The Boon of Wireless

Jon Horovitz

Join in on a relaxed discussion featuring wireless mobile executives, with a simple goal of sharing knowledge and educating those who need wireless products in the market.

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English

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August 27 · 21 min
AWPE 2026 Recap: What’s Happening in Wireless Right Now?
What happened at AWPE 2026 in Las Vegas? 🎙️ In this special edition of The Boon of Wireless, Jon Horovitz takes you inside the 20th All Wireless & Prepaid Expo — one of the biggest gatherings for wireless dealers, master dealers, MVNOs, carriers, and industry leaders. We catch up with industry leaders and companies across the show, including: 📊 Jeff Moore of Wave7 Research on the growth and energy of AWPE 📡 CoverageMap on real-world cellular coverage and performance 📱 AntGen on Total Wireless growth and dealer opportunities 💼 Highlights from the $100,000 Hot Seat and the latest industry conversations 📲 Fairphone on bringing its repairable, modular smartphone to the U.S. Plus, Jon shares his takeaways from the show floor, the conversations happening behind the scenes, and why AWPE continues to be a place where wireless business gets done.
August 13 · 32 min
How to Launch & Scale an MVNO Successfully?
What does it really take to build a successful MVNO? In this episode of The Boon of Wireless, host Jon Horovitz sits down with Brian Latchford, Founder & CEO of Atomic Mobile, to explore the technology, infrastructure, and strategy powering today's fastest-growing wireless brands. Having helped launch and support more than 100 MVNOs, Brian shares the biggest mistakes founders make, why many wireless startups fail, and what separates successful operators from everyone else. You'll also learn how MVNAs and MVNEs work behind the scenes, why niche markets outperform price wars, how AI is changing telecom operations, and where the MVNO industry is heading over the next five years.
July 23 · 33 min
What Every Wireless Dealer Needs to Know in 2026?
The wireless industry is evolving faster than ever. From the rapid growth of Total Wireless to the rise of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and the changing role of MVNOs, staying ahead of the trends is critical for every wireless dealer. In this episode of The Boon of Wireless, host Jon Horovitz sits down with Jeff Moore, Principal of Wave7 Research and Conference Director of the All Wireless & Prepaid Expo (AWPE), to discuss what's happening in today's U.S. wireless market and what dealers should focus on in 2026.
July 16 · 36 min
AI, Fixed Wireless & MVNOs: The Next Growth Opportunity for Wireless Retailers
Wireless retail is changing faster than ever. As margins tighten and competition grows, how can dealers continue to succeed? In this episode of The Boon of Wireless, host Jon Horovitz sits down with Leonid Levit, CEO of Wing Tel, to discuss the future of wireless retail, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), AI-powered customer service, MVNO growth, and why dealers must diversify beyond traditional wireless plans. Drawing from his background in finance, venture investing, and telecom, Leonid shares how Wing Tel has evolved from an MVNO into one of the largest Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) resellers in the United States, helping dealers expand into business internet, IoT, and other connectivity solutions.
July 2 · 41 min
How Love Mobile Is Using Wireless to Change Lives?
What happens when a wireless company is built around a mission instead of just selling phones? In this episode of The Boon of Wireless, host Jon Horovitz sits down with Wade Dunn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadedunnjr/) and Koddi Dunn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/koddidunn/), founders of Love Mobile (https://www.linkedin.com/company/lovemobile/), to discuss how they're creating a different kind of wireless company, one focused on serving customers while giving back to communities in need. From the inspiration behind Love Mobile to the challenges of building a purpose-driven business, Wade and Koddi share their entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned, and why they believe business can be a force for good. Whether you're a wireless dealer, entrepreneur, or simply interested in businesses making a positive impact, this conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and purpose.
June 25 · 34 min
Wireless Retail Is Changing Fast — What Dealers Need to Know in 2026
The wireless industry is evolving rapidly, and dealers who understand the changes ahead will be better positioned for long-term success. In this episode of The Boon of Wireless, host Jon Horovitz sits down with Kim Laue (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-laue-a2519039/), President of Marceco (https://www.linkedin.com/company/marceco/), to discuss the current state of wireless retail, emerging industry trends, and what dealers should be focusing on as the market continues to shift. Kim shares insights on competition from cable providers, store economics, leasing decisions, business transfers, and why dealers should stay focused on opportunities instead of reacting to every headline. Whether you're a wireless retailer, dealer, manager, or industry professional, this conversation offers valuable perspective on where the industry is headed and how to prepare for what's next.
