It is known that the mobile
telecommunications market in the US can see competition so intense that “cutthroat”
could be one way to describe the scene. Fortunately there are alternatives to
the major telecom giants that are a bit more reasonably priced for budget
consumers. One such company for the little guy is Mint Mobile, an online-only
mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) spun off from Ultra Mobile in 2016,
using the T-Mobile cell network for discounted prepaid mobile phone plans.
Quite recently Mint has found itself under new ownership. While not usually
warranting much attention, the fact that Deadpool is Mint’s new owner generates
headlines.
As The Verge tells it, actor Ryan Reynolds has just purchased an
ownership stake in Mint Mobile LLC as of Monday, November 25. While the exact
terms of the transaction with the mobile company have not been publicized, it
does make the actor, known most recently for portraying the
fourth-wall-breaking Marvel antihero mercenary Deadpool, the majority
part-owner of a cellular provider. Mint only filed for becoming a limited
liability company (LLC) sometime last month, following its becoming a separate
brand from Ultra Mobile, with Mint subscribers being given service via the
umbrella of UVNV Inc.
In a statement he gave in the
wake of Mint coming into his ownership, Reynolds notes that his stake purchase
was done due to the unconventional nature of the super-affordable provider of
carrier-grade mobile service. “Celebrities generally invest in high-end
products like skincare brands or delicious gin companies,” says the 43-year-old
Canadian movie star. “Yet Mint is making wireless way more affordable at a time
when the average American is paying 65 dollars a month. I’m excited to champion
a more practical approach to the most essential technology.” Of course, as
part-owner Reynolds plans to be hands-off in dictating Mint’s future direction,
other than offering to help in marketing efforts.
On that note, Mint Mobile’s CEO
David Glickman agrees. The provider’s $15 monthly for premium wireless has been
helped by their consumer value generation and consumer-centric approach. In
Glickman’s point of view, “It’s fitting that the most disruptive wireless
company is now owned by the most innovative marketer on the planet.” One
possible strategic decision that Ryan Reynolds could theoretically make as
owner of Mint might be to launch the service in his home country of Canada,
though that entails many complex factors to consider.
No need to adjust your glasses. You’re reading this correctly. 😏 pic.twitter.com/2CTyw2nN3O— Mint Mobile (@_MintMobile) November 25, 2019
Aside from Mint Mobile, Reynolds
is also part-owner of American Aviation Gin, for which he has already provided some
humorous promotional material viewable on YouTube. Meanwhile, his next movie
outing as Marvel’s Deadpool is on hold while Disney continues integrating film
studio 20th Century Fox.
0 comments:
Post a Comment