MVNOs are kind of like the renters of the wireless network space. The big four carriers own the networks, and the MVNOs rent space on those networks. The plus side to the arrangement is that MVNOs typically offer cheaper cell phone plans. On the negative side, MVNOs suffer from deprioritization. While using an MVNO, your signal can suddenly disappear in congested areas. This happens because whatever network you’re using gives priority to its own customers. For example, let’s say you, a Visible Wireless user, attend an MLB baseball game with your friend, who is a Verizon user. You struggle to get a single text out during the game, while your friend has no problem posting updates to Twitter. Since you’re both on Verizon’s network, shouldn’t you have the same signal? Nope! Since Visible Wireless is an MVNO, its data speeds can be deprioritized. This information is most commonly found on the bottom section of a plan feature list, towards the bottom of a plans comparison section, or sometimes it can be hidden in plain sight, but in smaller, less noticeable print. If you want to avoid deprioritization, you’ll have to get a cell phone plan from one of the Big Three networks: Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T.
