Latest news with #MVNO
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Trump Mobile wants to sell you telehealth, car care and insurance
By Akash Sriram and Aditya Soni (Reuters) -Hours after the high-profile launch of Trump Mobile, a new Trump-branded mobile service provider, in June, callers to the company's customer support line were greeted with, "Omega Auto Care, how can I help you?" Two calls placed by Reuters that day to the mobile service's helpline rang to the Missouri-based auto-warranty company, which is part of Ensurety Ventures, a St. Louis, Missouri firm led by entrepreneur Pat O'Brien, who was introduced by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. on June 16 as a member of the launch team providing "customer support and device protection" for Trump Mobile. Today, calls to the support line are answered by people who identify themselves as Trump Mobile support staff, but the first-day confusion speaks to the dizzying speed with which the Trump family has scrambled to set up the businesses. In addition to Trump Mobile, the family has established several ventures since President Donald Trump was elected to a second term in November. These include 12 new overseas development deals, a Trump-branded bible, a crypto trading platform World Liberty Financial - which has netted the president's family about $500 million since launch - a $TRUMP meme coin, and a stablecoin USD1. Trump Mobile is what's known as a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO, which has grown in popularity in recent years as various celebrities and causes leverage their cultural clout to launch branded wireless ventures. T-Mobile, for instance, acquired Ryan Reynolds-backed Mint Mobile for up to $1.35 billion in May. Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, the actors behind the hit SmartLess podcast, announced SmartLess Mobile in June. At the launch of Trump Mobile, Eric and Donald Trump Jr. introduced the team, including O'Brien, Don Hendrickson, a telecom executive who will serve as Trump Mobile's head of mobile operations, and Eric Thomas, a Utah-based entrepreneur entrusted with 'device operations," as having "hundreds of years" of telecom experience between them. The service, pitched by the Trumps for "hardworking Americans," will bundle telemedicine services and roadside assistance, along with a gold-toned, $499 smartphone dubbed T1 "designed and built in the United States," which a spokesperson says will be manufactured at facilities in Alabama, California and Florida. The company is charging $100 to "get in line" to buy the phone as soon as it ships. A Reuters review of the backgrounds of the Trump Mobile team reveals an interconnected web of companies owned by the three men that will form the core of the company's offering to consumers. The Trump Phone will ship bundled with an array of services provided by companies connected to O'Brien's Ensurety Ventures, Hendrickson and Thomas, including roadside assistance, device protection, and telehealth services, including "easy ordering" of prescription medications, according to its website. Reached by phone, O'Brien would not disclose the type of phone that will ship to users but did say it would run on Google's Android mobile operating system. "The plan is going to be able to have the phone done by September and launching where we're fulfilling orders in early October," O'Brien said. He added that the brand will initially launch one phone and eventually develop many devices, adding that the T1 has gotten a lot of pre-orders. He did not specify how many. From the start, telecom industry experts challenged the notion that the phone - or any competitive mobile device - could be built in the U.S. "Domestically manufacturing a smartphone in the USA could easily double its price compared to a similar one made in Asia," said Ken Hyers, Director of Market Analysis at TechInsights. Within days of the announcement, Trump Mobile dropped the Made in USA claim from its website. Now, a Trump Mobile spokesperson said the T1 is being manufactured in three states with the goal of sourcing "as many materials and parts from the U.S. as the supply chain allows." "We will continue to build on that as more and more parts and equipment are made here in America," the spokesperson said. Eric and Donald Trump Jr. did not respond to a request for comment. Thomas did not respond to requests for comment and Hendrickson could not be reached for comment. VIRTUAL OPERATOR Rather than building a telecom operation from scratch, Trump Mobile's wireless service will run on Liberty Mobile's network, a "virtual" network that leases cellular capacity from major carriers such as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, and is co-owned by the three members of the launch team, O'Brien, Thomas and Hendrickson. The company has not disclosed subscriber numbers, and O'Brien declined to provide them to Reuters. Incorporated in 2018 and registered to a condo in Trump Tower Miami, Liberty's service appears to be nascent, offering older smartphone models such as the iPhone 11. Its LinkedIn profile shows it has fewer than 50 employees and its website displays the text "lorem ipsum," typical placeholder text used to design pages before the content is final. Liberty's most recent annual filing in Florida dated February 7, 2025, lists Matthew Lopatin