preventing new entrants from trying to find their place. One of the most recent entrants is UVA Mobile, which bills itself as a “premiere” prepaid service provider offering two-line shared plans running across T-Mobile US’ GSM/LTE networks.
The San Diego-based mobile virtual network operator claims some experience in the domestic wireless space, touting former executives from Cricket Communications, which was acquired by AT&T; Simple Mobile, which was acquired by América Móvil in 2012; and Qualcomm.
The company sprung out of Southern California-based technology incubator EvoNexus, and is currently offering “early access” to its two-line plans, with more expansive plans said to be “coming soon.” The no-contract service is not currently offering any specific mobile devices, but said its included SIM cards are compatible with any T-Mobile US device or most unlocked GSM-based devices.
UVA is launching with five different voice-calling/data options, all priced at $50 per month to be shared across two lines. The options include 500 megabytes of data and 4,000 domestic calling minutes; 1 gigabyte of data and 3,500 calling minutes; 2 GB of data and 2,500 calling minutes; 3 GB of data and 1,500 calling minutes; or 3.5 GB of data and 1,000 calling minutes. All plans include 5,000 text messages and a $5 credit toward international long-distance calling.
For $10 per month, customers can add 1 GB of data, 1,000 calling minutes or unlimited text messages. Through its initial trial period, UVA said customers can add one of these options for free, with the trial phase set to run through June before full commercial services are available.
“We understand that not everyone’s situation is alike, so we want to provide the opportunity for a customer to design the perfect plan that fits his or her unique lifestyle needs without a contract requirement,” said Mehul Merchant, CEO and founder of UVA Mobile.
The prepaid space has seen a number of new MVNO-based entrants in recent months, including Google’s highly publicized Project Fi service, TracFone expanding its diverse offering with Total Wireless and ITalk launching across Sprint’s network.
Established players also have increased their focus, with Cricket recently rolling out device financing options, T-Mobile US offering its Data Stash program for prepaid plans and AT&T tweaking its GoPhone plans.
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