VirtualNetwork
Latest
Solavei MVNO will pay you when your friends sign up, $49 a month all-in for those without any
Unlike regular mobile networks, virtual operators -- or MVNOs -- have none of those expensive cellular infrastructures to worry about. Newcomer, Solavei, (which rides atop T-Mobile) is using this freedom to focus in on its business model. Just out of beta, the provider is offering unlimited voice, text and data for $49 per month, or free. Free? Well, if you're silver-tongued enough to talk friends and family into signing up, too, you'll get $20 kickback a month for every three -- or "trio" as the marketing calls it -- that you convince. There are other bonuses and chances to earn money -- all obviously aimed at spreading the network's audience, and offsetting the lower overheads. You can also use your own unlocked phone, or buy one of the three that Solavei currently offers (HTC One X, Wildfire S and ZTE Origin). This isn't the first time we've seen such philanthropic approaches, and it might smack a little bit of MLM, but if your after an all-you-can eat mobile deal, and have a large group of friends, this could be a nice little earner. Still not sold? Perhaps the feel-good corporate video after the break will switch that up.
Create your very own MVNO with Sonopia
It seems we're a little closer to creating an Engadget Mobile wireless service than we thought! Start-up Sonopia offers... well, pretty much anyone the ability to roll their own MVNO, pushing a selection of handsets and customized content on top of Verizon's network. Big Red offers up the minutes at a wholesale price, so your MVNO's service plans aren't outrageously priced, and as your list of subscribers grows, you get to pocket a little cash out of the deal. It seems like a major win for groups that stand to benefit from being able to offer up phones and services customized to their customers' common ties -- and, of course, Sonopia and Verizon are going to have their hands in the pot, too. The company's website makes setup virtually effortless, so go on and make the next Amp'd, will ya?[Via GigaOM]