as its CEO and president, an entrepreneur who has founded and owns several businesses in Florida, filings show. Liberty and Lopatin did not respond to requests for comment. Hendrickson is listed as executive vice president of sales of Liberty Mobile. His son, Christian Hendrickson, worked at Liberty during the pandemic, according to his LinkedIn profile. Christian Hendrickson did not respond to a request for comment. BUNDLED SERVICES Among the services that will be bundled with the phone is VMed Mobile, a company jointly owned by O'Brien, Hendrickson and Thomas that sells portable wellness trackers and telehealth subscriptions, O'Brien said. The company certifies its products through a Shenzhen, China-based subsidiary, according to FCC filings on the company's website. O'Brien told Reuters he has been "personally involved" in Liberty Mobile for three years and that Liberty originally reached out to him to provide health tracking services. Liberty's website lists VMed Mobile as a service. Telehealth services for Trump Mobile will be provided by Doctegrity, according to its website. Doctegrity is a Texas-based telehealth subscription platform led by Jesse Ohayon, according to his LinkedIn profile and a YouTube posted months ago. Ohayon and Doctegrity did not respond to requests for comment. O'Brien's Ensurety Ventures controls roadside assistance provider Drive America and device insurance vendor Omega Mobile Care, two other services advertised by Trump Mobile. A separate webpage for the Omega Mobile Care lists three device protection plans for cracked screens between $100 and $300. Drive America, founded in 1968 and once owned by Ford Motor and Citi Group, serves 12 million customers, according to its website. Omega Auto Care, the company that picked up the phone on Trump Mobile launch day, provides vehicle service contracts and extended warranties that cover the cost of repairs for a car's mechanical breakdowns after its factory warranty expires. "We are providing products through that relationship that people normally have to pay upward of $30 per month or more to receive those benefits," O'Brien said. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Reuters
12 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
Trump Mobile wants to sell you telehealth, car care and insurance
July 31 (Reuters) - Hours after the high-profile launch of Trump Mobile, a new Trump-branded mobile service provider, in June, callers to the company's customer support line were greeted with, "Omega Auto Care, how can I help you?" Two calls placed by Reuters that day to the mobile service's helpline rang to the Missouri-based auto-warranty company, which is part of Ensurety Ventures, a St. Louis, Missouri firm led by entrepreneur Pat O'Brien, who was introduced by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. on June 16 as a member of the launch team providing "customer support and device protection" for Trump Mobile. Today, calls to the support line are answered by people who identify themselves as Trump Mobile support staff, but the first-day confusion speaks to the dizzying speed with which the Trump family has scrambled to set up the businesses. In addition to Trump Mobile, the family has established several ventures since President Donald Trump was elected to a second term in November. These include 12 new overseas development deals, a Trump-branded bible, a crypto trading platform World Liberty Financial - which has netted the president's family about $500 million since launch - a $TRUMP meme coin, and a stablecoin USD1. Trump Mobile is what's known as a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO, which has grown in popularity in recent years as various celebrities and causes leverage their cultural clout to launch branded wireless ventures. T-Mobile, for instance, acquired Ryan Reynolds-backed Mint Mobile for up to $1.35 billion in May. Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, the actors behind the hit SmartLess podcast, announced SmartLess Mobile in June. At the launch of Trump Mobile, Eric and Donald Trump Jr. introduced the team, including O'Brien, Don Hendrickson, a telecom executive who will serve as Trump Mobile's head of mobile operations, and Eric Thomas, a Utah-based entrepreneur entrusted with 'device operations," as having "hundreds of years" of telecom experience between them. The service, pitched by the Trumps for "hardworking Americans," will bundle telemedicine services and roadside assistance, along with a gold-toned, $499 smartphone dubbed T1 "designed and built in the United States," which a spokesperson says will be manufactured at facilities in Alabama, California and Florida. The company is charging $100 to "get in line" to buy the phone as soon as it ships. A Reuters review of the backgrounds of the Trump Mobile team reveals an interconnected web of companies owned by the three men that will form the core of the company's offering to consumers. The Trump Phone will ship bundled with an array of services provided by companies connected to O'Brien's Ensurety Ventures, Hendrickson and Thomas, including roadside assistance, device protection, and telehealth services, including "easy ordering" of prescription medications, according to its website. Reached by phone, O'Brien would not disclose the type of phone that will ship to users but did say it would