



NEW YORK — More and more celebrities are looking to attach their names to your phone. Or rather, wireless services that could power it.
From cosmetics to snacks and signature spirits, brands launched or co-owned by high-profile figures are just about everywhere you look today. But several big names are also venturing into the market for mobile virtual network operators — or MVNOs, an industry term for businesses that provide cell coverage by leasing infrastructure from bigger, more established carriers.
On Monday, The Trump Organization unveiled Trump Mobile.
The company, run by the President Donald Trump’s sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., says this new business will offer cell service, through an apparent licensing deal with “all three major cellular carriers” in the U.S., and sell gold-colored phones by August.
Trump Mobile marks the latest in a string of new Trump-branded offerings, despite ethical concerns that the president is profiting off his position and could distort public policy for personal gain. As the sitting president, Trump appoints leadership for the Federal Communications Commission — and the family’s new phone venture exists under this regulatory authority.
Trump Mobile’s launch arrives as a growing number of celebrities tap into this space. Last week, actors Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett launched SmartLess Mobile, a name that mirrors their “SmartLess” podcast. SmartLess Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s 5G Network.
Another wireless provider with ties to fame is Mint Mobile. While not launched by celebrities, Ryan Reynolds purchased an ownership stake in Mint in 2019. Mint’s parent, the Ka’ena Corp., was later acquired by T-Mobile in a deal worth up to $1.35 billion.
For Trump Mobile, the pitch seems to be all about having an “all-American service” while also tapping into the fan base of the president.
The name given to its flagship offer, The 47 Plan, and the $47.45 monthly fee make reference to the president’s two terms.
According to the company, Trump Mobile’s 47 Plan will include unlimited calls, texts and data through partner carriers, as well as free roadside assistance and telehealth services. It also says the new phone, called the “T1 Phone,” will be available for $499 in August — but notes that this device won’t be designed or made by Trump Mobile. Still, the company emphasized that these phones will be built in the United States.
Experts have since shared skepticism about that being possible in two months. And beyond the future T1 Phone, others stress that a monthly cell service fee of just under $50 is pricey compared to other MVNO options today.
SmartLess Mobile and Mint Mobilewireless plans boast less expensive offerings.
T-Mobile-owned Mint advertises plans ranging from $15 to $30 a month that include unlimited talk and text nationwide, but vary depending on plan length and data amount.
SmartLess Mobile’s plans also start at $15 a month. Depending on the data amount purchased, that base fee can rise to $30 — but all of its plans similarly offer unlimited talk and text using T-Mobile’s network.