Who Owns Mint Mobile? T-Mobile to Acquire Company for Up to $1.35 Billion

Most major wireless network providers are extremely expensive, specifically if you only need the service for one device. It will easily cost you $50 per month or more to sign up for a contract with AT&T or Verizon, even without unlimited data. Have you thought about Mint Mobile?

Mint Mobile has become increasingly popular these days with actor Ryan Reynolds serving as its spokesperson. Given his involvement with the company, many assume Reynolds owns Mint Mobile.

More and more people are switching to MVNOs (mobile virtual network operator) like Mint Mobile in an effort to save money these days. If you're interested in joining the network, keep reading to find out more about who owns Mint Mobile and how it works.

Mint Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator, was founded in 2016. An MVNO is a wireless carrier that uses another company’s infrastructure to provide wireless service instead of running its own. Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s infrastructure for its wireless service. The company is online only and doesn’t have any physical stores.

Even if you aren’t familiar with the term, you have probably heard about other famous MVNOs like Consumer Cellular and Republic Wireless. There are plenty of MVNOs, but they aren't widely advertised by that name.

In October 2019, Mint Mobile officially separated from Ultra Mobile and was renamed Mint Mobile LLC with its parent company remaining as Ka'ena Corporation. In 2019, Ryan Reynolds bought an ownership interest in the company.

Mint Mobile is a prepaid wireless carrier that sells its plans in multi-month bundles instead of per-month. Like other MVNOs, Mint Mobile focuses on lower costs compared to major wireless carriers like AT&T and Verizon. Mint Mobile offers unlimited texting, calls, and data with various allotments of LTE speeds based on the plan you select.

You also receive the Wi-Fi calling feature if your phone supports it. The company sells compatible phones on its website but you can also bring your own device if it’s compatible with T-Mobile’s network and GSM-unlocked.

Mint Mobile offers three-month, six-month, and 12-month service plans. No matter which length you select, you can choose from 3GB, 8GB, 12 GB, or unlimited data per month.

For the three-month plans, Mint Mobile’s pricing is as follows:

• 3GB: $15 per month ($45 total for three months)
• 8GB: $20 per month ($60 total for three months)
• 12GB: $25 per month ($75 total for three months)
• Unlimited data: $30 per month ($90 total for three months)

 For the six-month plans, Mint Mobile’s pricing is as follows:

• 3GB: $20 per month ($120 total for six months)
• 8GB: $25 per month ($150 total for six months)
• 12GB: $35 per month ($210 total for six months)
• Unlimited data: $35 per month ($210 total for six months)

For the 12-month plans, Mint Mobile’s pricing is as follows:

• 3GB: $15 per month ($180 total for 12 months)
• 8GB: $20 per month ($240 total for 12 months)
• 12GB: $25 per month ($300 total for 12 months)
• Unlimited data: $30 per month ($360 total for 12 months)

On November 25, 2019, actor Ryan Reynolds acquired an ownership stake in Mint Mobile, hence the reason why you keep seeing him appear in company commercials. Reynolds is involved in both decision making and marketing at Mint Mobile.

In a press release, Reynolds said, “It’s a bit unconventional which is why I like it…Celebrities generally invest in high-end products like skincare brands or delicious gin companies. 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.”

A deal is currently in the works between Mint Mobile and T-Mobile. The wireless service provider announced on March 15, 2023, that it has entered into an agreement with Ka’ena Corporation to acquire its subsidiaries which include Mint Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and the wholesaler Plum. T-Mobile says it is willing to pay "up to a maximum of $1.35 billion in a combination of 39% cash and 61% stock to acquire Ka’ena."

If the deals goes through, this will mark two major business sales Reynolds has under his belt.