run on Google's Android mobile operating system. "The plan is going to be able to have the phone done by September and launching where we're fulfilling orders in early October," O'Brien said. He added that the brand will initially launch one phone and eventually develop many devices, adding that the T1 has gotten a lot of pre-orders. He did not specify how many. From the start, telecom industry experts challenged the notion that the phone - or any competitive mobile device - could be built in the U.S. "Domestically manufacturing a smartphone in the USA could easily double its price compared to a similar one made in Asia," said Ken Hyers, Director of Market Analysis at TechInsights. Within days of the announcement, Trump Mobile dropped the Made in USA claim from its website. Now, a Trump Mobile spokesperson said the T1 is being manufactured in three states with the goal of sourcing "as many materials and parts from the U.S. as the supply chain allows." "We will continue to build on that as more and more parts and equipment are made here in America," the spokesperson said. Eric and Donald Trump Jr. did not respond to a request for comment. Thomas did not respond to requests for comment and Hendrickson could not be reached for comment. Rather than building a telecom operation from scratch, Trump Mobile's wireless service will run on Liberty Mobile's network, a "virtual" network that leases cellular capacity from major carriers such as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, and is co-owned by the three members of the launch team, O'Brien, Thomas and Hendrickson. The company has not disclosed subscriber numbers, and O'Brien declined to provide them to Reuters. Incorporated in 2018 and registered to a condo in Trump Tower Miami, Liberty's service appears to be nascent, offering older smartphone models such as the iPhone 11. Its LinkedIn profile shows it has fewer than 50 employees and its website displays the text "lorem ipsum," typical placeholder text used to design pages before the content is final. Liberty's most recent annual filing in Florida dated February 7, 2025, lists Matthew Lopatin as its CEO and president, an entrepreneur who has founded and owns several businesses in Florida, filings show. Liberty and Lopatin did not respond to requests for comment. Hendrickson is listed as executive vice president of sales of Liberty Mobile. His son, Christian Hendrickson, worked at Liberty during the pandemic, according to his LinkedIn profile. Christian Hendrickson did not respond to a request for comment. Among the services that will be bundled with the phone is VMed Mobile, a company jointly owned by O'Brien, Hendrickson and Thomas that sells portable wellness trackers and telehealth subscriptions, O'Brien said. The company certifies its products through a Shenzhen, China-based subsidiary, according to FCC filings on the company's website. O'Brien told Reuters he has been "personally involved" in Liberty Mobile for three years and that Liberty originally reached out to him to provide health tracking services. Liberty's website lists VMed Mobile as a service. Telehealth services for Trump Mobile will be provided by Doctegrity, according to its website. Doctegrity is a Texas-based telehealth subscription platform led by Jesse Ohayon, according to his LinkedIn profile and a YouTube posted months ago. Ohayon and Doctegrity did not respond to requests for comment. O'Brien's Ensurety Ventures controls roadside assistance provider Drive America and device insurance vendor Omega Mobile Care, two other services advertised by Trump Mobile. A separate webpage for the Omega Mobile Care lists three device protection plans for cracked screens between $100 and $300. Drive America, founded in 1968 and once owned by Ford Motor and Citi Group, serves 12 million customers, according to its website. Omega Auto Care, the company that picked up the phone on Trump Mobile launch day, provides vehicle service contracts and extended warranties that cover the cost of repairs for a car's mechanical breakdowns after its factory warranty expires. "We are providing products through that relationship that people normally have to pay upward of $30 per month or more to receive those benefits," O'Brien said.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Pick n Pay Mobile rolls out app with eSIM, loyalty perks
Pick n Pay has launched a new app for its mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) service, introducing instant eSIM activation, self-RICA functionality, custom mobile plans and expanded loyalty rewards. The move forms part of its broader shift towards digitising mobile services and improving user autonomy. The app allows new customers to register, verify their identity and activate a mobile number without a physical SIM or in-store visit. eSIM functionality is available for compatible smartphones, and physical SIMs remain available at retail locations. The platform also introduces a 'Build Your Own Plan' feature, allowing users to set their own monthly data, voice and SMS allocations. Plans are valid for 30 days and automatically renew unless cancelled. Customers can top up, track usage and make changes directly within the app. The service remains linked to Pick n Pay's Smart Shopper loyalty programme. Mobile customers earn 1MB of data for every R1 spent in-store, provided they recharge with a minimum of R20. A new loyalty tier has also been introduced: customers who use the app consistently for six months receive 5% back on their monthly mobile spend, increasing to 10% after nine months. Pick n Pay launched its MVNO in 2020, operating on MTN's network. The service is powered by Huge NXTGN, a subsidiary of JSE-listed Huge Group. The company provides the infrastructure that enables embedded mobile services within retail brands. Pick n Pay says the new app is aimed at reducing barriers to mobile access while expanding functionality for users who prefer self-service. The update is also positioned to support increased digital engagement with its customer base. 