June 18 · 28 min
How Smart Dealers Will Win the Next 5 Years
In this episode of The Boon of Wireless, host Jon Horovitz sits down with Darius Allen, co-founder of Rockstar Wireless, to discuss how he's reimagining wireless distribution, customer rewards, and AI-powered support from the ground up. Allen's telecom background goes back to 2013, when he helped bring the Siam 7X — the first dual-screen smartphone — to the U.S. market in partnership with SMS Audio. Today he's applying that same early-mover instinct to Rockstar Wireless, a lifestyle-driven MVNO with a three-year goal of reaching one million customers through a combination of culture-forward marketing, next-generation distribution, and the Freequency rewards ecosystem. Rather than traditional retail, Rockstar distributes through influencers and creators using eSIM, Cellpay placements in 25,000+ stores, DoorDash device delivery in major metro areas, and community partnerships with churches, schools, nonprofits, and the U.S. military. The Freequency app rewards users with wireless bill credits for everyday activities including games, surveys, and walking — while Rockstar.ai delivers celebrity-based AI agents and round-the-clock customer concierge support.
May 28 · 37 min
Wireless Retailers Are Losing Thousands_ Here's How to Stop It
In this episode of The Boon of Wireless, host Jon Horovitz sits down with Pete Gulick, founder of Scorpion Security Products, to talk about how the rise of organized retail crime and shrink pushed him to build one of the wireless industry's most innovative asset-protection companies — now holding 45 patents with a global retail presence. Gulick walks through Scorpion's "Future Forward" philosophy: designing universal, high-security physical solutions that stay ahead of new device releases before they hit store shelves. He explains how Scorpion strikes the balance between locking product down and keeping the in-store customer experience clean — with hardware that allows quick associate removal, easy re-locking, and faster nightly safe storage to reduce internal theft exposure.
May 14 · 25 min
MVNO Nation 2026: The Conversations Every Wireless Retailer Needs to Hear
The Boon of Wireless was on the ground at MVNO Nation Americas 2026 in Miami — and host Jon Horovitz brings back everything from the show floor. With record attendance, an intimate decision-maker environment, and Jon serving as chair for day one and moderator across multiple sessions, this episode is your inside look at the conversations shaping the MVNO industry right now.
April 30 · 35 min
US Mobile's Vision for Global Connectivity with CEO and Founder Ahmed Khattak
In this episode of The Boon of Wireless, host Jon Horovitz sits down with Ahmed Khattak, founder and CEO of US Mobile, to discuss how he's been quietly building one of the most innovative wireless companies in the country since 2014. US Mobile operates as a software-driven hybrid carrier across multiple major networks — including Starlink — with a unified app and single billing system. Khattak explains how the company earned non-exclusive multi-network access through consistent carrier commitments, enabling customers to switch networks in a few clicks or run multiple networks on one device simultaneously. With over 1 million customers and more than $250M in revenue, Khattak credits the company's growth to an engineering-first culture, tight customer feedback loops via Reddit, and a digital-only go-to-market approach. He also details the Starlink cellular-plus-home-internet bundle and shares his vision for the future — a globally converged wireless experience across networks, regions, and devices.
April 23 · 35 min
How Rich Balot Built Victra Into Verizon's Largest Retailer
In this episode of The Boon of Wireless, host Jon Horovitz sits down with Rich Balot, founder of Victra and Verizon's largest authorized retail partner. Rich started as a teenage mobile DJ, opened his first US Cellular store in college to employ his father, and grew Victra into a nationwide wireless retail powerhouse operating roughly 1,800 Verizon locations across all 50 states, with 300+ total doors, approximately $3B in annual revenue, and up to 10,000 employees. Rich walks through his full journey — switching carriers from US Cellular to Alltel, navigating Verizon's Alltel acquisition, selling to private equity, returning as CEO in 2019, and buying the company back in 2021 through a 650-store Go Wireless acquisition. He also discusses people-first leadership, building a strong retail culture, entering the prepaid space through Total Wireless, the challenges of longer upgrade cycles and inventory constraints, and his roadmap to 2,000 stores.
