Andrew Yang took inspiration from Mark Cuban for his budget cell carrier Noble Mobile

Andrew Yang, the former U.S. presidential candidate and entrepreneur, is set to launch Noble Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that aims to revolutionize how consumers pay for their wireless services. This new venture will allow users to receive cash back on their bills when they use less data, tackling the common issue of 'doomscrolling'—a habit many have fallen into during the digital age. "I can relate to the struggle of doomscrolling, but realizing it’s costing me money feels foolish," Yang shared with TechCrunch. His solution ties financial incentives directly to smartphone usage, encouraging users to look up information less frequently and reduce their overall screen time. Noble Mobile operates on T-Mobile’s infrastructure, offering a competitive $50 monthly plan that includes unlimited talk, text, and 5G data. Users who consume less than 20 GB of data in a month will be rewarded with 'Noble Cash,' redeemable for rewards or cash—approximately one dollar for each GB of unused data. For instance, a typical user who averages 13 GB monthly could earn around $7 back from their plan. With the average American spending about $83 per month on mobile services, Yang's offering appears to provide a more appealing alternative, especially as traditional carriers often inflate bills with device installment fees. MVNOs like Noble Mobile can present lower costs by purchasing wholesale access to networks instead of maintaining their own. Yang expressed concerns regarding the pricing strategies of major carriers like Verizon and AT&T, highlighting that while customers are paying significantly more for their mobile services compared to consumers in Europe and Australia, these companies focus on keeping customers financially tethered rather than enhancing service quality. Drawing inspiration from Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs, which sells generic medications at a 15% markup while still offering lower prices than traditional pharmacies, Yang sees an opportunity in the mobile market. "Cuban's model shows how we can provide valuable services without excessive profit margins," he noted, pondering what other everyday expenditures could benefit from a similar approach. Yang's entry into the MVNO space also aligns with his advocacy for reduced screen time. He has even hosted 'no-phone parties' in cities like Los Angeles and New York to promote healthier digital habits. While his model may not deter users from scrolling through social media at home, it could encourage them to limit usage during idle moments, such as while waiting for public transport. "Creating a financial incentive to use our phones less might be a pathway to meaningful change," Yang explained, acknowledging the challenges of implementing effective policies to safeguard children online. He believes that by rewarding reduced usage, Noble Mobile could foster healthier habits among its users.