'We're delighted to have been in a position to assist Pick 'n Pay in bringing their next-generation proposition to market. Huge NXTGN's purpose is to empower businesses of all sizes to harness the power of embedded connectivity services and to remove the friction and cost typically associated with launching mobile services,' says Jason Harmsen, managing director of Huge NXTGN.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
T-Mobile US (TMUS) Secures Multi-Year MVNO Deal With Charter And Comcast
The recent development involving Charter and Comcast entering a multi-year exclusive agreement with T-Mobile US forms a long-term MVNO partnership, strengthening TMUS's network leverage and may have had a positive impact on the stock price. Alongside, the MLB All-Star Week promotion and Samsung device rollout could have further influenced sentiment. The company's stock rose by 5% over the past month, a movement aligned with broader market trends, as the S&P 500 hit new highs. These factors potentially added weight to T-Mobile's upward momentum during a period marked by trade deal optimism and robust earnings expectations. We've identified 1 weakness with T-Mobile US and understanding the impact should be part of your investment process. Uncover 17 companies that survived and thrived after COVID and have the right ingredients to survive Trump's tariffs. The recent multi-year agreement between Charter, Comcast, and T-Mobile US is likely to enhance T-Mobile's network leverage, potentially influencing its long-term revenue and earnings positively. This development, coupled with the recent promotional activities, strengthens T-Mobile's position, aligning with its narrative of expansion through 5G and fiber growth. Over the past five years, T-Mobile's total shareholder return, including both share price appreciation and dividends, reached 129.05%, demonstrating robust performance compared to a 14.6% increase in the U.S. market over the past year. Despite this longer-term strength, the company underperformed the U.S. Wireless Telecom industry in the last year, which saw a 33.8% increase. The introduction of new agreements and product rollouts may push projections for future earnings and revenues upwards, but potential risks from tariffs or competitor strategies remain. The current share price of $233.25 is below the consensus analysts' price target of $266.08, reflecting a discount of approximately 14%. This suggests that there might be room for upward adjustment in line with analysts' expectations if growth catalysts are realized successfully. Investors are encouraged to consider these forecasts in the context of T-Mobile's ongoing strategic initiatives and market conditions. Learn about T-Mobile US' future growth trajectory here. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include TMUS. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@
National Post
23-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
1GLOBAL Establishes New Amsterdam Headquarters and Strengthens Governance
Article content AMSTERDAM — 1GLOBAL, a technology-driven global mobile communications provider, has established its headquarters in Amsterdam while significantly strengthening its governance framework. These strategic moves position the company for accelerated growth in the global mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) and global mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE) space. Article content 'We are thrilled to establish Amsterdam as our official headquarters and welcome our new Board members to 1GLOBAL' – Hakan Koç, founder and Board member of 1GLOBAL Article content The establishment of 1GLOBAL Holdings B.V. as the new group's holding company, effective 27 June 2025, represents a decisive step in streamlining the company's structure and a key milestone of its global expansion strategy. The Amsterdam headquarters positions 1GLOBAL at the centre of the European Union's telecommunications regulatory environment while capitalising on the Netherlands' business-friendly climate and deep talent pool. Article content 1GLOBAL has expanded its Board effective 27 June 2025, which previously comprised Dr. Hannes Ametsreiter as Non-Executive Director, as well as founders Hakan Koç and Pyrros Koussios, who will continue to run the company in their executive roles within the Group. Article content Dr. Hannes Ametsreiter has now been appointed Chairman of the Board. In addition, Marc van Campen, Andrin Bachmann, and Roy van Leeuwen have joined as Non-Executive Directors. Andrin Bachmann will also serve as Chair of the Audit Committee, with Dr. Hannes Ametsreiter and Pyrros Koussios as additional members. Article content