April 9 · 10 min
Are Independent MVNOs Surviving? Q1 2026 Wireless Industry Update
As Q1 2026 wraps up, the wireless industry is moving fast — and host Jon Horovitz breaks it all down on this solo episode of The Boon of Wireless. Jon opens with a piece of telecom history: the first public handheld cell phone call, made by Motorola's Martin Cooper on April 3, 1973 — a moment that set the entire wireless industry in motion. From there, he pivots to the present, unpacking the biggest trends shaping the market right now. Cable operators are on a roll. Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox — with Cox expected to fold into Spectrum later in 2026 — are posting strong mobile net adds, with the cable MVNO segment surpassing 20 million total subscribers in Q4 2025. Meanwhile, true independent MVNOs represent just about 10% of the market and are facing mounting pressure as major carriers continue absorbing former MVNO brands. Jon makes the case for why differentiation — not just commodity access — is the key to MVNO survival. Jon also previews the trade show calendar for 2026: MVNO Nation Americas 2026 — Miami, FL | April 27–29 Gadget Repair Expo — Atlantic City, NJ | May 19–20 All Wireless & Prepaid Expo — Las Vegas, NV | August 18–19
March 19 · 21 min
How to Buy, Sell & Scale Wireless Retail with Vivian Delgado Johnson
What does it take to build, scale, and successfully exit a wireless retail business — and then pivot into the MVNO space? In this episode of The Boon of Wireless, host Jon Horovitz sits down with telecom growth strategist Vivian Delgado Johnson, a 21-year AT&T corporate veteran who built an eight-store AT&T authorized retail portfolio in South Florida before selling it in 2023. Vivian breaks down exactly what's driving the current wave of wireless retail M&A activity — from consolidation cycles and carrier incentives to the operational benchmarks that determine whether your business is sellable. She also shares what pulled her into the MVNO world after attending MVNO Live in Spain — including her growing focus on Latin market opportunities and field research in Panama.
February 26 · 24 min
2 Years of Wireless Insights: Anniversary Special
The Boon of Wireless Podcast: 2-Year Anniversary Special (Episode 60) | Top Moments & Industry Insights Celebrate Episode 60 and the two-year anniversary of The Boon of Wireless Podcast with host Jon Horovitz in this special retrospective episode highlighting the conversations, insights, and industry voices that have shaped the show. Now part of Wire Low in Princeton, New Jersey, the podcast has featured 23 CEOs and dozens of C-suite leaders, all focused on educating listeners about the evolving wireless and mobility ecosystem. This anniversary episode revisits standout moments covering topics such as the reality behind “unlimited” wireless plans, right-to-repair debates, MVNO growth across global markets, regulatory and FCC compliance challenges, retail expansion strategies, workplace culture, and the difference between service and true hospitality in customer experience. You’ll also hear discussions on prepaid innovation, video data optimization, entrepreneurship lessons, and how technology policy continues to influence the future of connectivity. Thank you to all subscribers and supporters for two incredible years — and if you’d like to be a future guest, contact the show at 908-843-2666.
February 19 · 32 min
The Road to 5,000 Stores: Total Wireless Growth with Jay Miglionico
Verizon Value’s Jay Miglionico on Total Wireless’ Explosive Growth & Dealer Strategy | The Boon of Wireless Podcast In this episode of The Boon of Wireless Podcast, host Jon Horovitz sits down with Jay Miglionico, Associate Vice President of the Indirect Channel for Verizon Value, to break down the rapid expansion of Total Wireless and what it means for dealers across the country. Jay shares his 24-year wireless journey from Sprint retail to Boost Mobile leadership, running Boost’s indirect channel at Dish Network, and now leading indirect growth for Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, and Verizon Prepaid. He reveals how Total Wireless has surpassed 2,000 stores, is opening roughly three new stores per day, and is targeting 4,000–5,000 locations nationwide — powered by strong dealer partnerships, master agents, competitive compensation, MDF support, and Verizon’s award-winning 5G network. The episode also covers Verizon’s segmentation strategy, why Total Wireless is not sold in corporate Verizon stores, dealer vetting expectations, and how retailers can apply at totalwireless.com. Jay also announces a Tax Season 2026 port-in promotion targeting Cricket customers, offering up to $15 off Unlimited plans with a five-year price guarantee. If you’re a wireless dealer, MVNO operator, or telecom professional, this episode is packed with strategic insight on growth, retail profitability, and the evolving prepaid market.
