Are MVNOs doomed?

The demise of the high profile Mobile ESPN MVNO after a surprisingly short lifespan has many questioning the long term viability of MVNOs. Analysts are looking for the next company to fall, and it seems that Amp’d Mobile and Helio are two possible targets.

The youth-targeted offerings have started slowly despite a range of content partnerships and hyped launches. Some are succeeding though, like Virgin Mobile USA with 4 million subscribers since 2002, and TracFone with more than 7 million. The MVNO concept will live on, but Mobile ESPN likely marks the beginning of a shakedown.