The enhanced governance structure reflects 1GLOBAL's evolution from startup to a major global tech player leveraging telecom innovations like eSIM technology to scale rapidly. The expanded board configuration—led by telecommunications veteran Dr. Hannes Ametsreiter as Chairman—demonstrates 1GLOBAL's commitment to leveraging industry expertise while maintaining its technology-first approach. Article content Dr. Hannes Ametsreiter, an Austrian national, has served as Non-Executive Director of 1GLOBAL since August 2023 and brings 27 years of experience in the tech and telecommunications industry. He is a Board Member of Nordic and Baltic telco company Telia. Previously, Dr. Ametsreiter was CEO of Vodafone Germany from 2015 to 2022 and a member of Vodafone's Global Executive Committee for over six years. He also served as Group CEO of Telekom Austria Group from 2009 to 2015. He holds a PhD in Communication Sciences from the University of Salzburg, Austria. Marc van Campen, a Dutch national, is an Attorney-at-Law and Tax Advisor. He has been a Partner at Dutch law firm Van Campen Liem since 2012, advising clients in the VC, PE, and technology sectors. Previously, he was a Partner at international law firm Baker & McKenzie for over 14 years. He holds a master's degree in law from the University of Amsterdam. Andrin Bachmann, a Swiss and British national, has been a Partner at venture capital and growth equity firm Piton Capital since 2009. He brings extensive Board experience at both private and public companies in the technology and telecommunications sector. Earlier in his career, he was a co-founder at Glocalnet AB, a leading residential telecommunications provider in Sweden. He holds a master's degree in computer science from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich). Roy van Leeuwen, a Dutch national, brings over 17 years of experience in the technology and e-commerce sectors. Previously, he was Vice President Group and Managing Director Benelux at AUTO1 Group for over nine years and served as Executive Director of the Board of Directors of AUTO1 European Cars B.V. from 2016 to 2022. He holds an MBA from INSEAD Business School and a master's degree in systems engineering, policy analysis & management from Delft University of Technology. Article content Hakan Koç, founder and Board member of 1GLOBAL, commented: 'We are thrilled to establish Amsterdam as our official headquarters and welcome our new Board members to 1GLOBAL. Amsterdam is one of our most important European hubs, so we are delighted to call it our legal home as well. The expertise and experience our new Board members bring from the telco and tech sectors will be invaluable as we continue to accelerate 1GLOBAL's international growth and empower our clients worldwide to unlock the full growth potential of mobile connectivity.' Hannes Ametsreiter, Chairman of 1GLOBAL, commented: 'I am very happy to take on the role of Chairman at 1GLOBAL. As it pursues its mission to transform the global telco sector, I'm committed to supporting the company in its next chapter of growth and look forward to working closely with my fellow Board members and the talented 1GLOBAL team. Having dedicated almost my entire professional life to shaping the future of the industry, I firmly believe 1GLOBAL plays a transformational role in our sector that will benefit incumbents, tech and other industries, and most importantly: clients. Its globally leading, proprietary tech stack will turbo-charge the future of mobile communications. 1GLOBAL is a growth enabler in a telecoms market that is full of opportunities for new and established players.' About 1GLOBAL: Leading Digital Transformation in Telecommunications 1GLOBAL is a technology-driven global mobile communications provider dedicated to empowering enterprises worldwide to unlock the full growth potential of mobile connectivity. With a best-in-class telecom technology platform, a comprehensive suite of globally viable regulatory licenses, and privileged access to the telecom wholesale market, 1GLOBAL is uniquely positioned to deliver seamless compliance and connectivity solutions. Serving the world's leading banks, corporations, and digital-first businesses—including neo-banks, travel companies, and payment service providers—1GLOBAL connects over 60 million devices globally. Article content With full-year revenue exceeding US$100 million in 2024 and expected to approach US$200 million in 2025, 1GLOBAL is a profitable business generating significant cash flows to fund its ongoing investments in infrastructure, transformation, and growth. 2024 saw major client wins and marked 1GLOBAL's evolution from a multi-market telecommunication provider to a global technology-driven mobile connectivity powerhouse. Article content Established in 2022 by experienced tech founders and entrepreneurs Hakan Koç and Pyrros Koussios, 1GLOBAL is a European technology leader driving digital transformation in the global telecommunications market. It operates as a fully regulated Mobile Virtual Network Operator ('MVNO') in 10 countries and as a regulated telecommunications operator in an additional 31 countries. Headquartered in the Netherlands, with world-class R&D hubs in Lisbon, Berlin, and São Paulo, 1GLOBAL employs almost 450 experts across 13 countries. 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