Video Game Retailer GameStop Launches AT&T Powered SIM-Only MVNO

With GameStop looking to diversify its service offerings outside of its core used games market, the decision to launch an MVNO is being seen by many as a misstep, as the plan offerings offer little in the way of competitive advantage in comparison to the services offered by carriers just as T-Mobile and more established MVNOs just as Simple Mobile and TracFone/Straight Talk. The retailer has as well taken to offering trade-ins for electronics, including cellphones as then as the ever popular iPhone with mixed results along with selling Android tablets bundled with generic Bluetooth controllers for gaming.

For GameStop Mobile to be successful, it needs to address the monthly data allotment for its data-only and smartphone plans, as data access is becoming more important to its core customer base in other words than voice. Had it launched with data rates equivalent to or better than AT&T for smartphones and data-only devices, it would have been a viable alternative to T-Mobile for prepaid data service with an equivalent nationwide reach to Walmart. As it stands, there are much better values for BYOD service, nevertheless this does signal a new wave of competition in the virtual operator space.