Virtual operators and their very real network suppliers have an interesting relationship: The operators basically wholesale air time and the MVNOs then go out and get their own customers. Given the heated competition for subscribers, it is rather surprising the supplier would allow a competitor; and an MVNO could be just that, to "steal" its potential subscribers. Edgy operators in Europe have recently gotten in spats with their MVNOs, resulting in defensive acquisitions to stop price erosion or to purchase their customer base. Virgin Mobile and Canada are running into similar problems up north. It's only a matter of time before it happens in the US. Blog