February 12 · 33 min
How AI Is Transforming Wireless Retail with David Cherrie of Arcade
How AI Is Transforming Wireless Retail | David Cherrie on The Boon of Wireless Podcast In this episode of The Boon of Wireless Podcast, host Jon Horovitz sits down with David Cherrie, co-founder and CEO of Arcade, a venture-backed sales engagement platform revolutionizing wireless retail. They explore how AI, gamification, and data-driven training are reshaping frontline retail performance and driving measurable sales growth. David shares insights into Arcade’s innovative model, the company’s recent acquisition of UP Duo, and how artificial intelligence is changing the way retailers train, motivate, and retain employees. From sales metrics to real-world success stories, this conversation dives into the evolving role of AI in physical retail environments and what it means for wireless dealers heading into 2026. If you’re in wireless retail, telecom leadership, or sales strategy, this episode delivers practical insights on how to stay competitive in an AI-driven marketplace.
January 15 · 38 min
Future of Wireless: AI, eSIM & Global Connectivity with Adam Wolf of NWIDA
In this episode of The Boon of Wireless Podcast, host Jon Horovitz welcomes back Adam Wolf, President of the National Wireless Independent Dealer Association (NWIDA), for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of wireless. Fresh off the latest insights from CES, Jon and Adam break down the rapid rise of AI in telecom, the accelerating shift to eSIM, and the growing reality of global connectivity through satellite and “invisible connectivity” experiences. Adam shares actionable strategies for wireless retailers and independent dealers to stay competitive in 2026 and beyond, including how to use AI for marketing, customer service, and operational efficiency. If you’re a wireless dealer, MVNO operator, or telecom professional, this episode is packed with forward-looking insights and practical advice to help you become the go-to local expert for connectivity.
January 8 · 36 min
Entitlements as a Service: The Future of Wireless | Emir Aboulhosn
Wireless Innovations & Entitlements with Emir Aboulhosn | The Boon of Wireless Podcast (2026) Happy New Year and welcome to the first episode of The Boon of Wireless Podcast in 2026! Host Jon Horovitz kicks off the year with Emir Aboulhosn, a pioneering serial telecom entrepreneur and founder of NetLync Mobile Communication Technologies Ltd. Emir introduces the concept of “Entitlements as a Service” and explains how NetLync is helping modernize the wireless industry through smarter, digital-first infrastructure. The podcast explores wireless entitlements, the ongoing digital transformation of telecom, and what the future holds for connectivity, including 6G, WiFi, and satellite technologies. Emir also shares his perspective on what makes MVNOs successful, why customer experience is critical, and how operators can remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. This episode delivers forward-looking insights for telecom professionals, MVNOs, and anyone interested in where wireless technology is headed next.
Dec 19, 2025 · 31 min
The Future of eSIM with Yesim
The Future of eSIM with Yesim | Artem Gordin on The Boon of Wireless Podcast In this episode of The Boon of Wireless Podcast, host Jon Horovitz welcomes Artem Gordin, Chief Marketing Officer of Yesim, a global eSIM connectivity and travel tech provider redefining how people stay connected around the world. Artem breaks down the evolution of eSIM technology, its benefits for international travelers, and how Yesim is delivering seamless, app-led connectivity without physical SIM cards. The conversation explores Yesim’s expansion into the North American market, upcoming product innovations like flexible unlimited day passes, and the company’s focus on customer experience, acquisition strategies, and carrier partnerships. Jon and Artem also discuss how eSIM solutions create new opportunities for U.S. telecom carriers and MVNOs looking to serve global travelers more efficiently.
Dec 16, 2025 · 25 min
Exploring Celebrity MVNOs & the Future of Mobile Services
Exploring Celebrity MVNOs & the Future of Mobile Services | The Boon of Wireless Podcast In this episode of The Boon of Wireless Podcast, host Jon Horovitz sits down with Alex Besen, Founder and CEO of The Besen Group, to explore the growing intersection of celebrities, influencers, and MVNOs. The conversation dives into how public figures can leverage their fan bases to launch mobile services, the opportunities and risks involved, and what it really takes to build a successful celebrity-driven MVNO. Jon and Alex also discuss broader MVNO market trends, the role of aggregators and enablers, and why strategic partnerships and infrastructure decisions are critical in today’s wireless landscape. Whether you’re in telecom, brand strategy, or simply curious about the future of mobile services, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the industry’s most talked-about trends.

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