Over the past few years, we've seen the MVNO model whirl into the wireless marketplace with mass popularity, only to exit the industry in an equally quick manner. In a sign that the MVNO model may be failing, Qwest Wireless marks the latest company to announce a shutdown, effective on October 31, 2009. A former partner with Sprint, Qwest migrated to Verizon Wireless a year ago, and currently offers Verizon products and services to Qwest customers.
With the date rapidly approaching, 60 day notice letters are being sent to customers, detailing their options. Customers are eligible to port the number out before October 31st with no early termination fee. According to a
fact sheet distributed by Qwest, the company has been migrating subscribers to Verizon Wireless since August 2008, and has successfully migrated "tens of thousands of customers."
Qwest has set up a transitional website, which can be found
here.
Source: TechCrunch
Aaron Baker
With a six-year career spanning across several channels in the wireless telecommunications industry, Aaron Baker has a unique perspective of mobile technology and its relevance in today’s...
I don't think it is a clear-cut as that. I use a Tracfone prepaid phone and I know they are a MVNO, yet they are the largest prepaid provider in the States. I think they are doing quite well, I must admit I don't know that much about their financial position but they seem to be quite competitive and have some great products and service available with no shortage of new deals and so on. I'm thinking Straight Talk to mention one.