Sonopia Is Latest MVNO to Fail
Article
Comments 11
Apr 8, 2008, 7:34 AM by Eric M. Zeman
Sonopia, and MVNO that was launched just a year ago, has let go of its staff, ceased operations, and already figured out how to transition its subscribers to other networks. Sonopia launched with the goal of allowing people/companies to create their own, branded mini-MVNOs in order to attract niche customers. The mini-MVNOs would then share revenue with Sonopia. According to former Sonopia executives, this idea simply didn't work. One executive cited costly terms with host network Verizon Wireless as one factor contributing to the failed business. The Sonopia web site is already offline.
Moco News »
MeowBlog »
THE DEATH OF THE MVNO
I am sure we will see more fall very soon, as these VC firms are starting to get nervous about the return on their money. I predicted ESPN and DISNEY, and I predict HELIO will be the next to go. This week we saw Movida take a nose dive, soon it might be TUYO, it just depends on the backbone of these companies, as it is obvious that folks like Virgin, Boost, etc are here to stay, but only time will tell.
You just have to look at who is backing the MVNO to see if they fail. Tuyo is run by IDT Corp., which their calling card business has been confusing. Plus, what the hell does Mickey Mouse know about the wireless industry? Helio, on the other hand, has...
(continues)
Helio has been around for almost 3 years now. You guys keep comparing Helio to other MVNO companies when you shouldn't. Rich Brome posted a response about this very subject a couple of months ago. He said that owners of Helio umderstand that since ...
(continues)
Sonopia was a middle man basically....they were an MVNO running off of verizon. They allowed people like you and me to start our own "cell company" branded under our own name. We would sell phones and service plans that were premade and we would get l...
(continues)
I so saw that comming...
Verizon Wireless extorts money as far as I'm concerned. 😕 Before Sonopia shutdown I had read all about them. Cool concept but with the wrong carrier. I was about to make my own mvno using them but so much for that idea when I found out the ridiculous rates my would-be custies would have to pay.
Who??
??
We all know it's not cheap to use verizon's network.
Didn't Amp'd have the same problem before they left, they we having problems paying Verizon and etc.?
I don't think they had a viable concept. Cool, yes. Viable, no.