Why TEAL Is Not an MVNO
When it comes to connectivity, the terms “MVNO” (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) and “eSIM platform” are often used interchangeably. This confusion has led many to mistakenly categorize TEAL as an MVNO. However, TEAL is not an MVNO, and this distinction is crucial to understanding why our eSIM platform is revolutionizing IoT connectivity.
What Is an MVNO?
A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a type of network provider that rents airtime (the radio network) from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rogers, Telus and others. They operate a virtual network that adds an additional infrastructure layer between the end-user and the MNO. Here’s what that process looks like:
- Cellular connections first reach the MNO’s towers.
- The signal then routes through the MVNO’s datacenter, which acts as a middleman.
- This creates a stack of dependencies that reduces flexibility and limits the user’s control.
While MVNOs may sound appealing due to their promise of connectivity without the overhead of managing agreements with MNOs, their solutions are often static, limiting, and reliant on third-party infrastructure. This reliance results in reduced flexibility, less redundancy, and potential delays in scaling IoT deployments.
What Makes TEAL Different?
TEAL is a true eSIM platform built from the ground up to democratize connectivity. Unlike MVNOs, which operate virtual networks, TEAL provides direct access to native core networks across leading carriers worldwide, with no middleman. This proprietary approach gives customers unmatched control, agility, and redundancy. With more network operator agreements in place than any other connectivity provider, TEAL delivers the same experience of low latency and high throughput, to customers. It’s the same experience of having SIMs from global tier-1 carriers in your devices, but you only need one eSIM from TEAL.
Here are five key differences between Teal and traditional MVNOs:
1. True Network Flexibility vs. Static Roaming
MVNOs often rely on roaming agreements that limit your network access to predefined options. Worse, they switch only between pre-chosen towers while keeping the same core network infrastructure, leaving customers with no real choice when issues arise.
TEAL’s eSIM platform allows true programmable connectivity. With TEAL, you can dynamically switch between networks, over-the-air (OTA), without being tied to roaming arrangements or a limited number of network options. This means you can select the best network for your application, anywhere in the world.
2. Control Over Network Identity
MVNOs primarily offer shared credentials tied to their network. These credentials are determined by cost-saving methods like least-cost routing, which prioritize MVNO profit over performance.
TEAL’s eSIM solution, on the other hand, provides programmatic control over IoT device identities. Through our Credentialing-as-a-Service (CaaS) platform, you can choose between multi-carrier or native core MNO profiles that meet your specific application needs, offering ultimate flexibility.
3. Elimination of Single Points of Failure
MVNOs create potential single points of failure by funneling connectivity through their centralized datacenters. If a datacenter experiences downtime or the roaming agreement gets disrupted (which happens more than you might think), your IoT solutions will grind to a halt.
TEAL eliminates this risk by offering multi-signaling paths and access to multiple networks in 196 countries, which ensures redundancy. With TEAL, when one network experiences issues such as an outage, devices can seamlessly switch to another carrier without interruption, guaranteeing always-on connectivity.
4. No Dependencies on Third Parties
MVNOs rely on rented infrastructure and virtual networks, which makes scaling and updating processes dependent on third-party suppliers. This creates bottlenecks and delays for IoT providers looking to scale rapidly. If you need to make network changes, you’re relying on a third party to respond quickly to your needs.
TEAL’s entirely patented and wholly owned eSIM platform bypasses these challenges. We empower IoT companies to develop features and scale solutions without waiting for third-party adjustments. This means faster go-to-market capabilities and greater control over operational timelines. In short, we give our customers total control to make changes when needs.
5. Scalability, Not Shortcuts
While MVNOs offer ease of access, their reliance on roaming networks and static solutions creates issues as deployments grow. These shortcuts lead to higher latency, blocked roaming agreements, and a lack of global coverage.
TEAL was designed with scalability in mind. Our eSIM platform offers global coverage across 196 countries while future-proofing deployments against issues like network sunsets. This ensures your IoT devices perform reliably not just today, but in the years to come.
Why This Matters for IoT Deployments
IoT deployments, especially those that are mission-critical, high-data, or require global connectivity, need infrastructure that provides:
- Redundancy: Eliminate single points of failure through multi-network access.
- Reliability: Stay connected with low-latency, high-throughput solutions built for always-on operations.
- Customizability: Tailor connectivity to meet performance, cost, and coverage needs.
- Scalability: Easily expand without worrying about outdated roaming agreements or closed networks.
Trusting an MVNO to meet these needs often results in frustration. Their primary business model is marking up data, which creates inefficiencies for IoT businesses. TEAL’s platform offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model as well as Unlimited IoT data plans and puts functional control directly in the hands of customers. Simply put, our loyalty lies with your success, not carrier profits.
Real Impact, Real Results
The benefits of programmable connectivity through TEAL’s platform are already making a difference across industries:
- Autonomous Drones and Robotics: BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) drones require low-latency connectivity. TEAL enables seamless switching across global networks for safer autonomous operations.
- Fleet Management and Telematics: High-throughput, real-time updates become effortless when your devices enjoy uninterrupted global coverage.
- Connected Healthcare: Ensure life-critical systems remain online, even in remote areas, with secure and redundant connections.
- Surveillance and Security: Achieve 24/7 monitoring without fear of latency spikes or restricted performance.
Don’t take our word for it! Check out these customer case studies and hear from leading companies that already trust TEAL for reliable and consistent global connectivity: https://tealcom.io/case-studies
Why eSIM Is the Future – Not MVNOs
Conventional connectivity solutions, like MVNOs, are falling short in a world that demands real-time, global, and flexible networking. IoT businesses cannot afford to be limited by static infrastructures and legacy roaming models. eSIM technology is solving these challenges by offering businesses the ability to connect their devices anywhere, at any time, effortlessly.
TEAL is leading the charge. We’re more than a solution; we’re partners in driving innovation, scalability, and seamless connectivity for global enterprises.
Now is the time to move beyond outdated models. Businesses at the forefront of their industries are shifting to programmable dynamic connectivity platforms like TEAL. Are you ready to join them?
Get Started with Teal Today
Stop managing multiple connectivity contracts or settling for static solutions that lock you in. Switch to TEAL’s mission critical eSIM platform to experience:
- Flexible network switching worldwide
- Patented, wholly owned technology designed to future-proof your deployments
- True programmable connectivity that works for you
Build faster. Build better. Choose TEAL.
