How are MVNOs able to offer a lower price than the carriers? I was interested but didn't switch because I was worried they are selling my info or something.
They usually spend less on advertising/store presence/... (e.g. around here the large mobile networks have branded shops and such, the MVNOs almost never have and either sell only online or a supermarket brand and piggybacking on that store network), their plans might have restrictions the main network ones don't have, ...
And in reverse, better brand recognition/(impression of) service quality allows the network operators to charge more and still get customers, the MVNOs need to be cheaper to compete with that.
The process of porting numbers between MVNOs is more difficult than using a main carrier with brick-and-mortar locations.
I ported my landline to Page Plus in the late 2000s (which took over a week). I still have that number, and I have never spoken to a person when porting it between MVNOs (always over chat or email). My last port to Red Pocket took two days to get right. This can be a frustrating procedure, and many people prefer the major carriers for in-presence customer service for issues like this.
I have repeatedly switched between Verizon and AT&T when necessary due to phone hardware or coverage, and MVNOs usually allow this to be done (a limited number of times) through automated simcard changes with no customer service interaction.
The one surprising thing about my recent move to Red Pocket is the lack of voicemail in the included plan (it's available with a surcharge). I'm not certain if I miss it.
