Votel Mobile is the latest low-cost MVNO to launch on Sprint Nextel's (NYSE:S) network.
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The LG Optimus Elite is one of three smartphones available from Votel. |
Based in Los Angeles, Votel is a brand of Macalester Telecom of America, which also operates the Platinum Mobile brand, another Sprint MVNO. There does not appear to be anything revolutionary about Votel's service offering, other than that it is cheaper than the offerings from most Tier 1 and 2 unlimited prepaid providers.
Votel keeps it simple with two plans: a standard "Unlimited" for $33.33 per month and an "Android Smartphone Unlimited" for $43.33 per month including taxes and fees. Votel offers three Android smartphones: the LG Optimus Elite, Samsung Replenish and Kyocera Milano. Votel also offers basic feature phones from LG, Kyocera and Sanyo.
"Founded by a number of long-time wireless industry veterans, Votel Mobile was born out of our belief that customers don't need to compromise network quality, service and handset selection by opting for a low-cost mobile phone plan," Votel CEO Jeff Javidzad said in a statement. "We believe that our new unlimited plans should be just that--without limits. What this means for customers is no contracts, no surprises and no compromises. Votel Mobile is pleased to offer members a straightforward, high-value, low-cost mobile phone plan to fit both their economic needs and modern lifestyles."
Votel is the latest in a line of MVNOs that have beaten a path to Sprint's door during the past year, including FreedomPop, Republic Wireless, Ting and Voyager Mobile. Sprint launched a new MVNO strategy this summer aimed at allowing any company to become an MVNO. Despite the proliferation of MVNOs, it's not necessarily huge business for Sprint. The carrier reported that in the third quarter it had net additions of 14,000 wholesale and affiliate subscribers on its CDMA and LTE networks as a result of MVNOs reselling prepaid services.
For more:
- see this release
- see this Votel website
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