What Is an MVNO? A Canadian Guide to Small Carriers

The acronym “MVNO” stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator. These companies operate their own sales and customer service, but buy network service from major carriers (including Bell, Rogers and Telus ) at a wholesale rate then sell access to its customers (you). Some examples of Canadian MVNOs include dotmobile, CityFone, 7-Eleven SpeakOut , and Petro-Canada Mobile. Just about any company can become a cell phone service provider because the cell phone and service networks are rented out by existing networks.

Other MVNO companies you’ve probably heard of include Fido, Koodo, and Virgin Plus, but all three carriers are fully owned and operated by Rogers, Telus, and Bell, respectively. The same goes for discount prepaid services from Chatr, Public Mobile, and Lucky Mobile. To better understand how these flanker brands compete, read our guide to Fido vs. Koodo vs. Virgin Plus.

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#1	Public Mobile	Public Mobile $35 Unlimited Canada-US Talk + Text + 50GB 50GB at 5G full speeds up to 250Mbps Deal: Receive $1.75/mo. in points value with Public Points + Get a FREE eSIM or $5 off on a physical SIM with new activation on this plan $35 + $5 Upfront Go	$35 + $5 Upfront	Go
#2	Koodo Mobile	Koodo Mobile $34 - No Tab/BYO Plan with 60GB Data 60GB at 4G speed up to 100Mbps $34/mth + $10 Upfront Go	$34/mth + $10 Upfront	Go
#3	Fido	Fido $34 Data, Talk & Text Plan with 60GB 60GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $34/mth Go	$34/mth	Go
#4	Virgin Plus (previously Virgin Mobile)	Virgin Plus (previously Virgin Mobile) $34 Plan with 60GB Data and Unlimited Minutes 60GB at 4G speeds up to 150Mbps $34/mth Go	$34/mth	Go
#5	Lucky Mobile	Lucky Mobile $25 Unlimited Canada-wide Calling Plan 2GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $25 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$25 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#6	Chatr Wireless	Chatr Wireless $149 Nationwide Talk, Text & 4G Data plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $149 Per 1 Year Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$149 Per 1 Year Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go

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There are fewer overhead costs for MVNO providers, so they can charge lower prices. Major networks like Bell, Rogers and Telus operate nationwide networks of cell phone towers, the core network infrastructure that connects them, as well as technical, sales and customer support staff. MVNOs don’t need to own cell towers, complex networks or even storefronts; many sell wireless service exclusively online. These providers simply buy core network access at wholesale rates from the major networks, then enable their customers to access those networks—often at a lower price than the incumbents offer.

Most MVNOs use Bell, Rogers, or Telus for access. Some flanker brands, like Fizz and Freedom Mobile, use regional networks. Knowing which network your MVNO carrier uses is important if your phone needs to be unlocked. When your old and new carriers use the same network, then you probably don’t need to unlock your phone. Even if you are switching networks, unlocking your phone is easy and free!

All smartphones (including the Apple iPhone) that currently work on major networks should also work on MVNOs in Canada since they use the same cell towers. If you own an older device (over three years) then you may need to unlock your cell phone depending on which network your MVNO uses.

A 2022 CRTC ruling mandated the three national networks and Sasktel to provide wholesale rates to all regional carriers. The intention is to allow these carriers that already own cell towers and have licensed wireless spectrum to expand their infrastructure. Unfortunately, the ruling excludes full MVNOs like dotmobile, TextNow and Mint Mobile as they do not own their own cell towers. 

In fact, all three carriers spoke out against expanding the market to enable MVNOs by arguing that such companies don’t invest in critical telecommunications infrastructure. However, when T-Mobile opened its networks to independent MVNOs, many new companies sprang up and cell phone plans became far more affordable to more Americans. Today, T-Mobile is one of the three largest networks in the country and offers America’s largest 5G network. 

There’s little evidence that enabling MVNOs will negatively affect infrastructure development. In fact, we believe it enables more consumers to be connected on inexpensive plans. At WhistleOut, we’re kind of big on finding affordable plans that are right for you.

MVNO coverage and prices are often highly specific to your location. Our cell phone plan search tool customizes results based on talk time, data use, and even where you live. Enter your address (or postal code if you want to remain private) and we’ll only show you carriers that have coverage in your area. We’ll also show you plans from more than a dozen wireless carriers on one simple page.