T-Mobile US, Univision set to launch Hispanic-focused MVNO service

T-Mobile US and Univision Communications announced plans to launch a mobile service targeting the Hispanic community. Univision Mobile is set to launch May 19, and to include content from media giant Univision running across T-Mobile US’ network.
Rate plans will begin at $30 per month, providing unlimited domestic voice calling and text messaging, and for $45 per month customers will have access to 2.5 gigabytes of non-throttled 3G data. All plans will also include unlimited text messaging to “select Latin American countries and 200-plus countries and destinations around the world,” as well as 100 calling minutes to numbers from the United States to eight Latin American countries, including Mexico.
The rate plans slot in between current T-Mobile US offerings, which begin at $40 per month for its Simple Starter plan that includes unlimited voice calling, text messaging and 500 megabytes of 3G or LTE data; and its $50 per month Simple Choice plan that includes 1 GB of un-throttled 3G or LTE data. The international coverage aligns with T-Mobile US’ rollout of international services for its Simple Choice rate plans last October, though with the addition of the 100 calling minutes to Latin America. T-Mobile US currently charges $15 per month to add international calling that includes 1,000 calling minutes to Mexico.
Univision Mobile customers that select a smartphone will also have access to exclusive Univision content and customers can bring their own T-Mobile US compatible device to the service and purchase a SIM card. The offering will be made available through an agreement with Walmart that will offer the service through approximately 1,800 retail locations as well as through 6,000 independent retailers.
The Hispanic market has always been a challenge for domestic carriers looking to tap into a growing customer base through either self-branded efforts or with mobile virtual network operator partners. TracFone Wireless, which resells wireless services running across various domestic carriers, has a strong history of tapping into the Hispanic market through ties to its parent company América Móvil.
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