A New MVNO That Rewards Users for Less Data Usage

Former U.S. presidential candidate Andrew Yang is taking his vision of a more “human-centered” economy from the campaign trail to the wireless industry.

Yang, who advocated for universal basic income during his 2020 run, is now the CEO of a new mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) called Noble Mobile.

The service, aims to flip the traditional telecom model on its head by rewarding customers for using their phones less.

This isn’t just another celebrity-endorsed product, Zach Graumann, Noble Mobile’s co-founder and president, explained, the company is a “real, well-funded, well invested tech company” dedicated to helping Americans save money.

The company’s core belief is that most people are overpaying for their mobile data. The average American spends more than $1,000 annually on their cell phone bill, often paying for a massive data plan they don’t fully use. Noble Mobile seeks to address this by offering a different kind of plan.

Unlike other carriers that charge a flat fee for “unlimited” data, Noble Mobile’s model is built on rewarding mindful usage.

Customers who use less than 20 GB of data per month receive cash back rewards. These rewards can grow over time, with the company promising an annual increase of 5.5% on accumulated savings. Plans start at $50 per month for a single line.

This approach not only aims to save people money but also to promote a healthier relationship with technology. According to Graumann, the company wants to “humanize this industry” and encourage consumers to “put down your phone” and live life.

For Andrew Yang, this venture is a tangible way to create the kind of impact he sought on the campaign trail. He sees it as a direct action to combat the rising cost of living that has made many Americans “unhappy.”

By introducing a “values-based” carrier, he hopes to empower consumers and challenge an industry that has long been seen as an overpriced utility.

As Yang himself put it, the company wants to take a phone plan “from something we see as simply an overpriced utility to a tool that can improve our lives and help us achieve our goals: financial health, mental health, and getting out there and living life.”

For those curious about the service, Noble Mobile is now live. The company promises to keep customer service “very human,” with real people answering the phones, though they also have an AI chatbot for quicker assistance.

With its unique cash-back model and a focus on financial and mental well-being, Noble Mobile aims to offer a refreshing alternative to the standard telecom experience.